While washing machines have the obvious job of cleaning your clothing, the machine itself can become dirty and should be cleaned on a monthly basis. Failure to do so will result in your washer emitting foul odors due to a buildup of bacteria and mold.
Step 1: Scrub-a-dub-dub
When a washer fills with water it can splash into other areas of the machine and sit there until mold is spored. Take out the soap and bleach dispensers and give them each a separate and thorough cleaning. Scrub these with a fine combed brush, such as a toothbrush, and leave them out until the entire machine has been cleaned. Don’t forget to wipe down the crevices surrounding the door and its gasket.
Step 2: Bleach Wash
Begin the sanitizing process by starting a washing cycle at the highest temperature possible. Add four cups of bleach to a top-loading washer and two cups to a front-loading washer. Let the tub fill and the cycle start, but after just a few minutes stop the cycle. Allow the bleach to sit in the tub for a half hour and then start the cycle again. To wash any leftover bleach out, run a second cycle with just hot water.
Step 3: Vinegar Wash
After the bleach wash you should repeat this process, but with vinegar. A vinegar wash will deodorize your machine as well as removing any hard water stains that may have built up. Repeat the exact process, measurements, and timing as you would with the bleach wash.
Cleaning your washing machine just got a whole lot easier with this simple three step process. It’s not only important to keep your washer clean, but also working efficiently. If your washing machine is leaking, or running into any problems, rely on the pros at Tri-City Appliance, Heating & Cooling to make all of the necessary repairs. To learn more, or to schedule a service, give s a call at (203) 303-5700.