Posted on June 29th, 2022
Your washing machine is one of the most used and abused household appliances. It’s used daily but cleaned rarely, if ever. Over time, washing machines can accumulate grime, debris, and soap scum and become a hotbed for molds and mildew because of their dark and damp environment.
Knowing how to clean your washing machine can stop clothes from smelling sour and musty, prevent molds and deep-seated dirt from building up, and keep running smoothly for many years. Follow these practical cleaning tips from the best house cleaners in OKC on how to deep clean your washing machine.
1. Take out and wash removable parts like the detergent dispenser
The detergent dispenser is most prone to collecting soap scum, making its corners slimy and discolored. It requires frequent washing and scrubbing, which isn’t difficult since it’s easily removable. To clean the detergent dispenser of your washing machine, take it out. Wash it in the sink separately. Under running water, scrub it using an old toothbrush to get into the grooves and hard-to-reach parts. Air dry or wipe with a clean cotton cloth.
2. Spray white vinegar cleaning solution inside the drum
If you’re the type of person who wants to minimize using chemical-based household cleaners, vinegar is going to be your best friend. It’s an eco-friendly cleaning agent with mild acidic that offers disinfecting and antibacterial properties. Spray it around the drum of your washing machine and then wipe with a cotton or microfiber cloth to break down soap scum and hard water stains.
3. Wipe and scrub the rubber gaskets
The rubber gasket is the seals around the glass door of your washing machine so water and soap don’t leak out when you’re doing the laundry. It’s where hair, dirt, coins, paper, and other stuff that you forget to take out from your pockets, along with soap residues. Like the detergent dispenser, the rubber gasket also needs more attention to keep it squeaky clean. Wipe out soap buildup and remove any debris collected there. Spray with vinegar solution and then scrub stains with an old toothbrush. Finally, wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
4. Run a hot cycle with vinegar
Instead of detergent, add two cups of white vinegar to the dispenser. Then, run a normal cycle on the hottest possible setting. It effectively kills the bacteria in your washing machine while removing lingering unpleasant odors from mildew and soap residue. Don’t worry; using vinegar to clean your washing machine is completely safe and won’t harm your unit.
Related: How to Deep Clean Your Dishwasher Naturally
5. Run a second cycle with baking soda
Run another cycle on the hottest setting, with half a cup of baking soda poured directly on the drum. It’s going to melt and flush away soap scum or debris loosened up by the vinegar-hot-water combo, neutralize the smell, and freshen up your washing machine.
6. Wipe dry and leave doors open to air it out
Wipe the drum, rubber gaskets, and glass doors of your washing machine with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Leave the lid open to air dry for at least 15 minutes.
Bonus tip: Use oxygen-based bleach washing machine cleaner for maintenance
Aside from this method, you can also use a slow-dissolving tablet, like Affresh, which is made of oxygen-based bleach and sodium carbonate. Put a tablet inside the drum directly and run an empty tub clean or normal cycle.
Professional Home Cleaning Service Oklahoma City
It’s a challenge to even remember or bother about how to clean your washing machine when you’re always overwhelmed with countless things to do on your checklist. Here’s where HappyCleans can help!
We’re the best maid services in OKC that offers professional cleaning services. Whether cleaning your kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom, our highly skilled house cleaners are guaranteed to do an excellent job for you. We can also do deep cleaning as an add-on service for a reasonable fee.
Have you got questions about our deep cleaning services? Give us a call or book a home cleaning in Oklahoma today!