Is your washing machine looking or smelling grungy? Spend a few minutes cleaning it up, so it continues to serve you well.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 15 minutes of hands-on time
Here's How:
Exterior
Wipe down the exterior of the washing machine with vinegar or your favorite all-purpose cleaner.Tub
Pour two cups of vinegar or lemon juice into the tub, and run the washing machine through a complete cycle on the hottest setting to remove odors, stains and detergent build up.Lid/Door
Scrub around the edge of the lid/door with vinegar to remove mildew and detergent build up.Bleach and Fabric Softener Dispensers
Remove the bleach and fabric softener dispensers, and scrub them in the sink. Then, dry them thoroughly and return them to the machine.
Tips:
- To prevent mildewing, leave the lid open after you finish a load to allow the washing machine to dry out.
- Commerical fabric softeners leave build up in the machine. Make vinegar your fabric softener of choice, and the inside of your washing machine won't need to be cleaned as frequently – if at all.
- While you're cleaning your washing machine, inspect the washer hoses to make sure they're still firmly in place.
What You Need:
- Vinegar or lemon juice
- An all-purpose cleaner
- A cleaning rag
