How to Clean Your Washing Machine
Getting fresh, clean laundry from your washing machine requires an effective wash routine and regular machine maintenance. Even though it is your washing machine's job to clean your clothing, it is your job to clean your machine! Just like detergent and mineral build-up can cause your diapers to work ineffectively, so too can these cause your washing machine to clean ineffectively.
Most washing machines have a self-cleaning mode and it is recommended to run this once a month to ensure that your washer is clear of any detergent or mineral build-up. If your washing machine does not have its own self-cleaning cycle, a long HOT wash cycle can be used. If you would like cleaning instructions specific to the make and model of your washing machine, consult your machine's user manual.
Before cleaning your washing machine, make sure all clothing items are removed from inside your machine. You can remove build-up inside your washer with products you may already have at home, or opt for a commercial cleaner. Your choice will depend on your preferences and what items are available to you based on your location.
Method 1: Commercial Cleaner
A product that was recommended to me by a licensed appliance repair technician was: Glisten Washing Machine Cleaner. It can be bought online through various retailers such as Amazon, hardware stores, and most grocery stores.
Below are the user instructions given by Glisten:
- Do not add clothing or detergent when using Glisten.
- Pour a small amount onto a cloth and wipe the rubber seal around the door.
- Add 1/2 cup to detergent drawer or directly into the tub.
- Run washer on "Normal" cycle with hot water.
- Repeat monthly or as needed.
Note: It is extremely important to wipe around the inside of the rubber seal if you have a front loading machine.
Method 2: Bleach
- Remove all items from the machine drum.
- Place 1 cup of bleach into the detergent dispenser.
- Close the lid or door.
- Run your machine's cleaning cycle OR hot wash cycle.
- After the cycle, wipe the dispenser tray and rubber door seal.
Note: Bleach is a caustic chemical and should be used with care.
Method 3: Distilled Vinegar
- Remove all items from inside the drum.
- Place 1 cup of vinegar into the detergent dispenser.
- Close the lid/door.
- Run the cleaning cycle or hot wash cycle.
- Wipe down the dispenser tray and door seal afterwards.
Additional Tips...
- Use the correct amount of detergent (max 2 TBSP for HE machines).
- Clean more frequently if using pods or concentrated detergents.
- Don't leave wet laundry inside the washer for too long.
- Keep the door open when the washer isn't running.
- Wipe the rubber seal of front-loading machines regularly.
- Use HOT water to remove buildup during cleaning cycles.
Regular cleaning of your washing machine can help reduce issues with your cloth diaper laundry and can extend the lifetime of your appliance.
If you have a good machine maintenance routine but are experiencing issues with your diaper laundry, please CLICK HERE to check out our laundry troubleshooting guide.
For additional support with issues related to your cloth diaper wash routine, you may book an individualized consultation with me by clicking HERE.
1 comment
I appreciate your clear explanations and the emphasis on safety throughout the process.
It’s evident that you care about your readers’ well-being and want us to tackle these issues safely and effectively.
Your blog has become my go-to resource for appliance-related issues,
and I’ll be sure to share it with friends and family who might face similar problems with their appliances.
Keep up the fantastic work!
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