Despite washing our clothes for us, washing machines can be a surprising source of odours and bacteria in the home, and if they get too dirty then can even end up staining your clothes. Keeping your washing machine clean is the best way to ensure your clothes come out sparkling after every wash, and it can also add years onto the lifespan of your appliance. If you want to ensure that your washing machine is spotless day in day out, follow these three simple tips.
Give it a quick monthly clean
Most washing machines don’t require more than a quick clean once a month. You can clean the drum by running an empty hot cycle, with or without soda crystals to help clean out scum and bacteria added first. You should also clean the door seal with a damp sponge because this is a prime spot for dirt and debris to build up. Finally, switch the power off and remove the detergent tray, giving it a good clean in the sink with warm soapy water. If your washing machine has a filter on the drain pump, this could also do with a clean, but it can be more complicated to locate and remove so check your washing machine manual before attempting it.
Maintain good machine hygiene daily
You can help to keep your washing machine clean day to day by simply practising good hygiene when the machine is in use. First, don’t overload your machine by packing every last item you possibly can into it, and be conservative with the amount of laundry detergent you use. If your laundry is only lightly used, you likely don’t need as much detergent as you think to have it smelling fresh and clean, and less detergent means less soapy buildup contributing to washing machine scum.
Another good tip is to leave the washing machine door open between washes where possible to allow the drum to air – of course, this does mean you need to be very careful before closing the door if you’ve got small animals around.
Hire a professional for an annual deep clean
No matter how diligent you are, and even if try all the tips and tricks for washing machine cleaning for yourself, an occasional deep clean by a professional can make a large difference. To keep your washing machine in top condition, a professional service undertaken once every year or two is the best way to ensure that your washing machine is spotless year after year.
There are an array of companies out there that offer this service, although in the current Covid-19 situation, do check that the company is operating as normal when booking your washing machine maintenance. The last thing you need is booking an appointment only for it to be cancelled. Do remember that currently, if you are self isolating, it is not recommended to book an appointment for washing machine maintenance but do try the tips referred to at the top of this section.
