Don’t Let a Dirty Washing Machine Stop Your Clothes From Getting Clean

Do the clothes coming out of your top load washing machine smell worse than they did going in? If the answer is yes, your washer is in need of a good cleaning. Over time, a build-up of leftover detergent, hard water deposits, and even mold and mildew can leave the inside of your washing machine in an unpleasant state. Unfortunately, all that grime can end up on your supposedly clean clothes. If you haven’t given your washer a good scrubbing since you bought it, we highly recommend following the cleaning instructions provided below.

Run a Hot Water Wash Cycle

Start by removing any clothes sitting in your washing machine. Once the tub is completely empty, depending on what your prefer, pour two cups of bleach or vinegar into the machine. Next, close the washer lid and set the machine to a normal hot water cycle. If your washer is on the newer side, you may want to check the manual to ensure the appliance doesn’t have a self-cleaning mode. If you find that it does, you can simply follow the instructions written in the manual.

Wipe the Tub Down

Now that the hot water cycle has ended, grab a clean rag and a toothbrush to wipe down and scrub, where needed, the inside of the tub, the agitator, and the washer lid. Grime likes to hide on the agitator and lid so pay extra attention to those areas.

Run a Second Hot Water Wash Cycle

After you’re done wiping down the tub, once again, set the washer to its hottest water temperature and run a wash cycle, this time however, do not add bleach or vinegar. After the cycle finishes, open up the lid and use a microfiber towel to get rid of any remaining residue. Once you’re confident the washer is clean, leave the lid open for a few hours to allow the appliance to air dry.

Tips on Keeping Your Washer Clean

• Perform a deep cleaning, like the one provided above, at least twice a year.
• Always leave the lid open after you’re done using your washing machine. This allows the washer to dry and will stop mildew and mold from growing inside the appliance.
• Make sure you set your machine to the correct load size before starting a wash cycle. An overfilled washer can leave behind a surplus of moisture, while an underfilled machine can cause a build-up of soap residue.

If you have questions about how to properly care for your washer, or you’re concerned your clothes aren’t getting cleaned due to a malfunction, please contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help you.