{"id":3442,"date":"2018-01-04T22:08:25","date_gmt":"2018-01-04T11:08:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.airtasker.com\/?p=3161"},"modified":"2021-08-30T20:30:28","modified_gmt":"2021-08-30T09:30:28","slug":"how-to-clean-a-washing-machine-properly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.airtasker.com\/blog\/how-to-clean-a-washing-machine-properly\/","title":{"rendered":"How to clean a washing machine properly"},"content":{"rendered":"

We expect washing machines to pump out clean, crisp clothes at the flick of a switch or the press of a button. But when your washing machine resembles something out of a Stephen King movie, you can\u2019t blame the machine for undesirable results.<\/p>\n

Dirty filters, clogged inlets and outlets, pipes that have seen better days – regular maintenance keeps a machine working at its best.<\/p>\n

If your machine is leaving stains, detergent residue, or sudden patches of colour on your clothes, it is probably screaming for a good clean.<\/p>\n

\"Washing<\/p>\n

Cleaning a washing machine is not complicated. With a few basic steps your machine will be churning out awesome results again, which will save you money on unnecessary washing machine repairs.<\/p>\n

These cleaning tips are chemical-free, inexpensive and won\u2019t have any detrimental effects on your appliance.<\/p>\n

How to clean a top loading washing machine<\/h2>\n
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  1. Mix \u00bd cup of bicarbonate (bicarb) soda with 2 cups of white vinegar.<\/li>\n
  2. Run a washing cycle with hot water on the maximum water level setting.<\/li>\n
  3. Once the machine is at least half full with water, add the vinegar mixture.<\/li>\n
  4. Let the filled water sit in the machine for about 30 minutes then allow your machine to run through its usual cycle.<\/li>\n
  5. Before all of the water drains out, use a toothbrush to scrub the holes in the washing machine barrel. The grime will come away easy after being soaked and you will be surprised at what comes out!<\/li>\n
  6. The vinegar, bicarb and hot water will break down any grease or dirty patches and clean the hoses.<\/li>\n
  7. Remove and clean any parts that can be washed separately, such as the fabric softener basket and lint catcher.<\/li>\n
  8. Once the inside is squeaky clean give the outside a once over with some washing liquid and wipe away any accumulated dust.\"\"\n
    When scrubbing with the toothbrush, let the machine empty the water in stages so you don\u2019t need to have your hands in hot water.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    How to clean a front loading washing machine<\/h2>\n
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    1. Add 2 tablespoons of bicarb soda into the detergent draw and \u00bd cup of white vinegar into the washing machine drum.<\/li>\n
    2. Run a standard cycle with hot water.<\/li>\n
    3. Check the manufacturer\u2019s guidelines on how to clean the filter. Filters are usually a contributing factor to poor washing results in a front loader.<\/li>\n
    4. If applicable, remove and clean the soap and fabric softener dispensers in hot soapy water and dry them out in the sun. This will prevent mould from forming and growing.<\/li>\n
    5. Leave the machine door ajar between washes to dry out properly and eliminate mould.\n
      The machine might produce suds during the wash cycle due to the build up of residue. This will happen less if you clean your machine more frequently.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      How to tackle detergent residue on clothes<\/h2>\n

      If you find that detergent residue is left on your clothes after a wash:<\/p>\n