Both washing machines and dryers are important to keep clean and very noticeable when they are not, so it’s important to pay close attention to them when you need to deal with them.

Washing machines can easily get dirty, slimy and smelly if not properly cared for. Anyone trying to tackle one after a long period of time will find that they can be difficult and time consuming. We put together some helpful tips to manage washing machines efficiently and thoroughly. 

Dryers are important to keep clean because the build up to lint in the trap can be a fire hazard. Lint builds up quickly, especially with shared dryers, so it’s important that they are cared for regularly

The first step in any cleaning process is making sure that you have the right products for the job. For the tips included below the following are the items you’ll need:

Products that will be required:

• White cleaning vinegar
• Spray Bottle
• Microfiber Cloth
• Baking Soda
• Multipurpose Spray

Like with all things, there are several different types of washing machines and dryers out there. This article focuses on the two most popular types of washing machines: Top Load machines and front loading machines and some general tips for dryers.

How to clean a front loading machine

Front loading washing machines are very popular and can be found in numerous houses and settings. Front loading machines are particularly popular because they generally have more capacity for clothes, are energy and water efficient and are generally less noisy than the top loading machines. 

Below you will find step by step instructions on how to make sure the front loading machine shines:

• The first step that is needed is to clean the gasket by spraying it with white vinegar and wiping with a damp microfiber cloth. The rubber gasket at the front of the washer, especially in a high-efficiency (HE) washer, accumulates water, hair, scum and mildew. 
• Once the gasket has been cleaned out, set the washer to the highest level and the hottest water temperature. Add two cups of white cleaning vinegar to the detergent dispenser and run it through a complete cycle.
• Run another cycle on the highest level and at the hottest water temperature, this time adding one-half cup of baking soda to the drum. It’s important to note that you should  NOT add the baking soda to the detergent dispenser. 
• When the cycle is done, wipe the inside drum of the washer with a damp microfiber cloth.
• Don’t forget to wipe down the outside of the machine as well!

Top Loading Washing Machines

Even though front loading machines are popular, people still prefer the top loading machines. This is because they are generally cheaper, and in most cases easier to load and unload.

Below you’ll find some great tips on how to manage and keep top loading machines clean:

• The first step is to set the washer to the highest level and the hottest setting and add four cups of white cleaning vinegar to the wash cycle.
• Once the cycle starts, pause the machine and allow it to sit for an hour. This will allow the vinegar to do its work on the drum.
• During the time that the vinegar solution is doing its work, you’ll have time to wipe down the top of the washer with a microfiber cloth dipped in the hot vinegar water.
• Use an old toothbrush to scrub the fabric softener and bleach dispensers.
• After an hour, continue the wash cycle.
• Then run another wash cycle using one cup of baking soda.
• At the end of the cycle, wipe the top inside of the washer tub with a microfiber cloth to remove any scum.

Dryers

Dyers come in all shapes and sizes, however the cleaning instructions for them fortunately do not. The same cleaning principles can be applied whether it be a front loading dryer or a top loading dryer. Below are the step needed to clean them:

• The first step is to clean the outside of the machine. Lint and particles can build up on the machine and it’s important to get rid of all of it. If it’s possible, unplug the machine and clean behind and on the sides. Lint also builds up in these areas. Make sure that you also wipe down the buttons and knobs as these are high touch areas that often get dirty.
• The next step is to clean out the lint trap. At this point you can wash the trap and allow it to air dry. While it’s drying, try and get as much lint and particles out that the trap did not catch. 
• Once the lint trap is complete, its time to focus on the drum itself. Depending on what you find you may need to:
  • Remove stuck on hairs or threads
  • Remove and clean any “sticky” or messy stops. 

Once that has been cleaned up, use some multipurpose spray and wipe down the interior of the machine. 

We hope that these tips have been useful!