Ever notice your once-fresh laundry coming out the washing machine with a less-than-pleasant odour?
The culprit might surprise you – it’s not always your detergent or washing routine. Just like any hardworking household appliance, washing machines need regular cleaning to maintain peak performance and hygienic clothes.
This article will unveil the importance of why you should clean your washing machine, the benefits it brings and how often you should do it. We’ll explore easy DIY methods on how to clean washing machine tubs as well as the advantages of hiring professional washing machine cleaning services.
By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to keep your washing machine running smoothly and ensure your clothes emerge sparkling clean with every wash.
Why A Clean Washing Machine Matters
Who’s there to wash the washer after the washer washes your clothes?
While it may seem counterintuitive, neglecting your washing machine’s cleanliness can have negative consequences for both your appliance and your laundry. Let’s explore why washing machine cleaning matters and the benefits it offers.
Washing machines are warm, damp environments – a perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew. These unwelcome microbes not only trigger allergies and respiratory problems, but also leave your clothes smelling musty. Regularly cleaning your washing machine helps keep them at bay.
Over time, detergent residue, mineral buildup, and other debris can accumulate inside your washing machine. This buildup can clog components and decrease efficiency, leading to longer wash cycles, increased water usage and even potential breakdowns. Regular washing machine cleaning removes these obstructions and keeps it running smoothly.
Imagine the disappointment of pulling out clothes that still smell a bit… off. Lingering odours can get trapped in detergent residue and other nasty buildup inside the machine. Cleaning your washing machine eliminates these odour traps, ensuring your clothes come out smelling fresh and clean.
Just like taking care of a high-end sports car, regular maintenance helps your washing machine last longer. By preventing buildup and wear and tear on components, you can save money on repairs and replacements down the line. Think of it as an investment in your laundry routine!
Washing machines are warm, damp environments – a perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew. These unwelcome microbes not only trigger allergies and respiratory problems, but also leave your clothes smelling musty. Regularly cleaning your washing machine helps keep them at bay.
Over time, detergent residue, mineral buildup, and other debris can accumulate inside your washing machine. This buildup can clog components and decrease efficiency, leading to longer wash cycles, increased water usage and even potential breakdowns. Regular washing machine cleaning removes these obstructions and keeps it running smoothly.
Imagine the disappointment of pulling out clothes that still smell a bit… off. Lingering odours can get trapped in detergent residue and other nasty buildup inside the machine. Cleaning your washing machine eliminates these odour traps, ensuring your clothes come out smelling fresh and clean.
Just like taking care of a high-end sports car, regular maintenance helps your washing machine last longer. By preventing buildup and wear and tear on components, you can save money on repairs and replacements down the line. Think of it as an investment in your laundry routine!
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
For optimal performance and hygiene, aim to give your washing machine a thorough cleaning at least once a month. This helps prevent buildup of detergent residue, mould, mildew and other nasties that can linger in your machine.
Thinking monthly washing machine cleaning sounds like a hassle? Consider scheduling it alongside another monthly chore, like deep cleaning your bathroom or organising your pantry. This way, you will feel more motivated to get more done in a day!
Otherwise, you can consider hiring washing machine cleaning services to make your life easier. More on this later!
Warning Signs Your Washer Needs a Cleaning
Even with a monthly cleaning schedule, keep an eye out for these signs that might indicate your washer needs a well-deserved scrubbing.
Unpleasant Odours
If your clothes come out smelling musty or funky, even after a wash cycle, it’s a clear sign your washing machine needs a cleaning. Mould, mildew and trapped detergent residue all contribute to unpleasant, lingering odours.
Visible Mould or Mildew
Spotting these unwelcome guests anywhere in your washing machine, especially around the gasket or detergent dispenser, is a sign it needs a deeper clean. Don’t delay – address these issues promptly to prevent them from spreading and causing health problems.
Detergent Buildup
Check the detergent dispenser drawer and gasket for any visible residue buildup. Over time, this can affect the machine’s ability to properly release detergent and clean your clothes effectively.
Reduced Cleaning Performance
If your clothes aren’t coming out as clean as they used to, even after adjusting settings or using more detergent, it could be due to an internal buildup affecting the machine’s performance.
Of course, knowing this won’t leave you with a clean, functioning washing machine. Next we will cover a few ways to get your machine back to squeaky clean status.
How to Wash Washing Machines: DIY Solutions and Professional Services
When it comes to washing machine cleaning, you have two main options: tackling it yourself with some DIY methods or calling in professional cleaning services for a deeper clean. Let’s explore both approaches and their advantages.
DIY Cleaning
A basic washing machine cleaning routine makes use of some readily available household items and methods to keep your machine sparkling clean:
Baking Soda Scrub
For stubborn grime or stains on the washing machine interior, create a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the affected areas and let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge and rinsing thoroughly.
The Secret Ingredient: Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer. Run a hot water cycle with 2-4 cups of white vinegar poured directly into the detergent dispenser. This helps break down detergent residue, mineral buildup, and combat mould and mildew growth. For an extra cleaning boost, add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the drum at the beginning of the cycle.
Cleaning the Gasket
Don’t forget the gasket around the washing machine door! This area is prone to mould and mildew growth. Wipe it down regularly with a solution of warm water and bleach (diluted according to package instructions) to prevent buildup.
Citric Acid Power
Citric acid is another natural cleaning agent that can be effective against hard water buildup and mineral deposits. Run a hot water cycle and add 1/2 cup of citric acid to the detergent dispenser. This can help descale your washing machine and improve its efficiency.
Lemon Magic
For a fresh and natural cleaning option, try using lemons. Cut a lemon in half and place it in the washing machine drum. Run a hot water cycle to allow the lemon juice to circulate and freshen up the interior. This is a great way to remove lingering odours.
Remember: Always check your washing machine’s manual before using any cleaning products to ensure they are safe for your specific model.
Professional Washing Machine Cleaning Services
If you’re looking for a deeper clean or prefer not to tackle it yourself, you can consider hiring professional cleaning services instead. Companies like WonderKlean offer both washing machine cleaning and other cleaning services that go beyond your basic spring cleaning.
Specialised Equipment: Professionals use specialised equipment and cleaning solutions catered for specific situations that are more effective than what you might have at home.
Thorough Cleaning: They’ll clean all the nooks and crannies of your machine, including the drain pump, hoses, and other hard-to-reach areas, ensuring a truly deep clean.
Peace of Mind: With professional cleaning, you can stay assured that your washing machine will continue to function well. This can save you money on repairs and replacements in the long run.
In summary, with a professional cleaning service you can rest easy knowing your home is kept clean in the hands of an expert cleaning team.
Stay On Top Of Your Washing Machine Cleanliness!
So, to recap why cleaning washing machines could help you make a difference in your lifestyle:
- Better smelling clothes
- Reduce health risks from mould and mildew
- Reduce chance of breakdown
- Reduce costs of maintenance and replacements
If you haven’t already been keeping on top of your washing machine cleaning routine, it’s never too late to start! We recommend checking in on your machine at least once a month to see if it still functions as needed.
Making sure to do so will help you live a healthier lifestyle and also reduce costs needed for repairs or even buying a new one!
If you’re looking for a reliable deep clean, peace of mind and professional expertise, consider getting in touch with WonderKlean’s professional washing machine cleaning service today.
Our team provides specialised cleaning services for all areas of your home throughout all of Klang Valley and more. Contact us today.
