Washing machines are among the most hardworking appliances in our homes. Day in and day out, they take on the heavy load of our laundry, making sure our clothes are fresh and clean. But have you ever stopped to think about the cleanliness of your washing machine itself?
Over time, dirt, detergent residues, and even mold can build up inside your machine, leading to bad odors and poor performance. For this reason, it’s crucial to give it a deep clean regularly. However, if DIYing feels overwhelming – don’t fret! Professional maid services are here to keep your Sammamish residence in tip-top shape!
How to deep clean a dirty washing machine?
Here’s a step-by-step guide you can follow:
Materials needed:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Microfiber cloth
- Old toothbrush
- Sponge
- Mild detergent
Now, move on to the process itself:
1. Clean the detergent drawer
Remove the detergent drawer and soak it in hot, soapy water. Using an old toothbrush, scrub away any residue or mold thoroughly. Once cleaned, rinse the drawer thoroughly, dry it, and then reinsert it into the washing machine.
2. Clean the drum
Pour 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the washing machine drum, then run the machine on the hottest and longest cycle without any clothes. The vinegar will effectively dissolve soap scum, mineral deposits, and mildew.
4. Clean the door seal
To clean the rubber door seal, dip an old toothbrush into a mix of equal parts water and white vinegar. Scrub the entire seal, paying extra attention to the crevices and folds where mold and dirt tend to build up. This helps you get into those tight spots and clear out any gunk. Once you’re done, take a clean microfiber cloth and wipe down the seal to remove any remaining grime and moisture.
5. Clean the exterior
Start by giving it a once-over with a damp cloth to get rid of any loose dust and dirt. If you spot any tough stains or grime, just add a bit of mild detergent to your cloth and give those areas a gentle scrub. Don’t forget to clean around the control panel, knobs, and any other crevices where dirt can easily accumulate.
6. Maintain freshness
Make sure to leave the door open after each wash so the drum can dry out fully—this keeps mold and mildew at bay. Also, don’t forget to give your washing machine a good scrub every month to keep it running smoothly.
How to get rid of the bad smell in the washing machine?
The warm, damp conditions can create the perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria, which are often the culprits behind bad smells.
To get rid of them, mix ¼ cup of water with ¼ cup of baking soda and put the mixture in the detergent dispenser of your washing machine. Pour four cups of white vinegar into the drum of a top-loader or two cups into a front-loader. Start a high-temperature wash cycle, and for an extra thorough clean, pause it for 30 minutes. Once the cycle is done, wipe down the drum to get rid of the vinegar smell. Run another cycle to wash away any remaining residue. To finish off, apply a few drops of essential oil to the seal for a mild disinfectant and to eliminate any final odors.
Where can I find trustworthy maid services in Sammamish?
Dreading the idea of dealing with cleaning your fridge, sorting out your kitchen drawers, or scrubbing those dirty carpets? Look no further and let NW Maids Seattle do the hard work! We have a team of meticulous pros, ready to handle it all for you with great care. Give us a call, head out to Beaver Lake Park with your family, and enjoy your day—we won’t let you down! Book your service today!
