How to clean the washing machine step by step

How often do you clean the washing machine?

Yes, yes, don't hide your head in the hype. Very often the answer to this question is never or almost never. And, when we plan cleaning, we always have in mind the kitchen, the bathroom, the bedrooms … but we hardly ever remember the washing machine because we consider it an extremely "clean" place. However, dirt and germs build up inside and threaten to damage your clothes … and your health!

· The most recommended. As a general rule, it is recommended to clean it thoroughly as we tell you below at least every three months, and whenever you see it dirty, moldy or smell bad (some of the signs that it is not too clean).

Take a look on the outside

The first thing you should do to clean the washing machine is to do it from the outside (even if it is recessed and cannot be seen). To do this, you can use the same detergent you use to clean kitchen surfaces, or make a homemade cleaner.

· Clara trick. To make the cleanser, you need 50 ml of white vinegar, 250 ml of water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Pour all the ingredients into a spray bottle, shake them well, spray on the surfaces of the washing machine, wipe with a damp sponge and dry with a cloth.

Clean the dispensers and soap bucket

The compartments where you put the soap, fabric softener or bleach are full of nooks, they tend to be permanently damp and end up accumulating mold and other harmful germs.

· Clara trick. It is best to remove them and clean them well in the sink with the help of a toothbrush to reach the last corner. You can use the same cleaner that you used for the exterior or dishwasher. Or you can also soak it for five minutes in white vinegar. And if they are not removable, you can clean them with a mixture of vinegar and water and then dry them with a cloth.

Don't forget the door and the filter

Before "attacking" the inside of the washing machine, go over the door (outside and inside) and the opening hinges with the same cleaner from the outside. And above all, don't forget about the filter, which should be cleaned at least once a year. The filter is the place where traces of detergent, lint, coins, remains of tissues and other types of OFNI's (unidentified floating objects) accumulate that slip into the washing machine without you noticing.

· Clara trick. This is usually a door that is on the outside of the washer and at the bottom. When you are going to extract it, disconnect the washing machine from the power (to avoid accidents) and try to have the mop handy or an old towel because it usually has accumulated water that comes out when you remove it. Once located, unscrew the cap, remove the filter and remove all accumulated debris. As in the case of soap dispensers, a toothbrush can come in handy so that not even the slightest bit of dirt can resist you.

How to clean the rubber of the washing machine

Another important point where dirt and germs roam freely is in the rubber between the washer door and the inside of the drum or wash drum. In some models this rubber can be turned outwards (but without removing it from its guides) to easily access the part that is hidden. And, whether you can or not, you can clean it with the same cleaner as the rest of the washing machine.

· Clara trick. If you see that the rubber has mold, you can clean it with a cloth soaked in bleach, and let it act all night to kill the germs. And the next day, rinse with a damp cloth and dry. To prevent mold from appearing, it is recommended to dry the rubber with a cloth after each wash.

Also disinfects the interior

Yes, even if the interior of the washing machine seems like the most innocent and pristine place in the world, it also needs cleaning because, beyond the beautiful washing drum, there is a whole casing that accumulates lime and dirt. As we cannot access it, what you have to do is fill the washing machine with hot water (or choose a high temperature program) and add a liter of bleach or white vinegar, which is also a disinfectant.

· Clara trick. Whether the water in your area has a lot of lime or not, it is recommended to use anti-lime products periodically to prevent it from accumulating inside and ending up damaging the health and operation of the washing machine itself.

Dry it and ventilate it well

One of the main problems of dirt in the washing machine is the accumulation of mold from being always wet. To combat it, it is best to dry the inside of the drum, the rubber gaskets, the door and the buckets after each wash. And whenever possible, leave the door open.

· Clara trick. In the event that you have it embedded in another piece of furniture, you can leave the furniture and the door open at night to allow it to dry and ventilate better.

Don't even think about using more soap than you need

A very common mistake is to put more soap than recommended, thinking that this way both the clothes and the washing machine will be cleaner. Not! The only thing you will get is that the foam grows and grows and ends up coming out of the washing machine.

· Clara trick. In addition to respecting the recommended amounts in the washing products themselves, many experts even recommend reducing the dose a little both to avoid dermatological problems as a result of excess chemicals and to be more respectful with the environment.

Use the right products

Of course, it is also very important that you use specific and suitable products for both washing clothes and washing machines if you do not want to damage them.

· Clara trick. If you want to avoid cleaning products that are toxic to health and harmful to the environment, keep in mind that you can use hydrogen peroxide to bleach clothes (in addition to disinfecting them) and baking soda to soften them. They are some of the home cleaning products that are successful on the internet.

Extends the life of clothes

If, in addition to keeping the washing machine clean, you want your favorite clothes to last longer, follow our advice on washing, drying, ironing and storing your clothes… and they will look like new!

The washing machine is one of the most important electrical appliances in our house and, nevertheless, one of the most forgotten when cleaning, which can harm our clothes and our health. To avoid this, follow the steps we have given you to clean the washing machine thoroughly at least four times a year (every three months). And also follow these tips every time you use it.

How to clean the rubber of the washing machine

It is one of the most conflictive parts of the washing machine. Since it is difficult to access with the naked eye, germs accumulate wash after wash. In some models, the rubber can be turned outwards and so you can wipe a cloth with the homemade cleaner that we have explained to you (50 ml of white vinegar, 250 ml of water and 1 tablespoon of bicarbonate).

If it has mold, you can clean it with a cloth soaked in bleach and let it sit overnight. The next day, you wipe it dry and damp. To prevent: dry the rubber with a cloth after each wash.

How to keep the washing machine in good condition

Don't fill the washer all the way. If you exceed the recommended load, it does not work properly and has more points to break down and accumulate dirt.
Use suitable products and in the right measure. This way you will avoid damaging it or overflowing it.
Take a good look inside. After each wash, check the soap dispensers, the inside of the drum and the rubber gasket, and remove any traces of fibers or soap that may have remained.
Keep it dry and ventilated. In addition to removing the remains of the interior, the gasket and the soap compartment, dry them with a cloth and always try to leave the door open so that moisture evaporates and mold does not proliferate.
Periodic disinfection. If you want to avoid the proliferation of bacteria and other germs, once a week you can do a wash cycle without clothes with a cup of bleach or white vinegar to disinfect it.

Remove lime from the washing machine

If you want to combat lime build-up without using chemicals, you can add a little vinegar to your washes. In addition to having a disinfecting action, vinegar has the power to dissolve lime.

But if you want to prevent clothes from picking up the vinegar smell, you can do an empty wash cycle from time to time by pouring a glass of vinegar inside the drum, and another in the detergent and softener compartment.