For some reason I don’t think I clean my home appliances nearly as often as I should. My fridge, microwave and stove for sure get cleaned the most, and that’s probably because they get used a lot on a daily basis, and it’s very obvious when they get dirty.
I never really thought about cleaning my washer and dryer though, until I noticed that my clothes were smelling a little musty after a wash. Then I remembered seeing commercials for cleaning products for my washing machine. Even then I still thought, it’s a washing machine, isn’t it self cleaning? I also figured since the clothes were clean when they went into the dryer, and dryers are usually quite hot, why would I need to clean anything other than the lint trap? Well let me tell you, your washer and dryer will function more optimally if you give them a good clean every now and then.
Front loading washer
When I read that washing machines are a perfect breading ground for mold and mildew due to them staying wet for long periods of time, I swear I had a light-bulb moment. Obviously this makes perfect sense.
If you have a front loading washer, you should really clean it out once a month. If you forget, I’m sure your clothes will give you the reminder when they start smelling a little off. There’s some great store bought cleaners such as this PartsMaster Puro Clean Washer Cleaner that you just run through a cycle of the wash. If you want to make an easy homemade cleaner, then try mixing two cups of vinegar and a quarter cup of baking soda and run it on your hottest water cycle. Once you run the wash cycle give the inside of the machine a quick wipe down with a sponge and then a good dry with an old towel or rag.
Top loading washer
When you clean your top loading washer make sure you give yourself some time since it will take awhile. This is because you need to first fill your washer with the hottest water and set it on the longest cycle. Once full, add about four cups of bleach and let it sit for an hour. When the hours up, start your cycle back up and let it finish to the end. After the bleach run, complete the whole process again but this time using vinegar instead of bleach, and after the rest period, give a quick scrub around with a sponge before completing the cycle. After running the whole cycle, give it good dry with an old towel and your washer is clean and fresh.
Dryer
I used to think cleaning out your dryer meant cleaning the lint trap, but this is not the case. Lint finds it’s way into the tiniest of places. It’s not just the lint trap that needs cleaning, you need to also clean the dryer duct.
To do this you’ll need to first unplug the dryer from the wall and then disconnect the dryer vent. From here you have a couple choices. If the inside of your dryer duct is completely covered in lint you’ll want to just replace the whole duct. These are fairly cheap at your local hardware store. If your vent only has a little lint buildup then you can give it a quick vacuum with the hose attachment to clean it out. Once it’s clean you just reattach the vent and you’re good for another month or so.
The overall process of cleaning out your washer and dryer is fairly easy and not too time consuming, and you’ll have the peace of knowing that your clothes are getting a good clean and your dryer won’t be a fire hazard.
 LG 27″ 7.4 Cu. Ft. Electric Steam Dryer |
 Samsung 27″ 4.8 Cu. Ft. Front Load Steam Washer |
 LG 27″ 6.1 Cu. Ft. Top Load Washer |
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There is a cleaning program in my washing machine which i use once in a month. Thanks for a great Blog!
Umm, did you check with the manufacturers before running bleach through your washer because I suspect you might be voiding your warranty.
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