Washing machines have proven to be a technological godsend in the modern age. Imagine having to complete your everyday tasks along with the burden of hand washing all your clothes and linens. Sounds nightmarish, right?
When it comes to washing machines, front-loading ones take up less space, use less detergent and are energy-efficient. But if you thought that washing machines are self-cleaning, then think again!
You need to clean your washing machine about once a month to keep it in good functioning order. It accumulates grime from your soiled laundry over the course of time. This needs to be cleaned out. Otherwise, there will be a point when your clothes come out dirtier after washing them than they were before!
The continuous exposure to moisture can also lead to a buildup of mold inside the washing machine, especially around the rubber seal.
Here, we show you how to clean a front-load washing machine with a step-by-step guide.
Contents
- Steps to Clean a Front-Load Washing Machine
- Step 1. Clean the outside using an all-purpose cleaner
- Step 2. Prepare a baking soda solution to clean the inside of the washing machine
- Step 3. Pop out the detergent tray and clean up any buildup
- Step 4. Use white vinegar to clean the seal
- Step 5. Spray white vinegar and scrub the inner drum
- Step 6. Use white vinegar to disinfect the detergent tray
- Tips
Steps to Clean a Front-Load Washing Machine
Things you’ll need:
- Sponge wipe or old rag
- Sponge cleaner
- All-purpose cleaner
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Rubber gloves
Step 1. Clean the outside using an all-purpose cleaner
- Spray all-purpose cleaner on a sponge wipe.
- Wipe down all the exterior surfaces of the washing machine with the wet sponge wipe. Thoroughly wipe the sides and the top.
- Do not forget to clean the front and the front window.
Step 2. Prepare a baking soda solution to clean the inside of the washing machine
- Pour ¼ cup of water into a container.
- Add ¼ cup of baking soda and mix well.
- Fill the detergent tray with this mixture.
- Run a wash cycle for a large load with the water set at the hottest available temperature.
- The baking soda solution, in combination with the hot water, will thoroughly clean and rinse the interior of your washing machine.
Step 3. Pop out the detergent tray and clean up any buildup
- After running the wash cycle, find the release button and pop out the detergent tray.
- Wash it or let it soak in hot water to remove the detergent buildup.
- Once all the detergent is cleaned up, insert the tray back into its slot.
Step 4. Use white vinegar to clean the seal
- Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar.
- Spray white vinegar on the rubber seal and let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Grab your rag and start wiping down the folds of the seal.
Step 5. Spray white vinegar and scrub the inner drum
- To clean a front-load washing machine, spray a bit of vinegar inside the drum while spinning it.
- Scrub down the drum using a sponge wipe.
Step 6. Use white vinegar to disinfect the detergent tray
- To further clean and disinfect the detergent tray, spray some white vinegar in it.
- Scrub it clean with a sponge.
Your washing machine is now clean and ready for the next load of clothes.
Tips
- Clean a front-load washing machine once every month.
- An easy way to prevent mold growth around the rubber seal is to simply wipe it dry after every wash.
- You can also leave the front-loading door slightly open to air out the machine. Make sure that your kids and pets cannot access the laundry room.
- In case your machine was infested with mold which has now transferred onto your clothes, here are some ways to remove mold and mildew from clothes.