There are many ways on how to sanitize washing machines. Most cleaning agents that can be used are already available in our homes. We need to sanitize our washers to extend its life periodically. There are bacteria, molds, and stains dwelling in it that needs to get rid of. They can cause foul odors and stains on our clothes if we put them inside our un-sanitized and poorly maintained washing machines.
The Effects of Un-Sanitized Washing Machines
Not cleaning our appliances at home may cause deterioration of the product and machine’s poor performance. Bacteria, molds, and stains left on the washer after the wash cause a varmint smell to the clothes and shorten the appliance’s life. It is wise to know how to sanitize the washing machine even though maintaining such a habit requires time, energy, effort, and money; it is worth doing rather than having issues after washing clothes.
Sanitizing Agents
Many cleaning agents used in sanitizing our washing machines are already available in our own homes. For example, we have baking soda, bleach, vinegar, disinfectant, or detergent.
Most often, bleach is a universal cleaning agent, in my opinion. It just needs to be appropriately diluted.
What Parts of the Washing Machine Highly Needs Cleaning?
A washing machine has many parts that need sanitization periodically. Here are the features of the washer that needs to be cleaned.
Door
The door is the opening of the washing machine. Dirt, suds, and bacteria retain in this part.
Door Seal/Rubber Seal
A rubber seal is located at the side of the washing machine’s opening, where dirt can subsides.
Washing Machine Tub
A tub is where we put our clothes into a wash cycle. Most of the dirt is left, and a build-up of bacteria starts that causes stinky smells. It is a need that we know how to sanitize the washing machine because it is in this part that requires much of the cleaning.
Dispenser Tray
It has three parts: the pre-wash detergent, another for washing detergent, and the last one for the fabric softener.
Filter
Located at the bottom of the machine and is connected to the drain hose.
The Steps in Cleaning the Washing Machine
There are many sanitizing agents available at home used in cleaning the washing machine. Some are bleach, baking soda, white vinegar, or a washing machine cleaner from Affresh. Here, I will give you steps to be done on how to sanitize the washing machine:
- Make a solution of bleach and water. For every ten parts of water, add one part of bleach. For example, one liter of water mixed with 100 mL of bleach. You can use the bleach you commonly use in cleaning your home.
- Use a clean cloth or rag, and wipe the door first with the solution you made. Residues from the washed clothes remain in the machine and so its door. Wipe it thoroughly until you make sure it’s already clean.
- Next is the rubber seal or the door seal. Dirt remains in that part, and it is where bacteria start to build up, causing odor to the machine and the clothes. In cleaning this part, we can utilize our old toothbrush to no longer spend more on this.
- We also have to pay attention to the dispenser tray. Detergent in an uncleaned tray may clog. We can also use our old toothbrush for this.
- The central part that needs the most cleaning is the washing machine tub. It is where we put our clothes and wash them. It is also a part where a large amount of dirt retains that cause varmint smell. In cleaning the tub, just put the solution into it and run the most extended wash cycle at a higher temperature possible.
- We also need to clean the filter of the washer. It filters everything taken away from our clothes. To clean it, first, if possible, remove the filter from the washer. Brush the filter or soak it with hot water or a bleach solution. If the filter not be removed from the washer, we need to brush it with soapy water or a preferred solution until the grease is gone.
- Aside from using the bleach, we can also use baking soda in cleaning the tub. Pour two cups of baking soda into the tub and run the most extended wash cycle at the highest temperature.
- Others also use white vinegar to clean the tub and filter deeply.
- Another tip to prevent the washer from odor is to open its door when not in use. Opening the door allows the water inside the tub to evaporate. Moisture in the tub also causes terrible odor.
Deciding how often we clean our washing machine depends on our choice. Many prefer to sanitize their washing machines every six months, while others who have more time and energy do the sanitizing monthly. The important thing is we do it at a fixed period.
Conclusion
It would be disgusting to wash our clothes with un-sanitized, poorly maintained washing machines. It may remove the bacteria and dirt from our clothes, but residues left in the washer can cause bacteria build-up. The residue can also result in mold in the washer parts, which can lead to more stains and dirt. So, it is a must to know how to sanitize the washing machine to prevent this from happening and extend the appliance’s life. This can be done by utilizing cleaning agents available in our homes. Know more about cleaning appliances.