How to Clean and Sanitize Your Washing Machine

It’s a common misconception that washing machines, and a lot of other cleaning devices, don’t need to be cleaned. But washing machines, just like almost everything else in your home, get dirty with repeated use, and cleaning your washing machine should be a regular part of your cleaning routine for a safe and healthy home environment.

Soil, dirt, detergent residue, hard-water minerals and even mold can build up over time no matter if you have a front-load or top-load washing machine. Additionally, mildew thrives in washer lids and inside of the door. This means it’s important to sanitize your washing machine every so often to ensure that it’s free of harmful bacteria that can spread to your clothes.

But, how should you go about cleaning your washing machine? It’s actually much more simple than you’d expect. With some simple household supplies and a couple of minutes of work, you can breathe new life into your washing machine and get your laundry regiment back on track. Read on to learn more about how to clean your washing machine!

How to Clean Your Washing Machine

To clean your washing machine, you’ll need the following supplies:

White distilled vinegar
Spray bottle
Microfiber cloth
Toothbrush
Baking soda

How to Clean a Top-Load Washing Machine

Set the washer to the hottest setting.
Add four cups of vinegar to the drum and start a high-soil wash cycle.
Once the cycle starts, pause the machine and let it sit for an hour.
While you’re waiting, wipe down the top of the washer with a microfiber cloth.
Use the toothbrush to scrub the fabric softener and bleach dispensers.
After an hour, continue the wash cycle.
Once that is complete, add one cup of baking soda and run another cycle.
At the end of the cycle, wipe the top inside of the washer tub with a microfiber cloth.

How to Clean a Front-Load Washing Machine

Before cleaning the washer drum, add vinegar to your spray bottle and spray the gasket and wipe it with a damp microfiber cloth.
Set the washer to the hottest water temperature.
Add two cups of vinegar to the detergent dispenser.
Run it through a complete cycle on the highest soil level.
While the cycle is going, wipe the front of the washing machine.
Run another cycle, but this time add a half cup of baking soda directly to the drum.
When the cycle is finished, wipe inside the drum clean with a damp microfiber cloth.

While you’re cleaning your washing machine, don’t let your laundry pile up. In fact, you can let your washing machine being dirty act as an excuse to treat yourself to the dry cleaning and laundry services that Mulberrys Garment Care has to offer in Minneapolis and San Francisco. Reach out today to learn more about our laundry pick up and delivery services!