Cleaning Your Washer

Wash your Washing Machine

Cleaning laundry is a dirty job and means your washer should also get a cleaning every so often to maintain your machine and prevent mold, mildew and foul odors. You can purchase a commercially available washing machine cleaning product but if you are looking to save money read on: 

Pour a cup of baking soda directly into the empty machine (not in the dispenser) and set it to the hottest and longest cycle and let it run through a complete cycle. Once this is complete, pour two cups of white vinegar into the washer (optionally you can also add 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil), close it up and again run the longest and hottest cycle you have. This should completely scour and deodorizethe inside of your machine. 

If the dispenser trays are removable, carefully remove and using hot soapy water and a toothbrush, gently scrub these clean. Wipe around the machine with a soft cloth. 

On a front loading washer, carefully clean around the rubber door seal with your toothbrush dipped in hot soapy washer and wipe with the soft cloth. On the lower panel of your front load washer is a  small door that holds the filter, open this and clean it all out as gunk builds up in there. You should be cleaning this every 6 months. 

Tip: Leave the washer door slightly open when not in use to allow moisture to evaporate.