Washing machines are the most essential appliances in our homes. It helps us clean our dirty clothes and keeps them fresh. Over time, washing machines can accumulate dirt, grime, and bacteria.

Therefore, it is imperative to clean your washing machine regularly to prevent any odors and keep it working in top-notch condition. In this article, we are going to guide you on how to clean your washing machine, leaving you with a cleaner and more hygienic washing machine.

Things you will need

Before we proceed, here are some things that you will need to clean your washing machine:.

Vinegar
Baking soda
Microfiber cloth
Hot water

Step-by-step process on how to clean your washing machine

Step 1: Cleaning the washing machine drum

The first thing to do is to clean the drum of your washing machine. The drum is where all the washing is done; hence it can accumulate a lot of dirt and grime from the clothes. To clean the drum, follow the steps below:.

Fill your washing machine with hot water.
Add 3-4 cups of white vinegar to the water and let the machine run for a minute to mix the vinegar and water.
Pause the machine and let the mixture sit for about an hour. This will allow the vinegar and hot water to penetrate the dirt and grime within the drum.
After an hour, continue the cycle and let the machine run until it drains the vinegar mixture completely.
Once the machine is drained, wipe the drum clean with a microfiber cloth. If you notice any remaining dirt or grime, scrub the drum with a soft brush or sponge.

Step 2: Cleaning the washing machine dispenser

The washing machine dispenser is where you add the laundry detergent and fabric softener. Over time, it can become clogged with detergent and fabric softener build-up, leading to blockages and unpleasant odors.

To clean the dispenser, follow the steps below:.

Remove the dispenser drawer from the washing machine.
Soak the dispenser drawer in hot water mixed with 1 cup of vinegar for about 15-20 minutes.
After soaking, scrub the dispenser drawer with a soft brush to remove any remaining residue.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water and let it dry before putting it back in the washing machine.

Step 3: Cleaning the washing machine filter

The washing machine filter is usually located at the bottom of the washing machine. Its function is to trap dirt, hair, and other debris that may be missed during the wash cycle. To clean the washing machine filter, follow the steps below:.

Unplug the washing machine from the socket.
Locate the washing machine filter at the bottom of the machine.
Place a towel under the filter to catch any water that may spill out.
Twist the filter counterclockwise to remove it from the machine.
Clean the filter with hot water and a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry it before putting it back into the washing machine.

Step 4: Cleaning the washing machine exterior

The exterior of your washing machine can also accumulate dirt and grime from regular use. To clean the exterior, follow the steps below:.

Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Spray the solution onto the exterior of the washing machine.
Wipe the surface of the washing machine with a microfiber cloth.
If there are any stubborn stains, mix a solution of baking soda and water and scrub the affected area with a soft brush.
Rinse with clean water and dry the surface of the washing machine with a clean microfiber cloth.

Conclusion

Regularly cleaning your washing machine is the key to keeping it hygienic and in good working condition.

By following the steps outlined above, you can keep your washing machine in top-notch condition and prevent any unpleasant odors or blockages that may affect its performance. Remember, a clean washing machine is a healthy washing machine.