If your washing machine has begun to smell a bit musty, it’s time to haul out a few household items and give it a wash. That may sound somewhat counter-intuitive, but there are a lot of reasons to add it to your cleaning routine every couple of months. Bacteria, mildew, mould and hard water buildup to name a few. With so many nooks and crannies in the interior of your washing machine, it’s really only a matter of time before they become a problem.
So, pull out your rubber gloves and get to work. All you need is some distilled white vinegar, a spray bottle, an old toothbrush and the following 4 simple steps.
Step 1
Add some distilled white vinegar to a spray bottle and generously spray the inside of your washing machine, make sure to cover every element – the drum, the agitator, the paddles, the inside of the lid or door.
Step 2
Using an old toothbrush, scrub any small rubber pieces in and around the agitator. Take extra care to clean inside the areas where laundry detergent and fabric softener are added. It may come as a surprise but laundry soap and fabric softeners leave residue behind that acts as a food source for mould spores, exacerbating the issue completely!
Step 3
Pour 2 cups of vinegar into the washing machine and run through a regular cycle using hot water. Don’t add any laundry items during this cycle. Keep the drum empty so that the vinegar and hot water solution is free to get into every little space, cleaning out unwanted debris.
Step 4
Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe down the inside of the lid or door, including the drum and agitator. Mildew thrives on moisture, so the drier the better. Leaving the lid or door open, lets your washing machine air-dry overnight. The vinegar smell should dissipate, leaving your washer sparkling clean.
PRO-TIP: Mould and mildew are more problematic in front-loading washers where moisture and soap residue can become trapped in the rubber gasket surrounding the door. It is recommended to always leave the door open when not in use to allow dampness to dry – both on the door and inside the washer.
At MOLLY MAID, we are more than happy to assist you with your cleaning needs—from stubborn kitchen stains to bathroom deep cleans, there is no job too big or small! Contact us today for a free, no-obligation estimate.
