A great year starts with a fresh beginning! Just like you might clean your house at the start of the year, make sure your washing machine is sparkling too. A clean machine means cleaner clothes and a fresher scent every time you do laundry. Let the Bloop team help you dive into why cleaning your washing machine is crucial and how you can keep it running smoothly all year long!
Why Cleaning Your Washing Machine Matters
Your washing machine works hard to keep your clothes fresh, but over time, it can accumulate dirt, soap scum, mineral deposits, and even mold. These unwanted build-ups can affect the efficiency of your machine, leaving behind unpleasant odors and causing your clothes to smell less than fresh. Additionally, leftover detergent and fabric softener can clog pipes or gunk up the interior, making your washer work harder and reducing its lifespan. Using high quality and concentrated laundry soaps like Bloop help to reduce the build up within your washing machine too.
Regular cleaning ensures your washing machine continues to perform at its best, helping to:
- Prevent Odors: Stale water, mildew, and soap residue can cause bad smells, making your clean clothes smell musty.
- Improve Efficiency: A clean machine runs more smoothly, saving you energy and money on repairs or early replacements.
- Keep Your Clothes Clean: The cleaner your machine, the cleaner your clothes! Avoid residue or dirt transfer from an unclean drum.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Washing Machine
Here’s how to give your washing machine the TLC it deserves:
1. Clean the Drum
Start by running an empty cycle with hot water. Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the drum. Vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner that breaks down mineral deposits, soap scum, and bacteria without using harsh chemicals. Let the machine run through its cycle completely. Afterward, wipe down the interior with a clean cloth to remove any loosened grime.
2. Clean the Gasket
The rubber gasket around the door (front-load washers) is a breeding ground for mold and mildew due to the moisture it retains. Wipe it down with a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar or a mild bleach solution. Be sure to dry it thoroughly after cleaning to prevent mold from returning.
3. Clean the Detergent Dispenser
Over time, detergent and fabric softener can build up in the dispenser drawer. Remove the drawer if possible, and soak it in warm water with a little dish soap. Use a toothbrush to scrub away any residue. Rinse and dry it thoroughly before reinserting it into the machine.
4. Check and Clean the Filter
Your washing machine likely has a filter that catches lint, hair, and small debris. It’s important to clean this filter regularly to ensure water flows properly through the system. Refer to your machine’s manual for the location of the filter (it’s often at the bottom front of the machine). Remove any debris and rinse the filter under warm water.
5. Run a Final Rinse Cycle
After you’ve cleaned all the components, run one more hot water cycle—this time without vinegar—to ensure any remaining cleaning residue is washed out.
Types Of Laundry Soap To Use To Help Prevent Build Up:
Using a high quality, concentrated laundry soap like Bloop not only prevents build up due to it's quality natural ingredients, it is also highly concentrated so that the amount of soap used is reduced significantly.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
To keep your washing machine in top condition, it’s best to clean it once a month. However, if you use your machine heavily or notice any odors, you may want to clean it more often. Regular maintenance ensures that your washing machine will last longer and continue to deliver the best results for your laundry.
Bonus Tip: Leave the Door Open
After each load of laundry, leave the door of your washing machine open for a few hours to allow the drum to air dry. This will help prevent the growth of mold and mildew in the gasket and drum, keeping your washer smelling fresh.
Cleaning your washing machine is just as important as washing your clothes. A machine that’s free from build-up not only performs better but also ensures your laundry is fresh, clean, and free from unwanted odors. By following these simple steps, you’ll extend the life of your washer and improve the quality of your laundry. Start the new year with a fresh washing machine, and enjoy cleaner clothes all year long!
Head to heybloop.com for more blogs on all your laundry related questions and buy your high quality, concentrated natural laundry soap.
