Jul

12

How to Clean Your Washer and Dryer

Maintenance of the washer and dryer involves regular cleaning to ensure the longevity of the appliances and the efficiency of their functioning. Cleaning includes removing dirt, dust, soap scum, mold, and mildew that may accumulate over time, thus causing problems to the performance and durability of these essential appliances. Routine cleaning, which should be done about twice a year depending on the traffic, will reduce the risk of developing issues and failures.

Supplies You’ll Need

Before getting started, gather the following cleaning supplies:

– It is recommended to use plain white vinegar or lime-remover cleaning solution.

– Baking soda

– Any other worn out fabrics such as towels or rags

– Soft brush or tooth brush

– Bucket

– Rubber gloves

– Eye protection

– Vacuum cleaner

Cleaning the Washing Machine

Follow these steps to thoroughly clean your washing machine:

Wipe Down Exterior

Clean the exterior part of the washing machine using a mild warm water and soap solution or a natural cleaner. For the steam generator, focus areas include the lid, control panel, door seals, and the front filter area.

Clean Inside the Drum

Pour water into the empty drum with a sufficient volume to wet the bottom and then cover the wetted bottom with baking soda. Pour the white vinegar or the lime remover cleaner into the detergent dispense compartment. Then use just water and run it on the highest heat possible without any clothes inside. This action will help to dissolve soap scum and disinfect the drum as well as removing all the smells.

Freshen the Door Gasket

A solution of 1 part water combined with one part vinegar should be placed in a spray bottle. Next, shower this solution on to a soft plant brush or cloth and then scrub the door gasket vigorously. This also ensures that there is no formation of mold and mildew on the walls.

Clean the Water Inlet Filters

Find the location of filter screens at the rear of the fill hoses or valves. Rinse the place and clean any objects to eliminate any easily noticeable dirt and debris. Rinse thoroughly before replacing. Inlet filters can get blocked and this will cause problems with the water supply to the car.

Drain and Wipe Out Soap Dispenser

Pour hot water to help dissolve any residue that may have thickened at the bottom. Finally, scrub the detergent and softener compartments with a toothbrush as there are many small spaces that could be hard to clean otherwise. The soap residue or scum can accumulate on the dispensers and block them.

Sanitize with a Bleach Soak

For the weekly schedule, perform routine cleaning once per year without the presence of items inside the dishwasher. Pour hot water into the drum till it reaches a midway and then pour 2 cups of bleach into the solution. Let them soak for an hour before washing and then doing an empty wash. To eradicate bacteria and eliminate odors, this is highly effective.

Run a Clean Cycle

Finally, for the last rinse, do a quick wash without laundry without clothes and use a cup of white vinegar to clear out any remaining dirt or germs on the machine.

Cleaning the Dryer

The same applies to the cloth dryer as it is to the washer; you must clean it as well. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Clean the Lint Screen and Housing

Every time make sure that the lint on the screen is wiped off with a soft brush to avoid accumulation. Once in 6 months, it is advisable to disconnect the hose of your vacuum cleaner and use it to clean the inside of the dryer vent and housing where lint tends to accumulate. Professionals recommend that hair and lint should be removed from the home as they are flammable.

Scrub the Drum

It is advised to clean the inner part of the drum using a microfiber cloth for all-round cleaning using a cleaner solution. For the difficult stains, use baking soda and then spray vinegar on it and let the mixture to fizz for approximately 10 minutes and then wash. The substance used in vinegar is acid which helps in dissolving deposits.

Disinfect with Bleach

It is advised to run an empty high-heat cycle with a couple of towels soaked in diluted bleach solution at least once a year. When the temperature increases the bleach is able to kill bacteria present inside the drum. It is also advisable to stop the cycle halfway through the process in order for the bleach to penetrate and work its magic before continuing.

Clean the Moisture Sensors

Use rubbing alcohol soaked in an old toothbrush and clean moisture sensor bars on the inside of the drum lightly. Do not expose electronic components to relative moisture or humidity which is above recommended levels. Clean sensors prevent over-drying.

Check the Vent System

Go outside and carefully look at the exterior dryer vent hood and; to clean the dryer vent system of accumulated lint or the flexible foil ductwork, use a vent brush. Blocked vents are disastrous and may lead to extended drying periods.

Just like any other household appliance, giving your washer and dryer a good scrub will help them last longer and work better through seasons of dirtier clothes and repairs.