Cleaning the Washing Machine Naturally - the Best Remedies
Cleaning the washing machine is a commonly neglected activity. Meanwhile, it is an important part of its maintenance. Ignoring the necessity to clean your washing machine may lead to some serious consequences. As a result, using the device might not only be unpleasant, but also highly inefficient. For this reason, you must remember about regular cleaning of the laundry machine.
Why is cleaning the washing machine important?
Cleaning your washing machine is crucial, as most of its components are in constant contact with dirt coming off the clothes. They are also exposed to water, which leads to forming of limescale on the heater, drum and filter. If left to such a state, the machine might malfunction. The heater might take more time to warm up the water. Pressure in the tubes can weaken because of the scale accumulating inside.
If the limescale is not removed regularly, the mentioned components will break eventually. Repairing a broken device generates additional costs. Fixing the broken elements is often simply too expensive, therefore, it might be more economic to replace the whole machine. Having that in mind, one can assume that cleaning the washing machine saves it from serious malfunctions.
If the washing machine is not cleaned regularly, the laundry might give off unpleasant, difficult to remove odor after washing. It is very problematic, as one simply cannot wear such clothes. Before the next washing they need to be well air-dried, soaked and washed again - in a clean device.
What happens if the washing machine is not cleaned regularly?
If you neglect cleaning the washing machine, the continuous contact with water, warm environment plus poor ventilation inside will create perfect conditions for organisms such as yeast and fungi. Mold is very dangerous for human health, as it releases toxic substances into the air.
They can cause problems with:
- respiratory system,
- nervous system,
- skin,
- allergies,
- constant feeling of tiredness
- runny nose.
Unpleasant smell coming from the washing machine is also a result of mould residing in the device. Thorough and systematic cleaning of the washing machine prevents those issues. It not only minimizes the risk of the device malfunction, but also makes it more efficient.
How to clean the washing machine - home remedies
Cleaning the washing machine using home-made solutions is very simple. It is used mostly by those who take a serious care of their health. This method of washing machine cleaning has been popular especially at homes with small children. There are many store-bought washing machine cleaners available. But they might be not only expensive, but also harmful. That’s why they are replaced with proven home remedies that were popular a couple of years before.
Synthetic cleaners might cause skin irritation and adverse allergic reactions for sensitive persons. So if you’re wondering how to clean the washing machine, consider using natural products.
You can find them in every kitchen, so they won’t generate any additional costs. What’s more, cleaning a washing machine with them is safe for human health.
Cleaning washing machine with baking soda
It is quite easy to clean the washing machine with soda. The product can be found in every house, as it is often used in the kitchen.
Sodium bicarbonate, in other words - baking soda is quite a versatile substance. It is used mostly in the kitchen for baking. It is also an ingredient of many home-made cosmetics, such as face masks and scrubs.
Baking soda is also a perfect cleaner. It’s a remedy for problems like:
- dirt,
- limescale,
- stains.
Cleaning your washing machine with baking soda is not very difficult. Just pour half a glass of baking soda into the powder compartment and run an empty wash cycle using the highest possible temperature. The spin speed, in this cases is not important - it can be set to the lowest. If needed, you can load the machine with some towels or kitchen cloths.
Cleaning washing machine with vinegar
Another solution for cleaning the washing machine is vinegar. It is a good bleach with antistatic properties. It can be used to wash towels, it removes detergent residues and increases fabric’s ability to absorb water.
Similar to baking soda, vinegar is able to remove scent. To clean the washing machine, pour 1-2 litres of vinegar into the detergent compartment and set a high temperature washing cycle. Vinegar will remove limescale, mold and bacteria.
The only issue with this method is the strong, sour smell that might spread across the entire household. Ventilating the rooms, however, should quickly get rid of the scent.
It is recommended to set another washing cycle with a little bit of washing powder. Its smell will kill the unpleasant vinegar odour.
Cleaning washing machine with citric acid
Apart from vinegar and baking soda, there is also a third product that can be used to clean the washing machine - citric acid. It is perfect for descaling various appliances, not only washing machines. Citric acid is commonly used to remove limescale from devices such as kettles and coffeemakers.
How to clean the washing machine with citric acid? Simply put 120 g of the product in the powder compartment. Similar to the previous methods - set a high temperature washing cycle.
Cleaning washing machine with vinegar and baking soda
If the washing machine is very filthy and the previously mentioned methods do not work, you can combine the ingredients. For instance, vinegar and baking soda can be used to make an extremely effective cleaning scrub.
To make it, mix 10 tablespoons with baking soda until solid paste is formed. Place the pulp at each problematic spot and leave it for a few hours. Finally, rinse it using a damp sponge or cloth, then wipe until dry. You can also boost vinegar with citric acid. The proportions are: 20 g of citric acid per one litre.
How to clean a washing machine using a dishwasher tablet?
A dishwasher tablet is a smart and more importantly very quick and effective method for cleaning a washing machine. If using such equipment daily, you probably have the right products at your home. If not - you can always purchase the smallest package for this purpose.
Interestingly enough, a dishwasher tablet works perfectly for small dirt, as well as in case thorough cleaning is required. Are you wondering how to clean the washing machine using this method? It’s easy!
- Depending on the dirt level, prepare 1 to 2 dishwasher tablets.
- Throw the tablet(s) into the washing machine’s drum and set a program - minimum 60-70°C (130-140 F).
- Wait until the washing cycle ends - you can use the machine normally afterwards.
Cleaning the washing machine using a dishwasher tablet is not only a great way to remove all dirt. It’s also a perfect solution if you want to remove scale and prevent its buildup.
Cleaning the washing machine - essential issues
Just rinsing the washing machine with a cleaning solution might be not enough. One must pay attention to each part of the appliance. The most important components are:
- Filters - they are usually located in the front of the machine. You should check it for small objects that often get caught in there. Small clothing elements such as socks also often get in there. After cleaning it thoroughly, rinse with clean water and put it back in its place.
- Detergent drawers - this spot is very likely to grow mold. If the washing machine has not been cleaned for a very long time, the drawer should be removed from its socket and thoroughly scrubbed. It is best to use a sponge and a cleaning product (a cleaner or soda). Apart from the drawer, the socket itself should be cleaned as well.
- Seal and other rubber parts - those components are the most susceptible for damage from water. In front load types the most filth residues can be found under the door seal, therefore it should be cleaned regularly. The aforementioned paste made of vinegar and baking soda will be perfect for this purpose. It makes cleaning quick and easy.
The mentioned parts are most prone to filth, scale and mold growth, therefore they need careful attention. Routine cleaning of the washing machine and its components prevents major issues with the device in the future.
How to clean the washing machine - cleaning tools
To just wipe the surface, use a soft cloth. You can also use a hard sponge to scrub stains that are difficult to remove.
Plastic bristle brushes are excellent for cleaning as well. But they should be used with caution when scrubbing delicate elements such as rubber seals. To access hard-to-reach places (for instance detergent drawer socket), you can use an old toothbrush.
Regular cleaning of the washing machine is a highly important matter. This way, you can increase the lifespan of the device and make it more efficient. Routinely cleansed washing machine will wash the laundry better, making it fresh and pleasant-smelling.
When choosing a washing machine cleaner, consider natural methods. They are highly effective and cheap. Soda, vinegar and citric acid can be found in almost every household. Using them is an easy way to take care of your washing machine and guarantee its long-lasting performance.
FAQ
📍 Cleaning the washing machine with vinegar - in what temperature?
Cleaning the washing machine using vinegar should involve the highest possible temperature. It speeds up the reaction of acid with limescale, and makes the cleaning more effective. The best temperature is 90°C.
📍 Cleaning the washing machine - does it affect its durability?
Cleaning the washing machine regularly is a very good way to prolong its life. Preventing the accumulation of scale on its parts is a guarantee that the device will run without fail for a long time.
📍 How much does it cost to clean the washing machine?
The cost of natural cleaning remedies is remarkably low. The only products to buy are vinegar, baking soda or citric acid, which are very cheap. Their price is a fraction of the store-bought chemical cleaners.
📍 Cleaning the washing machine - how often?
It is advised to descale your washing machine once a month. Doing it will prevent scale and other substances from accumulating inside of the device. All of the parts, such as filters and the drawer, should be cleansed manually every six months.
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