How to Deep Clean your Washing Machine

When did you last show some appreciation and TLC to your washing machine? Not just a wipe down of the dirt & grime on the exterior, but a routine deep clean of your washing machine. We rely on our washing machines to clean our clothing, bath towels and other soiled garments daily, or hopefully at least weekly. It’s time to give back.

How do you know if your washing machine is performing optimally? One indicator is the smell of your towels or clothing when damp. Do you smell faint hints of mildew when they get damp or wet? This could be caused by the washing machine.

Regular maintenance varies by usage and product, however at our house, with 2 lab dogs and 2 young kids, we clean our washing machines every 3-4 months. Here are some tips from our family to yours, to keep your clothing smelling nice and fresh! 

We always suggest checking your manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance. With both types of machines (top or front load) you will want to clean the door or lid gaskets and give all those dispensers a wipe down.

Top Load Washers

Step 1. Fill the washer (Largest setting)

Turn your washing machine to the largest setting (max fill) and the hottest water setting. If your washing machine doesn’t have a temperature setting use “stain” or “whites” setting.  

Step 2. White Vinegar  (4 Cups)

 Pour in 4 cups of white vinegar into the washer as it is filling with hot water.  

Step 3. Baking soda (1 Cup)

Remember the model volcano we all made in science class that oozes from the top when we mix vinegar and baking soda? Bring the kids around for this deep-clean-meets-science-experiment in the laundry room.  Add 1 Cup of baking soda to the hot water and vinegar concoction in your washing machine.

Step 4. Grab a cold drink (you deserve it)

Close the lid and let the washer run for 5 mins.

Step 5. STOP!

Put down that drink lift the lid and stop the cycle. Allow the white vinegar and baking soda fizziness go to work on the soap scum and grime.  Let the concoction do its work for (1 Hour). OK you can pick that drink up again.

Step 6. Finish

Once an hour has passed and your concoction has fully fermented, close the lid and allow the cycle to run its course.

Step 7. Run a rinse cycle

Step 7 explains itself!

Front load washers

You Front loaders, we didn’t forget about you!

Step 1. Vinegar

 Add 1 cup of vinegar to your detergent dispenser

Step 2. Baking soda

Add 1 cup baking soda directly to the drum

Step 3. Largest and Hottest load

Run the washer on the largest and hottest cycle (if you don’t have temperature settings use “whites” or “stain” which will get the temp we need.  

Just another quick tip from Western Home Inspections. We recommend you always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions prior to using this guide. Protect your greatest investment.