Introduction
Washing machines are a convenience that most of us can’t imagine living without. We throw our clothes in, press a button, and voila! Clean clothes! But have you ever thought about how to clean your washing machine? It’s essential to keep your washing machine free from dirt, debris, and bacteria to ensure that it continues to run efficiently. In this article, we will walk you through a step-by-step guide to clean a top-loading washing machine, provide expert advice, product reviews and discuss common mistakes to avoid.
Step-by-step Guide
Gather the necessary natural ingredients
You do not need to use harsh chemicals to clean your washing machine. Several natural ingredients are pretty effective and are readily available. The ingredients that we will be using to clean a top-loading washing machine are baking soda, white vinegar, and essential oils.
Preparation before cleaning
Before you start cleaning your washing machine, ensure that you have turned off the power. It’s best to unplug the machine from the electrical outlet to prevent any accidents. Next, remove any clothes and accessories from the washer. Check the pockets of clothes to ensure no small objects get caught and damage the machine during the cleaning process.
Detailed steps to clean the washing machine
First, fill the washing machine with hot water. Add a cup of baking soda to the water and allow the machine to agitate the water and distribute the baking soda inside. The baking soda helps to remove odors and mildew from your washer. Once the baking soda has had time to mix in with the hot water, add two cups of white vinegar to the water. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant, and it can remove soap scum and dirt buildup in your washing machine. Allow the machine to agitate again to mix the vinegar with the water. After a few minutes of agitation, pause the washer and leave the solution in there for at least an hour. After an hour, continue the cycle, allowing the machine to complete the wash cycle.
After the washing cycle is complete, wipe down the inside of the washing machine with a clean cloth or sponge. Pay attention to the crevices and the surfaces around the door. Be thorough and ensure all the dirt and grime has been removed. If you notice any buildup or stains around the seal, use an old toothbrush dipped in the vinegar solution to scrub the area. Once you’ve finished wiping and scrubbing, rinse the inside of the washing machine with warm water to remove any remaining vinegar and baking soda mixture.
Safety precautions to be taken
While natural ingredients are safe to use, it is always important to take safety precautions. Always wear gloves when handling vinegar or any cleaning solution. Also, remember to ventilate the room since vinegar has a strong smell and can cause eye and respiratory irritation. Finally, do not put any cleaning products directly into the soap dispenser. Instead, pour the cleaning solution directly into the washing machine.
Video Tutorial
Introduction to the video tutorial
If you are a visual learner, here is a step-by-step video tutorial on how to clean a top-loading washing machine. In the video, you will learn specific tips on how to clean the washing machine without any harmful chemicals.
Demonstration of how to clean a top-loading washing machine
Begin by turning the washing machine to the hottest temperature setting. Add two cups of vinegar to the washer and allow it to run for a minute to combine the vinegar and water. Next, add half a cup of baking soda. Run the machine for another minute with the lid open. This time, allow the baking soda to mix with the vinegar and water. After that, push down the lid and let the machine run for another 30 minutes. After that, open the lid and let the solution sit for a while to soak up into the tub. Next, scrub the inside of the washer with a brush, specifically around the agitator. This is where most of the dirt builds up. Open the lid again and let the machine cycle through again. Finally, clean out the fabric softener and bleach dispensers by using hot water and a small brush.
Cleaning supplies needed
The cleaning supplies needed in the video tutorial are baking soda, white vinegar, and a scrub brush.
Additional tips
A few extra tips shared in the video tutorial include using a clean cloth to wipe down the control knobs and the top of the machine, and cleaning the outside of the washer with warm soapy water.
Expert Advice
Tips on how to efficiently clean a top-loading washing machine
We asked two appliance repair experts, and they both agreed on similar tips for cleaning a top-loading washing machine:
- Perform a deep cleaning of your washing machine every six months
- Leave the washing machine lid open after each use to let the wash tub dry out
- Use the recommended amount of detergent to prevent a buildup of residue in the washer
- Run hot water through the washer once a week to help break down any buildup
Tips on maintaining it for long term use
According to experts, maintaining your washing machine in good condition will help it last longer. Here are some tips:
- Clean the lint filter regularly to prevent blockages and increase the drying efficiency
- Do not overload the washer as this puts a lot of pressure on the motor and reduces the performance of the machine
- Check and replace the hoses every five years and ensure that they are properly connected to prevent leaks that can cause damage to the machine
Expert thoughts on the effectiveness of natural ingredients
We spoke to a green cleaning expert, and she says that natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda can be very effective in cleaning a washing machine. They are safe to use and environmentally friendly. However, she does not recommend using natural ingredients for severe cases of mold and mildew. Instead, she suggests using a commercial cleaner specifically made for those types of situations.
Professional opinion on using regular cleaning products
We reached out to a professional cleaner to ask whether using regular cleaning products are appropriate for washing machine cleaning. She said that regular cleaning products can be effective at removing buildup and mold in washing machines, but she recommends reading the labels and making sure the cleaning product is safe to use on imitation material parts of the machine.
Product Reviews
Introduction to the product review section
We reviewed the top-rated washing machine cleaners and disinfectants that are available on the market. Here’s what we found.
Top-rated washing machine cleaners and disinfectants
- Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner
- OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters
- Tide Washing Machine Cleaner
- Clorox Washing Machine Cleaner
Pros and cons of each product
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner is a fast and efficient way to clean the inside of your washing machine. People love that it has no scent and doesn’t irritate allergies. However, it’s only effective on mildew and odor. OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters is an excellent choice for those with a stinky washing machine. It’s effortless to use, but some people complain about its high price. Tide Washing Machine Cleaner excels at removing mineral buildup and deposits. It’s a little bit pricier when compared to other options, but it’s worth it for those with hard water. Finally, Clorox Washing Machine Cleaner is affordable and powerful. However, it’s not a good choice for those with allergies and can cause respiratory issues.
Recommendation based on the review
After assessing all the options, we recommend using Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner. It’s a great product, easy to use, and highly effective against mildew and odor. It’s also cost-effective and safe for those with allergies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Introduction to the common mistakes section
We’ll tell you about some common mistakes people make when cleaning their washing machines.
Common cleaning mistakes people make
- Not cleaning the washer regularly enough
- Not using the correct amount of detergent
- Overloading the washer with clothes
- Using too much cleaner in the machine
- Not leaving the lid open to let the machine dry after use
Tips on how to avoid those mistakes
- Schedule a deep cleaning every six months so that you don’t forget
- Use the recommended amount of detergent for your washer
- Avoid overloading your washer and damaging the motor.
- Use the right amount of cleaner so that you don’t damage the washing machine
- Leave the washer lid open after use to prevent mold and mildew buildup
How Often to Clean
Introduction to the frequency of cleaning section
Cleaning your washing machine regularly is vital to its upkeep and performance. Here’s everything you need to know about how often you should clean your machine.
Factors that affect the cleanliness of the washing machine
Several factors can determine how frequently you should clean your washing machine. These include how often you use the machine, how much detergent you use, and the hardness of the water in your area.
Recommended frequency of cleaning
We recommend deep-cleaning your washing machine every six months. If you notice some issues, such as odors or stains, increase the frequency of cleaning to once every three months.
Tips to maintain cleanliness
- Using hot water when doing laundry can help to reduce the buildup of dirt and scum in the machine.
- Make sure to use the recommended amount of detergent to prevent buildup and residue in the machine.
- Leave the lid of your machine open after use so the washing machine can dry out and prevent mildew and mold buildup.
Conclusion
Recap of the importance of cleaning a top-loading washing machine
Cleaning your washing machine is crucial to maintain its longevity and performance. A cleaning cycle will help to remove dirt, bacteria, and buildup in your machine. It is particularly important if you have a top-loading washing machine since the standing water can attract bacteria and promote mold growth.
Final thoughts on the effectiveness of natural cleaners
Natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar can be highly effective in cleaning your washing machine, as long as you use them properly. These environmentally-friendly ingredients are safe for you and your household, and they are readily available in most homes.
Additional tips for maintaining a clean washing machine
Remember to check and clean the lint filter and to avoid overloading the machine. Also, be sure to keep the hoses connected tightly and check them regularly for any leaks or damages.
Call to action to try out the tips and products mentioned in the article
Now that you have all the tips and information on how to keep your washing machine clean, it’s time to put them into action. Try out the natural cleaning solution with baking soda and vinegar, or you could use a commercial cleaner that we recommended. Keeping your washing machine in tip-top condition not only ensures that it works efficiently but also prolongs the life of the machine.
