How to clean a washing machine: step-by-step instructions

A washing machine is a piece of household equipment that we often use. But we remember that it needs to clean only when we feel an unpleasant smell from the drum and washed things. However, you must do this at least once every six months.

How to extend the life of a washing machine and protect it from old dirt, stale smell, mould and other unpleasant consequences - we tell in our article.

1. Why clean your washing machine
2. Calcification
3. Mould cleaning
4. Dirt cleaning
5. Odour removal

Why clean your washing machine

After use, dirt, threads, hair, and wool can accumulate inside the machine - everything on the clothes in the drum. If the detergent is used improperly, soap residues, minerals, and excess foam also settle inside over time. They form a thin film and clog mechanisms. That reduces the washing efficiency and creates an unpleasant odour that can permeate the clothes. In addition, washing machines are usually humid and warm - an ideal environment for the growth and spread of bacteria and black mould, and scale builds up on the heating elements. Other sources of contamination can be salt and rust in the water, earth or sand in the inlet hose or small items that have entered the drain pump filter.

The insidiousness of such pollution is that before the appearance of any malfunctions, they do not make themselves felt. Outside, you can wipe the machine with a rag, and internal blockages are hidden. Therefore, to take preventive measures, avoid subsequent problems and increase the shelf life of the household appliance, it is best to clean it once every four months. If it is operated frequently, then once a month. Also, pay attention to this procedure if pets and a lot of wool are on the clothes.

How to descale a washing machine

A tubular electric heater (TEH) inside the machine heats the water to the desired temperature. After washing, it remains plaque in the form of salt deposits. Not removing it can lead to serious damage to the heater and shorten the machine's life. That is one of the most common problems that can prevent with regular cleanings. You can carry out this procedure yourself at home.

You will need the following:

1. lemon acid,
2. acetic acid,
3. baking soda,
4. bleach,
5. special store-bought descaling agents.

Organic and inorganic acids - citric and acetic - effectively dissolve salt and mineral deposits and are quite easy to use. How to remove the scale with them?

1. Remove plaque and rinse the detergent tray.
2. Take 3 teaspoons of soda and 150 grams of citric acid.
3. Mix thoroughly.
4. Pour into a tray.
5. Turn on the empty machine and set to the program with the highest temperature.
6. After washing is finished, run the extra rinse cycle to wash away the remaining soda and acid completely.
7. Leave the door open until the drum is completely dry.

To further prevent scale formation, you can install a filter that softens the water. And also, together with washing powder, use special store products that protect the heater from plaque.

How to clean mould from washing machine

The presence of mould in a car is only sometimes obvious since, most of the time. It appears in secluded places. First, pay attention to the rubber rim in the tank - it is in these folds that mould forms most often. Alscan finds it on its surfaces if you only wash the powder tray briefly and use aggressive chemicals. Mould formation is facilitated by frequent washing at low and medium temperatures, which do not kill the fungus and create favourable conditions for it to multiply.

A characteristic stale smell also indicates the presence of mould. However, sometimes ordinary dirt is mistaken for it: they differ in that the mould is located randomly, and the dirt is clogged in the recesses.

To get rid of mould, you will need the following:

1. Sponge,
2. Toothbrush,
3. Soda,
4. Copper sulphate solution,
5. Rubber gloves.

Do not use acid or bleach when cleaning rubber parts because the rubber can become hard and will have to be changed.

1. Take a container in which you will prepare the solution,
2. Pour 50 grams of copper sulfate powder,
3. Dissolve in 5 litres of water,
4. Wear rubber gloves because blue vitriol is a poisonous substance and should not get on exposed areas of the body,
5. Take a toothbrush or sponge and treat mouldy surfaces,
6. Pour the rest into the drum and turn on the high-temperature program,
7. After the machine has finished washing, turn on the extra rinse cycle to completely wash off the traces of the solution,
8. Leave the door open until the drum is completely dry.

How to clean a washing machine from dirt

It is best to carry out this preventive procedure at least once every few months to avoid serious contamination.

For this, you will need the following:

1. Vinegar,
2. Baking soda,
3. Atomizer,
4. Microfiber cloth,
5. Toothbrush,
6. Gloves,
7. Cable with a brush,
8. Flashlight.

It will be necessary to carry out a comprehensive cleaning of the device both inside and out.

1. Put on gloves.
2. Take white vinegar, pour it into a spray bottle and spray it all over the inside of the drum.
3. Then wipe it off with a microfiber cloth. White vinegar is one of the best cleaners that easily removes soap suds, powder residue, build-up, hard water stains, grease, and other contaminants.
4. Treat the rubber cuff with a vinegar solution. If there is old dirt, rub it with a toothbrush dipped in the solution.
5. Spray vinegar on a microfiber cloth and wipe down the control panel.
6. Often the cause of an unpleasant odour lies in the drain hose, which also needs to be cleaned. Put a rag or container under it, disconnect the device from electricity, and turn the water off. After the drain hose removes, inspect it with a flashlight. Then take a thin cable with a soft brush at the end and, scrolling, move inward. After this procedure, rinse it with water.
7. To remove small items that remain in the machine after washing, it is necessary to rinse the filter. Usually, it is located in the front, on the bottom panel, and hidden by a cover or plug. Before opening it, place a cloth on the floor, as residual water may leak out. Then unscrew the cap, and remove all dirt and debris from the filter. Wash the filter itself together with detergent under running water. After that, it can be returned to its place and closed with a lid.
8. Remember the tray for powder and conditioner. Take it out of the washing machine and wash it under water with any detergent, carefully freeing it from old deposits. If they do not rub off the first time, the container can be soaked and left for several hours. You can also use a toothbrush in places inconvenient for manual cleaning.
9. Finish cleaning the machine with a disinfectant wash. Add 4 tablespoons of citric acid to the powder tray and start the program at high temperatures. When finished, repeat the procedure without adding chemicals to wash away their residues.
10. After that, leave the hatch open until completely dry.

How to clean a washing machine from the smell

There can be many reasons for bad breath in your car. One of the most common mistakes is storing dirty laundry in it. As a result, the tank ventilates not ventilated, dirt accumulates, and because it is warm and damp inside, bacteria multiply and increase the smell.

Also, this situation is badly affected by the economical washing mode, which does not destroy microorganisms.

Too much detergent and overloading the machine with clothes during washing is also harmful because chemicals accumulate on different parts and start to smell. The clothes do not stretch to the end. It is better to run an additional wash and carefully study the instructions for the powders on the packages. In addition, excess soap sludge encourages the growth of mould and mildew, which affect odour.

Limescale, a clogged filter and a drain hose play an equally important role.

But if the problem is outside the sewer itself, which only a professional will solve, you can eliminate the rest of the reasons alone.

The best way to deal with the smell is regular service washing with vinegar, citric acid, soda or special products. It is also necessary to always open the hatch after washing and keep the drum and parts dry once every few months to thoroughly clean the machine and wash at high temperatures.