Why Bother Cleaning Your Washing Machine?
Let’s be real—washing machines get dirty too. That funky smell, residue buildup, or worse, moldy slime lurking inside your washer’s drum, isn’t just gross; it can make your laundry less fresh and affect machine performance. Keeping your washing machine squeaky clean isn’t a luxury—it’s a laundry necessity.
Types of Washing Machine Cleaners: Choose Your Weapon Wisely
When it comes to cleaning your washer, not all cleaners come in equal doses—or formats. You’ve got options:
- Liquid Cleaners: Usually poured into the detergent drawer.
- Cleaning Tablets: Designed to dissolve during a wash cycle, targeting grime inside the drum and hoses.
- Household Ingredients: Vinegar and bleach (yes, bleach!) are old-school hacks for sanitizing machines.
Picking the right cleaner and dosage depends on your machine type and cleaner brand. Let’s break it down by type with a wink and a nudge.
Liquid Washing Machine Cleaners: 250ml Magic Dose
Most liquid washing machine cleaners recommend using about 250 ml, roughly one cup. Brands like Dettol’s Washing Machine Cleaner swear by this quantity. Simply pour it into the detergent drawer—yes, that same one where your detergent goes—and run an empty cycle on the hottest setting your machine can handle.
Pro tip: Skip the laundry detergent when running the cleaner—your machine deserves a no-interference cleaning fiesta.
Cleaning Tablets: Just One Does The Trick
Tablet-based cleaners like affresh or Active make it almost too easy. You usually only need to toss one tablet directly into the drum and run a cleaning or hot water cycle with an empty machine.
These tablets fizz away limescale, detergent buildup, and other scaries inside your washer’s guts like agitators and hoses.
Bleach and Vinegar: Grandma’s Dirty Little Secrets
Ah, the classics. For a solid sanitizing session, pour approximately one cup (250 ml) of chlorine bleach directly into the washer drum and set a hot water cycle. Be cautious: never mix bleach with other cleaning agents to avoid noxious fumes.
Vinegar is the gentler cousin—mix one cup vinegar with one cup water, pour into the drum or dispenser, and run hot water. It’s great for dissolving mineral deposits and deodorizing.
How Often Should You Use That Cleaner?
Regular maintenance keeps your washer happy and your clothes fresher. Most experts recommend running a cleaning cycle with the cleaner every 30 washes or about once a month, whichever comes first. If you’ve been ignoring your washer’s hygiene for a while, start with a deep clean and then stick to the monthly schedule.
Step-by-Step Guide: Cleaning Cycle Like a Boss
- Empty the washing machine—no laundry allowed during cleaning.
- Add the recommended amount of cleaner (250 ml liquid or 1 tablet) to the appropriate place (drawer or drum).
- Choose the hottest water cycle or a dedicated “clean washer” cycle if your machine has one (LG machines often have this feature according to LG).
- Run the cycle and wait for it to finish its magic.
- Wipe down the inside door seal and detergent drawer afterward to catch any leftover grime or moisture.
Common Questions Answers — Because Curiosity Killed the Washing Machine
Can I use too much washing machine cleaner?
Yes, and yes you can. More doesn’t always mean better here. Using too much cleaner can cause excessive foaming, potentially damaging the machine and leaving residues. Stick to the manufacturer’s recommended dose.
Is it safe to use household bleach for cleaning the washer?
Mostly yes, but cautiously. Bleach is effective for sanitation but can be harsh if used too often or mixed with other chemicals. Always follow your washer manufacturer’s guidelines.
Do front-load and top-load washers need different amounts?
Generally, no. The dosage usually stays the same across machine types, but always check your cleaner’s package and your washer’s manual for specific directions. For front-load washers, cleaner tablets typically go inside the drum, not the dispenser.
Can I use vinegar instead of commercial washer cleaner?
Vinegar is a popular natural alternative for mild cleaning and deodorizing but may not remove heavy detergent buildup or built-up grime as effectively as commercial cleaners according to Whirlpool. Use vinegar monthly for routine freshness and commercial products quarterly for deep cleaning.
Where to Buy Washing Machine Cleaner (Because We Got You)
Ready to get your hands on some cleaner without trekking to a store? Grab some tried-and-tested options here:
Keep Your Washing Machine In Shape
Remember, a well-maintained washer means better laundry results, longer machine life, and less funky smells. Adding a cleaning routine to your home care checklist is not just smart, it’s essential. You can also check out related tips like the right amount of vinegar in a front-load washing machine if you’re leaning towards natural cleaning hacks.
So, next time you grab your washing machine cleaner, remember: less is more, follow those instructions, and your washer will thank you by keeping your clothes as glorious as ever.