Why Bother Using Washing Machine Cleaner Liquid?
Let’s be real: washing machines get dirty. You toss in your clothes, add detergent, and hope for the best. But over time, residue from detergent, fabric softener, dirt, and mold can build up inside your washer drum and seals. It’s like the laundry equivalent of that forgotten sock stuck in your bed sheets—gross but inevitable.
Using a washing machine cleaner liquid is the secret weapon to combat these nasty buildups, ensuring your machine stays fresh and your laundry actually smells clean. If you skip this step, you might find your clothes coming out smelling less than fresh, or worse, you could start dealing with mold and mildew inside your washer.
Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through the foolproof way to use washing machine cleaner liquid to keep your washer in tip-top shape.
Step 1: Empty the Washer Drum—No Excuses
Before you start any cleaning ritual, make absolutely sure your washing machine is completely empty. That means no sneaky socks or underwear hiding in corners or in the drum. We want that cleaner liquid to do its magic without any interference.
If you’re dealing with a front-loading washer or a top loader, this step is the same — an empty drum is a clean drum’s best friend.
Step 2: Pour in the Washing Machine Cleaner Liquid Correctly
Now comes the liquid gold—the cleaner liquid itself. Here’s the kicker: every brand might have slightly different instructions, but the general rule is to pour the recommended amount of cleaner into your detergent dispenser drawer. If your machine’s manual or the product says you can also pour it directly into the drum, go ahead. Otherwise, stick to the dispenser to avoid any mess.
For example, Affresh recommends tablets, but the liquid alternatives often follow this rule. Overfilling the dispenser doesn’t mean extra cleaning power, it usually just makes a mess.
Step 3: Run the Appropriate Cleaning Cycle
Here’s where many people go wrong: not choosing the right cycle. To maximize cleaning impact, select the hottest and longest cycle on your washing machine. Some modern machines have a dedicated “Clean Washer” cycle. If yours does, that’s your go-to. If not, pick the longest normal or heavy-duty cycle and use hot water.
Why hot water? Because it helps dissolve residue and kills those sneaky mold spores lurking inside your washer. Cold water might save energy, but it’s not the MVP for cleaning.
If you want to get fancy, you can do a second run if your machine is feeling especially grimy. There’s no shame in a deep clean once in a while!
Step 4: Wipe Away Residue and Dry It Out
Once the cycle finishes, don’t just close the door and call it a day. Grab a clean cloth and wipe the inside of the drum and the rubber gaskets around the door. You’ll often find some sticky residue or lint that didn’t wash away.
Doing this keeps mold and mildew from taking residence inside your washing machine door seals, which can cause odors.
After wiping, leave the door or lid open to air out the inside. This simple step is a game-changer for keeping your washing machine smelling fresh between cleanings, as noted by Tide’s washer care tips.
Extra Tips: When to Clean and What to Avoid
Cleaning your washing machine isn’t a one-and-done deal. Experts generally recommend a monthly cleaning routine or after every 30 cycles if you’re a laundry warrior. If you notice funky smells, buildup, or residue around the drum or seals, it’s definitely time to run a cleaning cycle.
Avoid mixing bleach and washing machine cleaner liquid unless the product specifically says it’s safe. Combining chemicals can damage your machine or be hazardous.
How Does Cleaner Liquid Compare with Tablets and Powders?
Sure, there are cleaner tablets and powders on the market too. Tablets like Affresh® are designed to dissolve slowly during the cleaning cycle, focusing mainly on removing odor-causing residue. Powders might offer stronger scrubbing action but can sometimes leave particles behind if not fully dissolved.
Liquid cleaners cover all the bases by spreading evenly and acting quickly. They’re fantastic for front loaders, top loaders, and everything in between. For a detailed guide on using different detergent types, check out how to use specific products wisely, such as the Top Load Washing Machine Cleaning Powder Like a Pro post.
Affiliate Picks: Which Washing Machine Cleaner Liquid to Get?
If you’re ready to give your washing machine the spa treatment it deserves, here are some affiliate links to trusted washing machine cleaner liquids:
Buy washing machine cleaner liquid in India
Buy washing machine cleaner liquid globally, including USA
Investing a little time and the right cleaner can save you from costly repairs like a worn-out drum bearing (learn how in Washing Machine Bearing: How to Fix and Replace It Like a Pro), so it’s worth the effort.
In Summary: Fresh Machines, Fresh Laundry
There you have it—a friendly guide to using washing machine cleaner liquid that makes sense without the technician jargon or complicated hacks. Keep your machine clean, ditch the odors, and enjoy laundry day again.
As a bonus, explore more expert tips on washing machine care to get the most out of your appliance and extend its lifespan.