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18
Spring Cleaning 101: How to Clean Your Washing Machine
You might think that because you use detergent with every load of laundry in your washing machine, it stays clean. That's not the case, though.
Soap residue, minerals, and laundry soils can build up, and your washer can develop a musty smell or even start to grow mold and mildew. That's why you should add cleaning your washing machine to your spring cleaning routine and make it a habit throughout the year. It doesn't take many supplies or much effort to get the results you need, so it's a great task to put at the top of your spring cleaning checklist.
Don't overlook this spring cleaning task! Our real estate agents recommend cleaning your washing machine using the following steps:
For top-loading washers
Remove the detergent and fabric softener dispensers and wash them using warm soapy water. Fill your empty washing machine with hot water and stop the cycle before adding a cup of bleach. Let the bleach and water sit for an hour and then run a long cleaning cycle.
After the first cycle is finished, refill the washer with hot water and stop the cycle once again. This time, add two cups of vinegar and run it through another long cleaning cycle. Run a hot water cycle one last time with nothing additional added.
For front-loading washers
Front-loading washers can be cleaned by running it on its largest and hottest setting. Add a cup of bleach in the dispenser and when the cycle is finished, do the same thing but add two cups of vinegar instead of the bleach. Finish with a hot cycle with nothing added.
The first steps are very similar to the way you'd clean a top-loading washer, but you'll need to take extra care with the door seal if you have a front-loading washer. Water, dirt, and grime can get trapped in the seal's folds, leaving a musty smell or causing mold or mildew to grow. To clean it, use a bleach solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. Dip a toothbrush in the mixture and use it to clean all the folds thoroughly.
To help prevent the seal from getting dirty, don't leave wet clothes in your washer any longer than necessary, and leave the door open when you're not using your washer - as long as you don't have pets or small children who could climb in and accidentally shut the door).
Contact us to learn about more spring cleaning tips that can make your home fresher and brighter. If you're interested in selling your home or looking at Augusta homes for sale, we can help!