Washing your washing machine

I realize how funny that sounds but it is also an important step in maintaining your washing machine. I try to do this every 6 months or so but I was looking at my washing machine and realized it had been some time, probably at least a year, since I had done it myself. Prepare to be grossed out because I know I was at how much gunk and grime had accumulated on my washing machine in the year or so since I had cleaned it.



The top of my machine wasn't too yucky since I do wipe that down fairly often with my fur covered friend always walking across it. I was photo bombed by Smoky while taking this picture. It wasn't until I opened up the machine and really looked at it that I was grossed out.



Gross right. Keep in mind that I have well water here, so the tinge of the water is the rust and iron that is always in my water, I don't have a water softener at this time. I took those pics while I was filling it to start the cleaning process, but the gunk around the rim was gross to me, considering I don't use any of the dispensers built into the machine.

I started by filling the machine with the hottest water I could and added 2 cups of straight bleach to the machine. I let it agitate for one minute, then shut it off and let it soak for one hour. I forgot to take pictures of the in between steps, since I broke a part on the washer while I was cleaning it. Never fear, the washer still is functional, but the valve that stops water from going into my washer no longer works so I have to manually shut off the water after it is full and when its not in use. SInce mine is hooked up using a quick release valve on my wash tub, it isn't a major deal to me.

Anyway, after the hour was up, I turned the machine back on and let it run through the longest wash cycle my machine offered. I didn't let it go through a full spin cycle, as there wasn't any clothes in the washer. I filled the machine again, with the hottest water I could again, and added 2 cups of vinegar. I did the same thing with the vinegar as I did the bleach, letting it agitate for one minute, then turning it off and letting it soak for one hour.

While the bleach was in the machine, I took a rag and an old toothbrush I keep for cleaning, and set to work on the machine itself. You can do this during the vinegar stage if you prefer, but I wanted the full disinfecting power of the bleach with as long as it had been since I cleaned my machine. I used the toothbrush to clean the tight areas, or areas that needed a bit more scrubbing, and used the rag to wipe out all the nooks and crannies of the rim, and barrel. I also took apart the fabric softener cup and cleaned that out well.

Here is my clean washing machine.



I do have some rust marks still on the machine that will take a special cleaner to remover, but overall I am happy with how clean the machine is now. I also have a greater confidence in how clean my clothes are when they come out of the washing machine now. I also learned that I use too much laundry soap when I wash my clothes, but that will be in an upcoming post. I have added cleaning my washing machine to my checklist at the beginning of every month to at least wipe out and check, that way it will never get that grimy again. How long has it been since you cleaned your washer?

I used the bleach and vinegar cleaners for two reasons. The first because both items I usually have on hand and are relatively inexpensive if I need to purchase them. The second is that while they sell commercial washing machine cleaners, those things are expensive (I think it was $10 for a box of 5) and with my hard water I would have to use multiple treatments based on the directions on the box. Whichever way you chose to go, it is important that you care for your washing machine so it performs well and lasts a long time.

Happy washing

Danielle