Cleaning the Washing Machine and Dryer

We tend to forget that appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers themselves need to be cleaned separately, considering the fact that they are filled with soapy water on a regular basis. We have outlined easy steps to clean the washing machine and dryer but please be sure to read your appliance manual first to learn if there are certain cleaning procedures or products that will best maintain these machines.

Top Loading Washing Machine

• Fill the washer using the settings for the hottest water and largest and longest load size.
• As the water is filling, add four cups of white vinegar, or bleach if you prefer.
• Add a cup of baking soda and close the lid. Let the water agitate for several minutes.
• Open the lid and let the water soak for an hour.
• While it’s soaking, take off any removable parts and soak them too. Use a toothbrush to scrub the top of the agitator and any hard to reach places around the lid and rim of the washer.
• Thoroughly dry and replace any parts you removed.
• When the hour is up, close the lid and let the cycle finish.
• Wash once more with hot water and vinegar to remove any remaining residue.

High Efficiency Front Loading Washing Machine

• Select the hot water setting or white/stain cycle
• Select the extra rinse feature if your washer has it
• Add ¾ cup of white vinegar or bleach into the bleach dispenser
• Let the cycle run and select a 2nd rinse cycle or run again
• Wash the detergent, bleach, and fabric softener dispensers in warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry before replacing.
• Be sure to wipe the rubber door seal to remove any moisture and mildew build up. You can use a cleaning cloth or cloth with vinegar. Dry thoroughly
• Make it a habit of running the self-cleaning option once a week to prevent your machine from obtaining an odor and leave the door open to dry after each cycle

Clothes Dryer
As we have written about before, it is important to clean the lint trap beyond simply wiping away the lint to remove oil, dirt, and build up from dyer sheets

• Clean the lint trap and around the vent with a dry cloth and wash with soap and water
• Use the vacuum cleaner’s hose attachment to remove any remaining lint
• Wipe the inside of the drum with a damp cloth
• If you are able to lift the top of the dryer, vacuum around the drum and around the vent in the back