ADVERTISEMENT
**Keeping Your Washing Machine’s Interior Clean: A Step-by-Step Guide**
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of keeping your washing machine’s interior sparkling clean. Whether you have a top-loader or front-loader, these tips will work for any machine!
### Why Clean Your Washing Machine?
1. **Eliminate Odors**: Mildew, mold, and bacteria can thrive in the warm, moist environment of your washing machine, leading to musty smells. Regular cleaning will prevent these odors from transferring onto your clothes.
2. **Improve Efficiency**: A build-up of detergent residue, lint, and grime can cause your washing machine to work harder, leading to inefficiency and even breakdowns. Cleaning the drum and parts of the machine will ensure everything runs smoothly.
### How to Clean a Washing Machine’s Interior
#### 1. **Clean the Drum**
– **For Top-Loading Machines**:
– Fill the drum with hot water. You can do this by starting a wash cycle and then pausing it when the tub is full.
– Add **two cups of white vinegar** (which acts as a natural disinfectant) and let the machine agitate for a few minutes to mix the vinegar in the water.
– Let the machine sit for **30 minutes to an hour** to allow the vinegar to break down any grime or bacteria.
– After the waiting period, restart the cycle and allow it to complete.
– **For Front-Loading Machines**:
– Run a **hot water cycle** with no laundry inside.
– Add **2 cups of white vinegar** to the drum to help remove any residue and disinfect the interior.
– If your machine has a “clean washer” cycle, use that setting, as it’s specifically designed to clean the drum and eliminate odors.
Over time, soap and fabric softener can build up in the dispensers, leading to mold growth and unpleasant odors. Here’s how to clean them:
– **For Top-Loading Machines**:
– Remove the soap and fabric softener dispensers and soak them in warm, soapy water. Scrub them gently with a soft brush to remove any gunk or residue.