Cleaning your washing machine not only helps ensure you’re actually cleaning your clothes in a clean environment, it also helps the longevity of your machine. If you don’t clean your washing machine it can leave unsightly marks on your laundry that need washing again – leading you to also waste money and electricity. If you are struggling with how to clean your washing machine, grab your trusty Marigold Extra Life Kitchen Gloves and follow our Marigold magic hacks and tricks …
Bad smells and odours can often build up in your washing machine due to the moisture and debris build up.
To prevent bad smells from occurring, leave your washing machine door and detergent compartment open when you’re not using it. This allows the drum to have some air-flow so it can fully dry out, preventing moisture build up. Ensure clothes pockets are empty, so no large items can damage the washing machine drum or cause blockages. You can also run your machine on an empty hot*** cycle every month for maintenance. This should be a minimum of 600C*** with a bleach-containing detergent****.
White vinegar* and bicarbonate of soda** are generally the best natural ingredients for eliminating bad smells and odours from your washing machine.* The baking soda** is extremely absorbent, it binds to acidic odours and nuetralises them, whilst the white vinegar* has acidic properties that react and dissolve odours. Continue reading to find out how to clean your machine with these two, natural ingredients…
Step 1: Pour 2 full cups of white vinegar* and half a cup of bicarbonate of soda** into the washing machine drum
Step 2: Put it on a standard wash cycle that has a hot water setting***. Mid cycle, press the pause button and allow it soak for 30 minutes
Step 3: Once the 30 minutes are up, press play and let the machine finish it’s cycle
Step 4: Use a damp microfibre cloth, such as the Marigold Let It Shine Cloths, to wipe down inside the machine, don’t forget to wipe down the rubber rim!
Step 5: Finish with a quick wipe down with a dry cloth to buff the surfaces
This natural cleaning method will help remove debris and odours from your washing machine. If you are still not satisfied with the results, you can try the same process again with either bleach or your desired washing machine cleaner****. You should only need to complete this process every 6 months in order to maintain a hygienic and efficient washing machine. You can then follow the washing machine maintenance checklist below to ensure your machine is spotless, always ready to use and functions efficiently.
Run an empty hot cycle every month to give your machine a quick clean
Remove and wash the detergent drawer every month - the detergent drawer gathers left over detergent powder and liquids which can get very sticky and sometimes mouldy. You can do this by either popping it in the dishwasher or scrubbing it by hand with dish soap and the Marigold Non-Scratch Cleaning Me Softly Scourers
Wipe down the exterior of your washing machine weekly-monthly to ensure it stays sparkling clean on the outside too. Try using the Marigold Squeaky Clean Flexi Microfibre Cloth for streak-free results
Run a white vinegar* and Bicarbonate of soda** solution in a hot*** wash cycle every 3-6 months (see instructions above)
Keep the rubber door seal clean – wipe this down monthly as this area can gather a lot of debris and moisture. If you’ve left it a long time you may need to use bleach***** to remove any mildew.
Clean the filter and pump every six months – refer to your manufacturers guidelines before proceeding with this step. Follow the instructions below if you’re unsure how to clean your washing machine pump filter…
Once you have checked your manufacturers guidelines and are happy to proceed, follow these steps:
Step 1: Turn off and unplug your washing machine.
Step 2: Locate the filter and place a tray, bowl, or towel and place it directly underneath it. This is to collect any leaking water and can get quite wet, so make sure you have back ups to hand.
Step 3: Remove any flaps or panels to access the filter, you can then pull it out or unscrew it.
Step 4: Use a toothbrush and warm water to gently clean the filter and scrub away any dirt.
Step 5: Once it’s clean you can put the filter back where you found it and turn your machine on. Run a quick cycle to test it’s still draining properly.
These steps will not only help you keep your washing machine clean but also helps your washing machines drain properly and work more effectively. If there is low water pressure or difficulties with draining, check and clean the water inlet and outlet. It could be for example that limescale deposits are blocking the filter in the inlet.
Now you have all the tools and tips you need to give your washing machine a deep clean and in effect keeping your clothes cleaner too. Follow our washing machine maintenance to-do list in order to maintain a high performing washing machine. For more tips and tricks, check out our Marigold blogs here. Or shop high-quality cleaning products with Marigold today.
*If using white vinegar to clean, remember never to use on porous stone or ceramic surfaces.
**If using bicarbonate of soda, remember to never use it on aluminum and certain ceramics.
***Use hot water with caution, allow time for the machine to cool before touching inside the drum.
****Refer to your washing machine manufacturers guidelines. Keep bleach out of reach from children.
