How to Clean and Maintain Your Washing Machine!

Cleaning a washing machine is something many homeowners overlook, but regular maintenance can go a long way in extending the life of your appliance and ensuring it continues to run efficiently. From deodorizing to tackling stubborn buildup, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean and maintain your washing machine so it can continue doing its job for years to come.

Step 1: Clean the Drum with Baking Soda

To start, remove everything from the washing machine. This gives you a clear space to clean thoroughly. Next, create a paste using two parts baking soda and one part water. Baking soda is a natural abrasive, making it perfect for scrubbing away any buildup that might be stuck to the drum. Gently apply the paste inside the drum, using a reusable scrub cloth to scrub the surfaces. Work in a circular motion to ensure you cover all areas, including the bottom and sides.

Once you've finished scrubbing, take an all-purpose microfiber cloth, dampen it with water, and wipe away the baking soda paste. Be sure to give the drum a good wipe to remove as much of the paste as possible, leaving the surface clean and ready for the next step.

Step 2: Use Vinegar and Tea Tree Oil for Deodorizing

The next step is to address any lingering odors and bacteria that might be present in the machine. Pour one cup of white vinegar into the detergent tray, then add 10 drops of tea tree essential oil. The vinegar will break down soap scum and eliminate odors, while the tea tree oil helps combat mold, mildew, and bacteria.

Set the washing machine to its hottest cycle or, if available, the "tub clean" cycle. Let the machine run through its cycle to sanitize and deodorize the interior. This step helps clear out any buildup and freshens up your washing machine.

Step 3: Clean the Washing Machine Gasket

The washing machine gasket, that rubber seal around the door, is one of the most common areas for odor buildup. It’s warm, damp, and often neglected, making it the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria. To clean the gasket, mix equal parts dish soap and vinegar in a bowl and add 10 drops of tea tree oil.

Use a sponge or cloth to apply this solution to both the inside and outside of the gasket. Scrub the areas carefully to remove any mold, soap scum, or bacteria. Once you've scrubbed thoroughly, wipe down the gasket with a microfiber cloth soaked in water to rinse away any remaining solution.

If the gasket is in particularly poor condition and cleaning doesn’t seem to help, it might be time to replace it. Keeping this area clean is essential for maintaining a fresh-smelling washing machine.

Step 4: Clean the Detergent Tray

The detergent tray is another area that often gets neglected. It’s dark, damp, and full of soap residue, which can feed bacteria and mold growth. To clean it, use the same vinegar, dish soap, and tea tree oil solution that you used for the gasket. Apply it to the tray and scrub it thoroughly to remove any buildup.

Alternatively, if you prefer, you can use a store-bought machine cleaner to clean the tray. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. A clean detergent tray will help prevent odors and ensure your washing machine remains fresh.

Step 5: Maintenance Tips for a Fresh Washing Machine

To keep your washing machine in top shape, there are a few simple maintenance habits to incorporate into your routine:

• Leave the doors open: When not in use, leave both the washing machine door and the detergent tray door open. This allows air to circulate, preventing moisture from lingering and creating an environment for bacteria to grow.

• Wipe the inside of the door and gasket after each load: Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the door and gasket after every load of laundry. This removes any soap scum and moisture, which can prevent the buildup of mold and bacteria. Keeping a cloth on top of your washing machine will serve as a reminder to clean after each use.

• Regularly clean the drum: Perform a full cleaning cycle (with baking soda, vinegar, and tea tree oil) once a month to keep the machine running smoothly and smelling fresh.

These small habits can help extend the life of your washing machine and keep it working efficiently for years.

Cleaning and maintaining your washing machine doesn’t have to be a difficult or time-consuming task. With a few simple steps—cleaning the drum, deodorizing with vinegar and tea tree oil, tackling the gasket, and maintaining the detergent tray—you can ensure that your washing machine stays fresh and odor-free. Regular cleaning will not only help maintain the machine's performance but also prevent unpleasant smells and mold buildup.