Let’s be honest, while our washing machine cleans our clothes almost on a daily basis, we never think of cleaning the machine ever! It is among the most used yet most neglected appliances in a household. But imagine a machine which cleans clothes and removes stains from them, we rarely consider that the machine itself also needs some care. Over time, because of detergent residue, moisture, and mineral deposits, the washer suffers if left ignored for long.But the good news is that it is actually quite easy to clean the machine, without spending on professional service. Just some tips and a little attention, you can improve the health of your machine and improve its performance all by yourself. Here are some expert insights that experienced technicians swear by which will help you understand your machine better.Read on:Why cleaning your washing machine is important
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It’s easy to ignore cleaning your machine which keeps your clothes clean. But remember, your washing machine has an ideal environment for bacteria and mold. Detergent residue, warm temperatures, dirt from fabric and moisture create a perfect setting for bad odors and microbial growth. Front-load machines are more prone to this as moisture gets trapped in rubber seals. On the other hand, top-load machines collect residue under the agitator.So, now you understand why it’s not a good idea to neglect regular cleaning of your machine. Sampat Lal, who runs an appliance service centre in Lucknow, says that a clean machine not only washes better but also consumes less power, water and saves big bucks.How to clean
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Before starting, make sure your machine is unplugged. Also turn off the water supply. Now make a mixture using vinegar, baking soda, mild liquid detergent and soft clothes. Also keep an old toothbrush which you don’t use anymore. Now clean the machine with the mixture.Seema Sharma, who manages a private laundry service in Noida, says, “The life of your washing machine depends on how you maintain it. And the worst part is, the machine ditches people mostly in winters when one needs it even more. From time to time servicing and cleaning it is extremely important, and hence one should make a regular cleaning schedule for the same. But the best part is, you can clean your machine at home. It’s an easy process but you have to be regular with it.”Deep cleaning the drum
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The drum is where all the action happens as most dirt accumulates here only. You can clean the drum by running an empty hot wash cycle with white vinegar. It deep cleans the drum as vinegar dissolves grease and removes odors. Let vinegar sit for some time, then put baking soda which helps remove stubborn residue.Rupesh Mallick, who is a washing machine repairing expert in Noida, recommends using the hottest water setting possible for this maintenance. He says that heat plays an important role in killing bacteria and overall cleaning.The detergent drawer: A source of mold
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Rupesh also mentioned that the detergent drawers are the most unhealthy spaces of the machines. People generally overlook this space, but it is one of the dirtiest parts of the machine as liquid detergent and fabric softener often dry into sticky layers leading to moisture trap. This allows mold to grow.He suggests removing the dispenser tray and keeping it in warm water for sometime. This will allow residue to loosen naturally and eventually remove the mold. You can also scrub with a soft brush. Do this regularly. Rubber Door seal care
The rubber gasket around the front-load door is the worst spot that is a breeding ground for mold. Gently pull back the seal and see yourself the hidden folds. The same vinegar-based solution works well for cleaning this. Always wipe the gasket dry after every wash.Rahul Samuel, who is a work from home IT professional, says his life depends on his washing machine! “My wife goes to the office everyday and I mostly take care of the household as a work from home professional. And washing clothes was a major challenge as it’s a daily thing. So I learned how to run a washing machine along with learning how to take care of my washing machine. Because I simply can’t function without it considering we have two toddlers who create a mess all the time.”How to clean the filter
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Most washing machines come with a drain pump filter. The main object of this filter is to collect hair, threads, coins, and buttons. All you need to do is open the filter compartment and remove the collected debris and trapped water. It is suggested to keep cleaning it every few months. Technicians often say that many “serious” washing machine issues are simply the result of neglected filters.What you can do beyond cleaning
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Beyond cleaning, you can do some basic servicing at home all by yourself. Follow these steps:Inspect water inlet: Keep checking the water inlet hoses as the rubber hoses can harden or crack over time. If you feel it’s time to replace, do it.Experts also recommend running the machine empty on a short cycle.Also keep the exterior clean. Keep wiping regularly.Experts emphasise a few simple habits. It is important to use correct detergent as it can prevent excessive buildup. Also avoid overloading the washer as it harms the machine motor and suspension system. Experts further suggest keeping the door or lid open after each wash allows for sometime. This will allow moisture to escape, reducing mold formation. Common issues and simple solutions
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Continuous smell means trapped moisture or detergent residue and poor drainage means a clogged filter or kinked hose. Excessive vibration usually means the machine is not level or the machine is loaded too much. These small signs allow you to understand your machine and what can be done.When professional help is needed
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Though you can solve these problems, it is important to understand that there are some problems which can’t be solved at home and require trained technicians. Issues like electrical faults, motor failure, or repeated error codes should never be handled at home. These cases require timely professional intervention to prevent further damage.If your washing machine is cleaned and serviced regularly, it will save energy, save money and increase performance. But you need to understand that caring for your washing machine is not just about maintenance, it’s also about protecting one of the most used and most crucial appliances in your home.
