If you are like most homeowners, you rely on your washing machine to keep up with your laundry chores. While this unit can make life more manageable, it needs proper maintenance just like any other appliance in your home. For instance, if you catch a whiff of a musty smell in your washer’s drum or clothing, you should automatically know that your washer is dirty and needs cleaning right away to function well.
Other than the odour, the leftover detergent, soil, and fabric softener stick to the washtub, dispenser, and other inner parts and get deposited on the clothing, leaving stains. Mould and mildew also form on the door gasket when water puddles in that area. Due to all these issues, it’s vital to deep clean the washing machine monthly. You can get your washing machine cleaned by getting an NDIS cleaning company in Sydney.
What’s the Importance of Washing Machine Cleaning in Sydney?
If you have never cleaned your washer before, you could be wondering why it’s vital to clean your washer regularly.
Well, the detergents, minerals, and soap residue chemicals can quickly get into the unit and form a film that can trap bacteria. Over time, it blocks the inner mechanisms, making it difficult for the detergent to remove dirt or water to get hot. The film is also an ideal breeding spot for bacteria and will trap odour particles that come off on the clothing.
How Do You Clean the Washing Machine in Sydney?
Unlike what most people think, washing machine cleaning in Sydney is a pretty simple task, but you need to know how it’s done. People often opt to use bleach, but this can be toxic and block drainage systems. The most reliable, affordable, and eco-friendly way to keep your washer clean is to use white vinegar.
This product can sanitize and disinfect the unit, and its acidity will remove any residue building up in various areas. Even as it drains, it will clean the inside of the piping system too.
White vinegar is also known for its deodorizing properties, making it easy to eliminate foul odours in the basin and system. You may also add baking soda to the vinegar to remove soap residue on the washer and neutralize smells. Both work in accord to offer you the best results.
Well, whether you have a top-load washing machine or a front-loader, we’ve got the best tips to keep your washing machine clean and sparkling.
Top-Loader Cleaning Directions
To clean your top loader properly, you will need to follow these directions:
Start by setting your unit to run for the biggest load with the hottest setting, and let the hot water run without any detergent or clothes. Add three cups of white vinegar to the drum and fill it with water. This will allow the vinegar to mix with the water. As soon as the basin is full, agitate it for one or two minutes and turn it off.
Add some baking soda (preferably half a cup) and start the unit for two more minutes. Allow the hot water, vinegar, and baking soda to sit in the drum for two hours without letting the machine run.
After two hours, you can start it up again to allow the unit to finish the cycle. Then, drain the hot solution. Wipe the top with a sponge and also remove the scum ring under the rim with a sponge dipped in a water/vinegar solution.
Finally, run another hot water cycle without adding baking soda or vinegar this time. This is done to rinse out everything and kill any leftover bacteria that might have come loose in the initial cycle. Clean the inside with a clean cloth after draining the hot water.
Front-loader Cleaning Directions
Begin by cleaning the gasket, as it’s often filled with goop and hair. To do this correctly, you will need to spray some water-vinegar mixture and baking soda on a sponge or rag and rub the area thoroughly.
Then, sprinkle a half cup of baking soda into the drum before adding three cups of white vinegar. Run the unit on the hottest setting for the most extended duration (as you would do with the largest load).
Once you drain the solution, be sure to run another plain hot water cycle to rinse the machine and kill any leftover bacteria. Drain the water and wipe the drum using a clean cloth. By now, the inside of your washer will smell fresh and appear smooth.
Additional Cleaning Directions
Most people forget about cleaning the outside areas of a washer, but this is a big mistake. This is especially true if you like placing clean clothes on the top of the washer as they will get soiled with dust particles and bacteria. Even the detergent dispensers get sticky and clogged, meaning you’ll be cleaning your clothes with detergent filled with bacteria and germs.
Place an old piece of cloth in a mixture of water and white vinegar in a ratio of 2:1 (cups), respectively. Use the material to wipe the doors, knobs, dispensers, and the top of the unit. Get a toothbrush to scrub the hard-to-reach areas.
Quick Tips to Keep the Washer Clean and Fresh in Sydney
Although you need to clean your washing machine every month, it’s important to ensure it stays clean and fresh for longer. Here are some simple tips to follow after washing machine cleaning if you want to prevent bacteria growth Knowing how to remove limescale is essential. If left neglected for a long time, it can cause appliances to get heavily stained.
- Avoid Overfilling the Machine
If you have limited time to do your laundry, you could be tempted to overload your machine with large laundry loads. This overworks the washer and traps and clogs the pipes and drain system.
- Remove the Clothes from the Washer Immediately After Washing
Allowing the clothes to sit in the machine for long after washing promotes bacteria growth since the clothes are crammed in a humid environment. Once you forget to move the clothes for too long, you should run a second cycle and dry the clothes.
- Let the Lid and Door Stay Open
Every time you use the washing machine and remove the clothes, you should leave the cover and door open for a while. This prevents the growth of mould, mildew, and bacteria.
Now you are well-equipped to clean your washing machine, so be sure to adhere to the schedule so that the unit can function effectively for longer.
About the Author
Stephen Matthews
Hi, my name is Steve. I have been working as a Regional Operations Manager in Sydney Clean Group for almost four years now and manage a team of 10. I have more than three decades of experience in the commercial cleaning industry. My responsibilities include the day-to-day management of cleaning operations, planning, online quotation to clients, managing cleaners’ performance, collecting clients' feedback, and ensuring proper & regular maintenance of cleaning equipment. Get in touch for a quick chat about your cleaning needs.
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