It can be a challenge to keep the washer clean. Over time, mold and mildew can build up on the rubber gasket, which is what seals the lid and prevents moisture from getting into the machine. Keeping things clean also helps extend the life of your appliance by reducing its exposure to damaging humidity. Here are some tips for cleaning your washer and extending its life.
Plan ahead
Some cleaning can be done on the fly, but you’ll get better results if you plan to give your washer a thorough cleaning. Start by checking the cleaning instructions for your machine. Some models may have cleaning instructions in the manual, or online. If not, you can also find instructions online. Next, you’ll want to make sure the machine is empty. Start with the lint trap, then empty out the water, and run a few cycles empty with hot water.
Run the washer on hot and empty
If you want to clean your washer, clean it from the inside out. Start by running the washer on a hot cycle with nothing in it. This opens up the machine to clean it from the inside out, and also let the rubber gasket dry out and crack. You can use vinegar or baking soda as a fabric softener (don’t use both). You can also add a small amount of chlorine bleach to sanitize the machine, but be careful not to overdo it. Be sure to read your machine’s cleaning instructions before you use bleach. Now that the machine is clean, you can fill it with water to let the rubber gasket dry out and crack. This will help keep the lid from sticking, and will prevent moisture from getting into the machine. Leave the water in the machine until it’s almost completely dry.
Let it dry out with the door open
While the machine is still full of water, open the lid and let it air dry for at least 24 hours (preferably longer). This will help get rid of excess moisture and prevent mildew from growing inside your machine. After the machine has dried, add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse tub to deodorize and keep mold away.
Clean the gasket, inside and out
Check the rubber gasket on the lid for mildew and mold buildup. Clean the gasket by washing it with soap and water, or scrubbing it with a stiff brush. You can also disinfect it by adding a cup of bleach to a load of laundry and letting it steam clean the rubber gasket. While you’re cleaning the gasket, check the inside of your washer for buildup and clean it as well. You can use a bleach wipe or water and vinegar solution. If you don’t clean the inside of the machine regularly, small particles of lint will build up and cause a fire hazard.
Clean the rest of your washer
Make it a rule to clean the outside of your machine regularly. Wipe off the front with a mild detergent and water. You can also use rubbing alcohol to disinfect the machine, but be careful not to get any inside the machine. If you don’t clean the outside of the machine regularly, small particles of lint will build up and cause a fire hazard. You can also use a mild detergent and water to clean the outside of your machine. Be sure to dry it off completely to prevent mildew. You can also use rubbing alcohol to disinfect the machine, but be careful not to get any inside the machine.
Summing up
Keeping your washer clean and well maintained will not only protect your investment, but will also help extend the life of the rubber gasket. Mold and mildew can build up on the gasket and cause the lid to stick. When the lid sticks, water can get into the machine and cause damage. Regularly cleaning your washer will help extend its life. If you want to keep your washer clean, start with a clean machine. Start by checking the cleaning instructions for your machine. Some models may have cleaning instructions in the manual, or online.