Why Appliance Pros Say Most People Clean Their Washer The Wrong Way
It is a bit ironic that the machine in our house meant for cleaning our clothes can actually get quite dirty itself. I used to think that because my washer was full of soap and water every day, it was basically self-cleaning. Then I noticed a funky, damp smell on my fresh towels and realized something was wrong. After chatting with a repair pro, I learned that most of us are actually making things worse while trying to help. Here’s how you should actually be cleaning your washer, and some common mistakes we’ve all made.
Using Vinegar Too Often
We all love a natural cleaning hack, and vinegar is usually the hero of the home. However, appliance pros warn that pouring straight vinegar into every load can be hard on your machine. The high acidity can actually eat away at the rubber seals and hoses in your washer over time. While it is great for breaking down hard water, using it too often can lead to leaks that are very expensive to fix later on.
Too Much Detergent
It feels natural to add a little extra soap when we have a really dirty load of laundry. The problem is that modern high-efficiency washers use very little water. That extra soap does not get rinsed away and instead creates a slimy buildup called soap scum inside the outer drum. This film becomes a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, which is usually where that mysterious "old basement" smell comes from in your laundry.
Forgetting The Gasket
If you have a front-loading machine, that big rubber ring around the door is a major hiding spot for grime. Most people wipe the glass but forget to peel back the folds of the rubber seal. You would be surprised at the amount of hair, lint, and gray sludge that gets trapped in there. If you do not dry that area out, the moisture stays trapped and starts to mildew almost immediately after a wash. Just give it a good wipe with a wet paper towel.
Closing The Door
This was the hardest habit for me to break because I like a tidy house. Closing the washer door right after a cycle feels neat, but it seals all that humidity inside. It is like leaving a wet towel in a gym bag. Pros suggest leaving the door or the lid cracked open for at least an hour after your last load. This allows the drum to air out completely and stops odors before they have a chance to start.
Use Hot Water
Many of us try to be eco-friendly by using cold water for every single wash. While that is great for your power bill and your clothes, it does not do much to kill bacteria or dissolve leftover oils. At least once a month, you should run a dedicated cleaning cycle or a heavy-duty load using the hottest water setting available. The heat helps to melt away the waxy buildup that cold water leaves behind in your washer.
Clean The Filter
Did you know your washing machine probably has a filter? I certainly did not for the first three years I owned mine. It is usually located behind a small door at the bottom of the machine. This little trap catches coins, buttons, and thick clumps of wet lint. If it gets clogged, the water cannot drain properly, which leaves your clothes sitting in dirty, stagnant water. Checking this every few months is very important to make sure it’s cleaned out.
Scrub The Dispensers
The little drawer where you pour your soap and softener can get incredibly gross. Fabric softener is particularly thick and sticky, and it often leaves a gummy residue in the back of the compartment. Most of these drawers actually pop right out if you push a small tab. Take it to the kitchen sink and give it a good scrub with warm water and an old toothbrush to keep the paths clear.
How To Clean It
To really clean the machine, use a dedicated washing machine cleaner tablet or a cup of liquid bleach on a tub-clean cycle. This is more effective than DIY mixes because it is formulated to reach the hidden parts of the outer drum. Once the cycle finishes, wipe down the drum and the seals with a clean microfiber cloth. It takes about five minutes of active work but makes a massive difference in your laundry quality.
Related Articles
-9 Things You Should Never Put In Your Washing Machine
-Smelly Washing Machine? A Dirty Agitator Could Be the Culprit
-How To Drain a Washing Machine (Front & Top-Loading)
It takes a little bit of effort to keep the washer clean and working well, but it is much better than having to buy a new one or dealing with stinky clothes. We all have so much on our plates that these small maintenance tasks often fall through the cracks, and that is okay. Just try to give it a quick check next time you finish a load.
Bliss Donahue-Power
