Recently I heard a few people talking on the radio about disinfecting the inside of their washing machine.
This falls into the category of one of those things that seems SUPER good to do, but the vast majority of people just don’t happen to think about doing.
As the conversation kept going, I wanted to GAG! – thinking about the bacteria that gets trapped in the tiny crevices of our washing machines, a literal breeding ground for nasty little moldy things.
Instead of grossing you out too much, let’s jump into how to stay ahead of these types of scenarios and disinfect our washing machines!
Keeping your washing machine clean is important. Even though it’s used to wash clothes, it can still get dirty. Over time, soap, fabric softener, dirt, and germs can build up inside the machine. If you don’t clean it, your clothes might start to smell bad, or the machine might not work as well.
To begin, you will need to gather a few things: white vinegar, baking soda, and a clean cloth. These items help kill germs, remove smells, and clean out dirt. You do not need special cleaners (though in doing some research, I am confident you will find some of these sold in various places as well). Vinegar and baking soda are natural and safe.
Start by cleaning around the door. If you have a front-loading washer, you’ll see a rubber ring called a gasket. This part often gets moldy. Use your cloth and pour a little vinegar on it. Wipe all around the rubber seal, pulling it back gently to get inside. If you see black spots or slime, scrub it until it looks clean. You can use an old toothbrush if needed.
Next, clean the inside of the machine. Pour two cups of white vinegar into the detergent drawer or right into the drum. Do not add any clothes. Run the washer on the hottest and longest cycle. The hot water and vinegar will help kill bacteria and loosen any build-up inside the drum.
After that cycle is done, open the washer and sprinkle half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum. Run another hot wash cycle with no clothes. The baking soda helps remove any smells and gently scrubs the inside of the machine.
Now that the inside is clean, you should also clean the detergent drawer and any other parts where soap goes. If the drawer comes out, take it out and
soak it in warm water with a little vinegar. Use your cloth or toothbrush to scrub out any sticky or moldy spots. Then rinse and dry it before putting it back in the machine.
Wipe the outside of the washer too. Use a cloth with vinegar or a mild cleaner. Wipe the buttons, the lid or door, and the sides.
Once you’re done, leave the washer door open for a few hours. This helps the inside dry completely. Germs and mold grow in damp places, so letting air in helps stop that.
We really should be disinfecting our washing machines about once a month. If your washer smells bad or if you see black spots, clean it more often.
Some people use bleach instead of vinegar. If you want to do that, use one cup of bleach in place of vinegar and follow the same steps. But NEVER mix bleach with vinegar – it creates dangerous fumes!
By keeping your washing machine clean, your clothes will smell better, and the machine will last longer. It’s easy to do and only takes a little time. A clean washer means cleaner clothes and a healthier home, not to mention less of a chance in the future of your mind going down a path of grotesque thoughts while listening to a radio program talking about what can happen when your washing machine is not regularly disinfected.
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