Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cleaning Your Washer
Here are answers to some of the most common questions people have when it comes to washing machine maintenance and deep cleaning.
Can I use bleach to clean my washing machine?
Yes, chlorine bleach can be an effective sanitizer for your washing machine, but it must be used with extreme caution. Add no more than one cup of standard liquid bleach to the bleach dispenser or directly to the drum and run a hot water cycle. It is effective at killing mold and bacteria. However, there are two crucial safety warnings. First, as mentioned earlier, never, ever mix bleach with vinegar or any other acidic cleaner. Run a bleach cycle completely on its own. Second, some manufacturers advise that frequent use of bleach can degrade rubber seals and gaskets over time. For this reason, many people prefer to use vinegar for regular monthly maintenance and reserve bleach for occasional, heavy-duty sanitizing. For more on safe cleaning practices, you can refer to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
How often should I deep clean my washing machine?
A full deep clean, including the filter, dispensers, and a two-stage tub clean, should be performed every three to six months. The ideal frequency depends on how much laundry you do. If you have a large family and run the washer daily, aim for a deep clean every three months. For smaller households that do laundry less frequently, twice a year may be sufficient. However, the monthly maintenance “Tub Clean” cycle with vinegar or a tablet is recommended for everyone to keep things fresh between deep cleans.
Is it safe to use essential oils to make my washer smell better?
We strongly advise against adding essential oils directly to your washing machine or laundry. While it might seem like a natural way to add a pleasant scent, essential oils are highly concentrated and can damage the plastic and rubber components of your washer over time, leading to costly repairs. Furthermore, many oils are flammable and can pose a fire risk when subjected to the high heat of a clothes dryer. It’s much safer to use a wool dryer ball with a drop or two of essential oil during the drying cycle, if you wish to add a natural scent to your clothes.
My top-loader smells. What’s the main difference in cleaning it?
While top-loading machines don’t have the notorious rubber door gasket, they can still accumulate a significant amount of smelly biofilm. The cleaning process is very similar. You should still clean the dispenser drawers thoroughly. The vinegar and baking soda tub cleaning cycles are just as effective and should be performed exactly as described, using four cups of vinegar for the larger tub. The primary hidden grime spot in a top-loader is often under the central agitator or the wash plate at the bottom of the drum. Consult your manual to see if these parts are removable on your model. If they are, taking them out and scrubbing underneath can eliminate a major source of odors.
