I'll be the first to admit that I thought you only needed to run the occasional cleaning cycle to keep a washing machine in tip-top shape.
Turns out cleaning washing machines requires a few more steps, explains Ashley Iredale, head of whitegoods at consumer advocacy group Choice.
"Why clean the cleaners? They do a very important job for us and if you clean your washing machine and look after it, then it's going to do a better job of cleaning your clothes and it's going to last longer," he says.
"With the cost of living, we want to get the most out of every dollar that we spend."
What happens when we don't clean our washing machines
"[Regular cleaning] helps in keeping the machine running efficiently, prevents unpleasant odours, and ensures hygienic wash cycles," according to Gold Coast professional cleaner Kate Croukamp, who shares cleaning tips on her social media account Clean Like A Pro.
Not cleaning your washing machine can lead to three main issues, Mr Iredale says.
"The big one is mould build-up, particularly around door seals and inside the drum. It's unsightly but it's also going to make the machine smell bad and in turn make clothes smell bad."
The next is scum and grime build-up on the outer and inner drum of the machine, which is made up of leftover detergent and fabric softener (which Mr Iredale recommends not using at all).
"This waxy residue called scrud … can damage your machine and can also come loose and be deposited onto your clothes," Mr Iredale says.
"Third is rust. Washing machines are made primarily out of metal, and particularly if you're in a very wet environment, in a coastal area where there's a lot of salt air, or if your washing machine is outside, then you can get rust.
"It's unsightly and in severe cases it can lead to the machine decomposing in front of you. If you get rust inside the drum it can also be deposited onto your clothes."
How to clean your washing machine
There are several components that require attention during cleaning, Ms Croukamp says.
"The rubber seal, where moisture and residues can accumulate, is crucial. The drum, being the central part of your washing machine, also needs regular cleaning to remove any detergent build-up or grime.
"The detergent drawer and filter are other areas where residues and lint might accumulate.
"Lastly, checking the hose for any blockages or leaks is essential for maintaining the machine's health."
1. Cleaning the rubber seal
"If you don't clean and maintain the door seals, you might actually get leaks," Mr Iredale explains.
He recommends aiming to clean the seals every month with warm soapy water — not bleach or vinegar.
"[Using] bleach on rubber seals … can damage them, and also make them more porous, which only makes the mould problem worse in the long run as it's easier for it to take hold.
"Even vinegar, with its high acidity/low pH, can damage rubber seals, and manufacturers advise not to use it."
A better strategy is to prevent the mould from growing in the first place — and thankfully this is easy to do.
"After every use, leave the door open or ajar if you can. That helps keep door seals in the right shape (not crushed or distorted) and also helps the air to circulate which works to fight against mould build-up and lets the machine dry out a bit.
"You can go further than that and give the door seals a quick wipe-down after cycle with a soft damp cloth. That's a good way to keep the mould at bay."
If your mouldy seal is too far gone, Mr Iredale says: "The good news is the seal is a relatively easy thing to replace. You don't have to buy a whole new washing machine."
2. The drum
The best way to clean the machine's drum is to run an empty cycle (or cleaning cycle, if your machine has it) with hot water and a washing machine cleaner or a little bit of detergent, Mr Iredale and Ms Croukamp explain. Do this every month or two.
"[This step is] especially important if you use fabric softener, which contributes to scrud buildup. It's also important if you only ever wash in cold water," Mr Iredale says.
You can also just run the occasional hot cycle for your clothes "and that should be enough — the hot water helps flush [the scrud] away".
3. Filter
To clean the filter and check the hose, Ms Croukamp's steps are:
- Locate and prepare: Find the filter, usually at the front lower part of the machine. Place a towel or tray underneath to catch any water spillage.
- Remove and clean: Open the filter cover and remove the filter. Clear out any lint, hair, or debris. Rinse it under running water, using a soft brush for stubborn grime.
- Check and clean housing: Quickly check the filter housing for any lodged items or buildup, cleaning it with a damp cloth if necessary.
- Reinsert and test: Put the filter back in place securely, then run a short rinse cycle to ensure there are no leaks and everything functions properly.
- Check hose: Regularly check the machine's drain hose for leaks and clogs.
4. Machine exterior and detergent drawer
Every few months, Mr Iredale recommends cleaning the exterior surface of the machine with a soft damp cloth and pulling the detergent drawer out to give it a quick wipe down.
If the detergent drawer is particularly manky, you can remove and soak it in warm soapy water before rinsing, drying and putting it back, Ms Croukamp says.
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