Could your washing machine actually be making your clothes dirtier? Here's how to clean it!



Could your washing machine actually be making your clothes dirtier?
Here are 10 tips to clean it. Credits: Shutterstock​

If you have a washing machine, chances are you don't think much about cleaning it - after all, you're running water and detergent through it multiple times per week - how dirty could it be, right? You might be surprised. Over time, washing machines can become filled with dirt, grime, and even mould. This can cause your clothes to smell bad and can even transfer bacteria.

If you think we’re just being alarmist, check out this academic study published in 2015 in a journal of microbiology.

The study noted that ‘Household washing machines (WMs) launder soiled clothes and textiles, but do not sterilise them’, and further went on to report that the ‘study revealed that the household low-temperature laundering process created a bacterial mixing in the laundered clothing textiles.’

Translation: The luke-warm temperature of most washing machines won’t kill any existing bacteria on your clothing, and may actually be the perfect ‘petri dish’ for more bacteria to spread.

So, how do you clean your washing machine to prevent this from happening? Here are 10 tips for keeping the nasties at bay.

1. Run a cycle with hot water and vinegar once a month. This will help to remove any build-up of dirt and grime. Why vinegar? Vinegar is a natural disinfectant containing acetic acid that will help to kill any bacteria that may be present.

2. If you have a front loading washing machine, make sure you clean the door seal and gasket. These are two areas where mould and mildew can grow. Use a soft cloth or brush to clean the door seal, and a toothbrush to clean the gasket.
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3. Clean the detergent dispenser / drawer. Over time, detergent can build up in the dispenser, causing it to become clogged. Use a toothbrush to scrub the dispenser, and then rinse it well with hot water.
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4. Wipe down the outside of the washing machine. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the outside of the machine, including the control panel. Unplug the machine before doing this, just to be safe.

5. Vacuum the inside of the washing machine. Use a vacuum attachment to remove any dirt or dust that has accumulated inside the machine.

6. Clean the lint filter. The lint filter can become clogged with lint, hair, and other debris. Clean it with a brush or vacuum attachment, and then rinse it well with hot water.
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7. Descale the washing machine. Over time, mineral deposits can build up in the washing machine, causing it to become less efficient. To descale the machine, run a cycle with hot water and vinegar, or use a descaling solution designed for washing machines.

8. Clean the drain pump. The drain pump can become clogged with dirt and debris. To clean it, remove the pump and clean it with a brush or vacuum attachment.

9. Clean the inlet filters. The inlet filters can become clogged with dirt and debris. To clean them, remove the filters and rinse them well with hot water.

10. Have the washing machine serviced regularly. This is especially important if you have a front loading washing machine. Servicing will help to ensure that all of the parts are in good working order and that there is no build-up of dirt and grime.

We do apologise to the germaphobes in the audience, but we thought it was important to raise awareness of the potential for bacteria to thrive in washing machines. By following the tips above, you can help to keep your machine clean and mostly bacteria-free.

Any other tips for keeping your washing machine clean? Let us know in the comments below.

 

[JayKay]

After use, I don't shut the lid, I allow the machine to dry out and air off.
I have a top-loader, and after my machine has dried out, I close the lid, but leave a chock underneath it to prop it open a few inches.

 

[Ricci]

I too leave the lid of my machine open, but mostly that's because I use it as a dirty laundry hamper!! I then check to see how full it is every day or so , when it's ready, close the lid and away we go! When and why did we all become so consumed with fear of germs and bacteria? Whilst I don't advocate slovenly behavior I do tend to think we've all gone a bit overboard just lately. I also think there is a direct correlation between excessive cleanliness and allergies and illness as no-one has built up any natural resistance.

 

[Esetram]

There is nothing on top loading machine, I wash in cold wate, when I have finished my wash for the day I Put a rinse cycle through with vinegar and water then when finished I wipe the machine down leave the lid open then close a few hours later.

 

[Tervueren]

There is nothing on top loading machine, I wash in cold wate, when I have finished my wash for the day I Put a rinse cycle through with vinegar and water then when finished I wipe the machine down leave the lid open then close a few hours later.

This sounds like a wonderful idea to keep your Washing Machine clean and sanitized after every wash! I will be doing this from now on. After reading a Reader's Digest article on the fecal matter that swirls around the machine and gets caught in the machinery, this is a definite MUST DO for clean, hygienic and sanitary living! Thank you Esetram for sharing We all deserve nice clean clothes that are safe to wear.