As we age, we often become more attuned to the cleanliness of our homes, with a particular focus on those areas that can affect our health. But there's one household appliance that even the most meticulous among us might overlook: the humble washing machine. It's easy to assume that the machine responsible for cleaning our clothes is, by default, clean itself. However, a recent TikTok video has revealed a rather unsettling truth that might just change the way you think about your laundry routine.

The video, posted by a cleaner named Tonya, has taken the internet by storm, showing a front loader washing machine in the midst of a cleaning cycle. But instead of clear water, the machine is filled with murky, brown liquid. 'And this right here is why you need to clean your washing machine,' Tonya explains in the clip. Despite the filter being clean, the water's discoloration during the self-clean cycle—which lasted four hours—was a shocking revelation.

The video has not only gone viral but has sparked a flurry of comments and discussions. Some viewers were surprised to learn that washing machines even had filters, while others boasted about their regular cleaning habits. 'The filter?? Oh my. Where do I find the filter?' one viewer asked, highlighting a common gap in knowledge. Another viewer was surprised: 'Washing machines have a filter?' In contrast, a more informed commenter noted, 'Do people not read manuals? It says to run a clean cycle every so many loads, wipe down the door/seal after use and leave the door open.'

A video shared by cleaner Tonya highlights the need to clean washing machines, revealing brown water during a cleaning cycle. Credit: Tiktok / @thatcleanhome

This eye-opening video has also reignited the age-old debate between front loader and top loader washing machines. Some viewers were quick to blame the type of machine for the dirty water, with one person commenting, 'Another reason to not own a front load.' However, the truth is that both types of machines require regular cleaning and maintenance. Front loaders, in particular, have a seal around the door that can trap moisture and lead to mold and grime buildup if not properly dried and left open after use.

The conversation around this TikTok serves as a reminder that reading the manual for your appliances is more than just a formality—it's a crucial step in understanding how to maintain them. Regular cleaning of your washing machine not only ensures that your clothes come out fresh but also extends the life of the appliance and prevents the growth of mold and bacteria.

For our members who might be wondering how to keep their washing machines in tip-top shape, here are a few tips:

1. Check and clean the filter regularly, as trapped debris can cause odors and affect the machine's performance.
2. Run a hot wash cycle with a washing machine cleaner or a simple home mixture of vinegar and baking soda to sanitize the drum and remove any detergent buildup.
3. Wipe down the door seal after each use and leave the door ajar to allow the machine to air out and prevent mold.
4. For top loaders, it's also important to clean the fabric softener dispenser and the top of the wash bin.

Remember, a clean washing machine is not just about aesthetics—it's about health and efficiency. So next time you're doing your household chores, don't forget to give your washing machine the attention it deserves.

Key Takeaways

• A TikTok video by cleaner Tonya highlights the importance of cleaning washing machines, as it shows brown water during a cleaning cycle.
• The clip has sparked a discussion about washing machine maintenance, revealing that some people are unaware of the need to clean filters or run clean cycles.
• There's debate over front loader versus top loader washing machines, with focus on different parts needing cleaning to prevent mould and grime build-up.
• It's suggested that all washing machines require basic cleaning maintenance, which is often overlooked by users.

We'd love to hear from you, our savvy seniors, about your own washing machine maintenance routines. Have you ever encountered a similar situation to the one in Tonya's video? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below, and let's help each other keep our homes clean and healthy!

 

[Sherza]

Vinegar is not good for the rubber seals. It’s acidic and over time will make your seals perish

 

[Penny4]

All front or top washing machines have cleaning instructions. Best to stick what the manufacturer recommends imo.

 

[Taurusgirl]

I always clean my washing machine about once a month with bi carb soda and vinegar and put it on a hot wash for time allotted . It is a front loader and is now over 12 years old . Wiping door seal after each wash and leaving door open has worked for me . I clean out bottem filter about every 2-3 months l.

 

[Luckyus]

I pulled my ex Ma in Laws washing machine pump to clean it and found, a diamond ring in it God knows how it got there, eventually the machine although second hand would have cost nothing and the last time I saw her she was still trying to find who it belonged to, if anyone claimed it she would ask them to describe it? even her daughters didn't know, only the two of us knew.

 

[mOiOz]

I pulled my ex Ma in Laws washing machine pump to clean it and found, a diamond ring in it God knows how it got there, eventually the machine although second hand would have cost nothing and the last time I saw her she was still trying to find who it belonged to, if anyone claimed it she would ask them to describe it? even her daughters didn't know, only the two of us knew.

Years ago celebrating my birthday in a Restaurant, I lost my diamond ring in the rinse bowl after eating prawns. I only realised on my way out, so it was never retrieved.
It could have happened that way in your mother-in-law's dishwasher!

 

[Veggiepatch]

Vinegar is not good for the rubber seals. It’s acidic and over time will make your seals perish

I'm afraid to say that you are incorrect. EPDM rubber is generally used for refrigerator and washing machine door seals as it exhibits excellent aging, hot water and heat resistance. One bonus is that EPDM is highly resistant to acetic acid, the acidic component of vinegar in concentrations of 3 to 6%.

So use vinegar on your washing machine door seals until the cows come home!

 

[novezar]

Years ago celebrating my birthday in a Restaurant, I lost my diamond ring in the rinse bowl after eating prawns. I only realised on my way out, so it was never retrieved.
It could have happened that way in your mother-in-law's dishwasher!

That certainly was a dear prawn you consumed. One could only hope that he & his mates were "Good", &, you enjoyed.

 

[magpie1]

I pulled my ex Ma in Laws washing machine pump to clean it and found, a diamond ring in it God knows how it got there, eventually the machine although second hand would have cost nothing and the last time I saw her she was still trying to find who it belonged to, if anyone claimed it she would ask them to describe it? even her daughters didn't know, only the two of us knew.

If you find diamonds in your washing machine then whatever you do take good care of it and never get rid of it, that would be my advice. BONUS!!

 

[magpie1]

That certainly was a dear prawn you consumed. One could only hope that he & his mates were "Good", &, you enjoyed.

Years ago celebrating my birthday in a Restaurant, I lost my diamond ring in the rinse bowl after eating prawns. I only realised on my way out, so it was never retrieved.
It could have happened that way in your mother-in-law's dishwasher!

Next time you eat prawns it might be safer to just lick your fingers.....might not be very good etiquette but at least you might keep your expensive Jewelry.

 

[Gsr]

I have a top loader machine with a steel drum. I clean the filters once a week, and do a vinegar wash at least once a week. I wash my grandsons work clothes which have grease, oils etc on them, he is an apprentice mechanic, weekly. I soak them in a bucket of hot water with washing soda, detergent and about 300 mls of coke for at least a day before I was them on a long wash in hot water, with more washing soda and detergent. I never have any grease on my steel drum. I wipe the drum after this wash with vinegar, clean the filters, then do a warm wash with vinegar. Leaves the machine very clean.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Next time you eat prawns it might be safer to just lick your fingers.....might not be very good etiquette but at least you might keep your expensive Jewelry.

Or you can suck the brains out of the head like some cultures do.