Your washing machine works hard to get your clothes clean, but over time, it can accumulate soap scum, mold, and mildew. This residue can lead to unpleasant odors and even affect your laundry. A regular deep clean with bleach can sanitize your machine and keep it running efficiently.
Why Washers Need Regular Cleaning
Mold, Mildew, and Detergent Buildup
Even with modern detergents, residue can build up inside the washing machine drum, hoses, and detergent dispenser. This warm, moist environment is the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, leading to a musty smell that can transfer to your clothes.
Preventing Odors and Stains
A consistently clean washer ensures that your laundry comes out smelling fresh and stain-free. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup that can cause your clothes to feel less than perfectly clean.
Safety Tips Before Using Bleach
Bleach is a powerful chemical that requires careful handling.
Ventilation & Gloves
Always ensure the area is well-ventilated by opening windows and turning on fans. Wear protective gloves to prevent skin irritation. Never mix bleach with any other cleaning products, especially ammonia, as it creates toxic fumes.
Correct Bleach-to-Water Ratio
Use the right amount of bleach for your machine type to avoid damage. A good rule of thumb is to use no more than one quart of bleach for a top-load washer and one cup for a front-load washer.
Step-by-Step Cleaning with Bleach
For Top-Load Washers
- Fill the washer with the hottest water setting.
- Add your bleach directly to the water.
- Let the machine agitate for a few minutes, then pause the cycle.
- Allow the solution to soak for at least one hour to give the bleach time to disinfect.
- After soaking, resume the cycle to complete the wash.
For Front-Load Washers
- Pour one cup of bleach directly into the detergent dispenser.
- Set the machine to its “tub clean” or “self-clean” cycle with the hottest water setting.
- If your machine doesn’t have a specific cleaning cycle, you can run a normal hot wash.
Running Rinse Cycles
After a bleach wash, it’s crucial to run at least one full, empty rinse cycle to flush out any remaining bleach residue from the machine. This prevents your next load of laundry from being damaged.
Cleaning Washer Parts
Detergent Drawer
Remove the detergent drawer and scrub it with a small brush and hot, soapy water to remove any caked-on residue. Rinse thoroughly before putting it back.
Rubber Seals & Gaskets
Front-load washers have a rubber gasket inside the door that traps water and grime. Use a spray bottle with a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to four parts water) and wipe down the gasket to remove mold and mildew.
Exterior Surfaces
Wipe down the exterior of the washer with a clean cloth and all-purpose cleaner. Don’t forget the control panel, knobs, and lid or door.
Alternatives to Bleach
If you prefer to avoid bleach, there are other effective options.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
A simple and effective solution is a combination of white vinegar and baking soda. Add four cups of white vinegar to the washer drum, run a hot cycle, and then follow with half a cup of baking soda in a second hot cycle.
Commercial Washing Machine Cleaners
For an easy and powerful clean, commercial washing machine cleaning tablets are specifically formulated to break down residue and eliminate odors.
For a professional, truly deep clean, contact Asubra Cleaning Services today for a free estimate.