Oct 30, 2024

How to Clean a Washing Machine

How to Clean a Washing Machine A Complete Guide

If your washing machine is starting to smell musty, has detergent residue, or is showing signs of mold, it’s time for a thorough clean. Regular maintenance of your washing machine is crucial to keep it running efficiently and ensure your clothes stay fresh. In this UK specific guide, we’ll show you how to clean your washing machine, whether it’s a front load using everyday household items like vinegar and baking soda. We'll also cover how to eliminate mold in your washing machine.

Why It’s Important to Clean Your Washing Machine

Washing machines in the UK, like anywhere else, can accumulate dirt, limescale from hard water, detergent residue, and even mold, especially in front-load models. If left uncleaned, this buildup can cause unpleasant odors, reduce the efficiency of your machine, and even lead to breakdowns over time. Regular cleaning can help prevent these issues and ensure your machine works at its best.

How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine in the UK?

In the UK, many homes are in hard water areas, which makes regular cleaning of your washing machine even more important. To maintain performance, aim to clean your washing machine every 4–6 weeks. If you notice any bad smells or visible dirt, it’s a sign that a deep clean is overdue.

How to Clean a Front-Load Washing Machine in the UK

Front-load washing machines are more efficient but can be prone to mold and mildew, especially in the UK’s often damp and cold climate. Follow these steps to clean your front-loader and keep it in top condition:

1. Clean the Door Seal

Front-load washers often accumulate dirt and mold in the rubber gasket around the door. Use a damp cloth and a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar to wipe away any mold or grime. If there’s stubborn mold, scrub with a mixture of baking soda and water.

2. Run a Hot Cycle with Vinegar

Set your washing machine to the hottest water setting and add two cups of white vinegar to the detergent drawer. Vinegar will break down limescale, detergent buildup, and kill bacteria, which is especially helpful in hard water areas of the UK.

3. Add Baking Soda

After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum and run another hot cycle. Baking soda is excellent for neutralising odors and further cleaning the inside of the drum.

4. Clean the Detergent Drawer and Filters

Remove the detergent drawer and soak it in hot, soapy water. Scrub away any detergent buildup with an old toothbrush. If your washing machine has a filter, clean it out to remove any debris or limescale that may be affecting performance.

5. Leave the Door Open

Once you've finished cleaning, leave the door open to allow air to circulate, which helps prevent mold and mildew from returning.

How to Clean a Top-Load Washing Machine in the UK

Top-load washing machines are less common in the UK but still require regular cleaning to stay in good condition.

1. Set the Machine to Hot Water

Start by setting your washing machine to the hottest water setting and the largest load size. Allow it to fill with hot water.

2. Add Vinegar

Once the drum is full, add four cups of white vinegar. Vinegar is an excellent cleaner for breaking down limescale and soap scum, common issues in UK washing machines due to hard water.

3. Pause and Soak

Let the machine run for a few minutes to mix the vinegar into the water, then pause the cycle and let it soak for an hour. This allows the vinegar to work its way through the system, loosening grime and limescale.

4. Add Baking Soda

After the soak, add one cup of baking soda to the drum and run the machine on a full cycle. Baking soda helps deodorise and break down any remaining dirt.

5. Wipe Down the Drum and Lid

Once the cycle is complete, wipe down the drum and lid with a cloth to remove any leftover residue. Don’t forget to clean the detergent drawer and any filters as well.

6. Leave the Lid Open

Just like with front-loaders, leave the lid open after cleaning to let the machine air out and prevent moisture from building up inside.

How to Clean a Washing Machine with Vinegar and Baking Soda

Vinegar and baking soda are powerful, natural cleaners that work wonders on your washing machine. These common household ingredients can help remove limescale, eliminate odors, and kill bacteria. Here’s how to use them:

1. Use Vinegar for a Deep Clean

Pour two cups of white vinegar into the detergent drawer or directly into the drum. Run a full hot water cycle. This will help dissolve detergent residue, limescale, and kill bacteria inside the machine.

2. Deodorise with Baking Soda

After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle half a cup of baking soda into the drum and run another hot water cycle. Baking soda is excellent at absorbing any lingering odors and cleaning any remaining dirt.

3. Scrub the Door Seal

For front-load washing machines, use a cloth soaked in vinegar to scrub the door seal. Baking soda can also be used to remove any stubborn grime or mold.

How to Get Rid of Mold in a Washing Machine in the UK

Mold can be a recurring issue in washing machines, especially in the UK’s damp climate. Here’s how to get rid of mold and keep it from coming back:

1. Clean the Rubber Gasket

Front-load machines are particularly prone to mold in the door seal. Use a mixture of vinegar and water to wipe down the gasket. For tougher mold spots, scrub with a paste made from baking soda and water.

2. Run a Hot Vinegar Cycle

Run a cleaning cycle with hot water and two cups of white vinegar. This will kill mold spores and remove any mildew from the drum.

3. Leave the Door or Lid Open

Always leave the door or lid open after washing to allow air to circulate, preventing moisture from building up inside the machine.

4. Regular Maintenance

Clean your machine regularly and wipe down the door seals after each use. Consider running a hot water and vinegar cycle every month to keep mold at bay.

Final Tips for Keeping Your Washing Machine Clean in the UK

Don’t overuse detergent – Too much detergent can leave residue, especially in hard water areas, leading to buildup inside the machine.
Run hot water cycles regularly – Hard water in the UK can cause limescale buildup, so it's a good idea to run a hot cycle with vinegar or a limescale remover every few weeks.
Wipe the drum and seals after each use – This will prevent moisture from lingering inside the machine, which can lead to mold.

Conclusion

Regular cleaning is essential to keep your washing machine running smoothly, especially in the UK where hard water and mold can cause issues. Whether you have a front-load or top-load washing machine, following these simple steps using natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda will help you maintain a fresh and efficient appliance. Keep up with routine maintenance, and you’ll enjoy cleaner clothes and a longer-lasting machine.