You notice that the laundry from your washing machine is not as clean as before? It’s time to get your appliance serviced! Here’s a tip to prevent your washing machine from getting damaged, and some tips for cleaning it thoroughly using natural methods.
The sponge in the washing machine trick to take better care of the appliance
More and more people resort to a simple trick to prevent hair from accumulating on clothes during washing. To do this, a rinsing sponge is used in the washing machine (thrown into the drum with the laundry), which catches the hair and prevents it from sticking to the textiles. This technique is as effective for pet hair as it is for human hair. In fact, the type of fabric of the garment plays an important role in the amount of hair that sticks to it, with certain materials being more conducive to accumulation.
Especially in the fall and spring, when animals lose more fur, it is important to brush your clothes regularly to prevent hair from sticking to them. It’s also important to clean your washing machine regularly, as hair can build up in the pipes of the machine and damage it. Cleaning professionals recommend using textured shower sponges, which trap hair more effectively. In short, by taking these small precautions, it is possible to keep your clothes clean and avoid damage to your washing machine.
How to clean a washing machine thoroughly with natural products?
This is undoubtedly the simplest and most effective trick to clean your washing machine, whether it is a front-loader or a top-loader model. To do this, you just need to follow the steps below:
- Take a glass of baking soda and pour it into the detergent compartment.
- Then pour a glass of white vinegar, one of the best existing antibacterial agents.
- Remember to check if the washing machine is completely empty.
- Activate the fastest program of your washing machine.
- Wait until the full cycle is completed.
Cleaning your washing machine with vinegar and baking soda will give you an effervescent mixture that will destroy all germs and other dirt in your machine, from the detergent drawer to the drain, including the pipes and drum. Do not hesitate to use this trick regularly to keep your washing machine working at its best and avoid bad odors and dirt accumulation.
How to avoid bad odors in the washing machine?
The bad smell is the indication that your washing machine is full of bacteria or mold. Fortunately, there are several solutions to this scourge:
- Add a disinfectant or deodorizer available at the supermarket to disinfect and deodorize the appliance.
- If you prefer natural solutions, clean the washing machine with white vinegar as described above. Then set up a bowl of baking soda and let it sit for about 12 hours to absorb the bad odor.
Other tips for washing machine maintenance
Filter maintenance
The filter is the place in the washing machine where detergent residues, lint and small objects you carry in your clothes (coins, clips, etc.) end up. Its cleaning is very simple:
- Unplug the washing machine.
- Put some towels on the floor (water may leak out when you open the machine door).
- Open the filter.
- Use your hands to remove any objects stuck in it.
- Clean the filter with soap and water.
- Dry it well and put it back in its place.
Gasket cleaning
The gasket of the washing machine is where most dirt collects. This is where mold is most likely to occur. We recommend using a mixture of ¼ cup of vinegar, 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
- Unplug the washing machine;
- Make sure that no object is stuck in the joint;
- Dampen a cloth with the given mixture and rub the rubber well;
- Take another dry cloth and use it to dry the entire area thoroughly.
