Your trusty washer is responsible for keeping your clothes fresh and clean. But over time, grime and residue can build up within its components.
If you’ve noticed your clothes are not as clean or a strange odor is coming from the machine, it may be time for a thorough cleaning.
Why Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
Ensuring your washing machine is clean goes beyond mere aesthetics. It’s about preserving one of the most utilized appliances in any home, keeping it efficient, and extending its lifespan. When dirt, soap scum, hard water deposits, or leftover detergent are allowed to accumulate within a washer drum without regular cleaning cycles, they can lead to various issues.
This defeats the purpose of doing laundry, as no one wants their garments smelling anything less than fresh after a wash cycle.
Inefficiency Of Wash Cycles Due To Dirt Build-Up
A grimy washing machine could compromise its performance. Appliance technicians will confirm that accumulated grime might block water flow or interfere with detergents meant for cleaning clothes during a wash cycle. This means you might need multiple cycles before achieving the desired results – an unnecessary consumption of energy and resources.
Potential Damage To Clothes And Appliance Breakdowns From Neglected Maintenance
If buildup becomes severe inside top-loading or front-loading machines without monthly deep cleans using cleaners like ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner, small particles could dislodge during the laundering process, leading to stains on clothing items or even damage, such as snags, especially on delicate fabrics.
The Solution: Routine Maintenance Schedule
Avoid these problems associated with a dirty washing machine by adopting scheduled care practices, including wiping down visible surfaces regularly alongside deeper cleans twice monthly with ACTIVE for optimal results. This way, external components remain presentable while internal ones function at peak capacity, thus prolonging life expectancy significantly.
Different Types of Washing Machines and Their Cleaning Needs
Keeping a washing machine clean involves understanding the unique cleaning needs that come with different types. Top-loading and front-loading machines, while similar in function, require distinct approaches to maintain their cleanliness.
Top-Loading Washing Machines
The design features of top-load washers can often lead to soap residue buildup in hard-to-reach areas. If left unattended during regular cleaning routines, these hidden spots may become breeding grounds for bacteria or mildew.
A common problem is leftover detergent gathering around the agitator or at the drum’s base over time. This accumulation could potentially affect the freshness and appearance of your freshly washed clothes if not addressed promptly. However, if you’re running bi-monthly maintenance cleanings with ACTIVE, this detergent grime doesn’t have a chance to accumulate.
Front-Loading Washing Machines
Cleaning front-load washers tends to be more intricate due to the way they are built. One area particularly susceptible to mold growth is the rubber gasket surrounding the door. This component constantly comes into contact with moisture from wet laundry loads.
To counter this issue, we recommend that you wipe down this seal with a soft cloth every time you run a cleaning cycle with ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner.
Regardless of whether it’s a top-loading washer or a front-load model, all machines benefit greatly from routine deep cleans utilizing ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner.
A bit of effort goes a long way in keeping your washing machines functioning optimally while ensuring your clothes emerge looking and smelling their best. And luckily with ACTIVE cleaners, our products make the job much easier.
Guide to Cleaning Your Washing Machine with ACTIVE
Cleaning your washing machine is more than just running one of our cleaning tablets twice a month. ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner will help get you most of the way there but there’s still some other things to look out for. Here we’ll explain how to clean and inspect the washer drum, detergent compartment, and other areas prone to dirt accumulation.
Preparing Your Washing Machine for Cleaning
The first step in this cleaning journey is ensuring your washing machine is completely devoid of any items. Checking pockets for loose change or small objects can save you from potential damage during the cleaning process.
Selecting appropriate settings on your appliance also holds significance. A hot water wash cycle serves as an effective means to break down stubborn build-ups of soap scum and hard water deposits. Some machines also have a “Clean Washer” mode which goes through a cycle specifically for cleaning the washing machine.
In terms of cleaners, while many homeowners might opt for liquid chlorine bleach, ACTIVE offers specially designed Washing Machine Cleaner tablets which not only provide superior results but leave no harsh chemical residues behind after their job is done.
Running a Washer Cleaning Cycle
This initial wash cycle aims at loosening grime embedded deep within and sanitizing every corner of your appliance simultaneously. For this purpose, add one ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner tablet directly into the washer drum before initiating a hot water or “Clean Washer” cycle.
The cleaning solution will circulate throughout all parts effectively eliminating grime residue along with mold spores and mineral deposits – offering a freshly washed clothes experience.
Note that if this is your first time cleaning your washer in a long time (or ever, no judgement) we recommend running a second cleaning cycle immediately afterwards. Why? Because the first cleaning cycle helps to loosen grime build-up and the second cleaning cycle finishes the job by removing the rest and flushing it away.
Special Attention Areas When Cleaning Your Washer
Cleaning your washing machine is more than just running a cleaning cycle with ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner. While our cleaning tablets will reach the most important areas of grime buildup, there are other areas that require special attention to ensure you have thoroughly cleaned the appliance.
Bleach & Detergent Dispensers
The bleach dispenser often harbors leftover liquid, which can turn into grime over time. To clean this area effectively, use warm water and white cleaning vinegar. Wipe it gently using a damp cloth until all visible residues disappear.
And don’t forget those tricky crevices around the detergent compartment. You can utilize our trusty friend, white vinegar, combined with hot water to scrub these areas with either a toothbrush or cotton swab.
In most front loading machines (and some top loaders) you may be able to remove the bleach and detergent dispenser tray from the machine. In this case, we recommend washing it in the sink using a soft brush and some dish soap. Just be sure to wash off all soap residue and let the dispenser fully dry before reinstalling in your washing machine.
Cleaning the Fabric Softener Compartment
Fabric softener compartments tend to accumulate sticky soap scum if left unchecked. A toothbrush dipped in white vinegar solution works wonders on these areas too. Scrub away carefully without exerting too much force as it could damage the compartment itself.
After brushing off any residue present, rinse well with warm water, then wipe dry utilizing a microfiber cloth, thereby preventing potential mold growth due to moisture retention.
Gasket And Seal Cleaning
Your washer’s seals prevent leaks during wash cycles but also create ideal conditions for mold growth due to their consistently moist environment. Regularly checking and wiping down these seals after cleaning with ACTIVE can help prevent residue and mold from developing.
Maintaining Washer Cleanliness Between Deep Cleans
While deep cleaning your washing machine is essential, it’s equally important to keep up with routine maintenance between these cleans. This not only keeps the appliance in top shape but also extends its lifespan.
Here are some tips to keep your washing machine in good condition between your twice-monthly deep cleans.
Airing Out Your Machine Post Wash Cycle
The simple act of leaving your washer door open after each use allows moisture to evaporate and reduces the likelihood of mold growth. While this practice benefits all types of washers, front-loading machines stand to gain more due to their design, which tends to trap moisture inside. Wiping down inner surfaces regularly is an additional measure against dampness accumulation.
Routine Cleaning Of Detergent Compartments
Detergent compartments often become soap scum hotspots if left unattended for long periods. To prevent build-up, consider removing them (if possible) monthly and rinsing them under warm water until clean. A small brush, such as those designed for baby bottle cleaning or toothbrushes, are handy tools for this job.
Frequent Wipe Downs For A Cleaner Washer Drum And Seals
Beyond airing out your washer post-use and keeping detergent compartments sparkling clean, giving your entire machine regular wipe-downs goes a long way towards maintaining cleanliness. One cleaning hack brought to our attention by our customers is to mix a half scoop of our Activewear detergent with water, then use that as cleaning solution for the wipe-down.
Laundry Detergent: Less Is More
Last on our list but certainly not least: mindful usage of laundry detergents plays an instrumental role in preventing unpleasant odors over time caused by excess suds residue within machines.
To achieve freshly washed clothes without compromising the longevity and efficiency of your appliance, ‘less is indeed more’. Following manufacturer instructions regarding recommended amounts, even when dealing with heavily soiled loads, should suffice. Remember that taking these steps will ensure cleaner smelling clothes while extending the overall lifespan of your machine by reducing wear.
Common Questions About Washing Machine Maintenance
The maintenance of a washing machine often raises many questions. Here we’ll discuss some of the most common questions about maintaining a washing machine’s optimal performance.
How Often Should I Deep Clean My Washer?
Your laundry habits largely dictate how regularly you should deep clean your washing machine. With ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner, running a cleaning cycle with one tablet twice per month is enough for the majority of our customers.
If you’re running more than fifty loads of laundry per month, you may want to consider cleaning it more often, roughly every ten days. However, due to the comprehensive cleaning power of ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner, you’ll likely be fine sticking with the twice monthly schedule.
What Are The Indicators That Suggest It’s Time To Clean My Washing Machine?
If there’s an unpleasant odor coming from your washer or freshly washed clothes smell stale rather than fresh – these are clear signs that it’s time for a deep clean with ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner tablets. Visible residue buildup on the drum or detergent compartment along with reduced effectiveness during wash cycles can also signal it’s high time for cleanup.
How Does Hard Water Affect My Washer?
In areas where hard water prevails, mineral buildup within pipes and hoses due to calcium and magnesium content could hamper efficient operation during wash cycles. Regular use of quality cleaners like ACTIVE will help combat such issues effectively, ensuring optimal performance despite these challenging conditions.
While regular maintenance ensures smooth functioning, always cross-verify manufacturer guidelines when cleaning or performing maintenance on your machine.
Best Products for Keeping Your Washer Clean
A clean washing machine is essential for effective laundry cycles and prolonging the lifespan of your appliance. There are numerous commercial cleaners available, each offering unique benefits.
Obviously we are a bit biased here but we (and many of our customers) truly believe ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner is the best product for keeping your washer clean. It effectively fights against stubborn odors that can be problematic with front-loading washers. It’s equally useful for top-load washer cleaning too as it eliminates odor-causing residues, not just temporarily covering them up with a scent.
ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner tablets offer deep cleansing action, reaching into even hard-to-reach areas within your washer drum without leaving any harsh chemical residues behind. These tablets work by breaking down particles from dirt and detergent while eliminating unpleasant smells from mold or mildew build-up inside the machine.
ACTIVE Cleaners: Comprehensive Appliance Cleaning Solutions
If you’re seeking an all-encompassing solution to keep every corner of your home appliances spotless, consider exploring the other offerings in the ACTIVE Cleaner range of cleaning products. We have specialized solutions designed specifically for all the different types of appliances and machines in your home – from washing machines to coffee makers.