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 after being washed or a strange odor is coming from the washer, it may be time for a thorough cleaning.
Why Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
Cleaning your washing machine is about more than just 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, and leftover detergent are allowed to accumulate within a washer drum without regular wash cycles, they can lead to various issues.
That will defeat the purpose of doing the laundry as no one wants their garments to smell anything less than fresh after washing.
Dirt Build-Up Can Affect the Machine’s Efficiency
A grimy washer could compromise its performance – that goes for both a top-loading washing machine and a front-loading washing machine.
For example, accumulated grime can block the flow of water or interfere with the detergents during a wash cycle. In other words, you’ll need to run more than one cycle before achieving the desired results – an unnecessary consumption of energy and resources.
Potential Damage To Clothes And Appliance Breakdowns
If buildup becomes severe inside a top or front loader without monthly deep cleans using products like ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner, small particles can dislodge during the laundering process, leading to stains on your clothes or even damage, such as snags, especially on delicate fabrics.
The Solution: Routine Maintenance Schedule
Fortunately, you can prevent all these problems by maintaining your washing machine regularly.
This means wiping down visible surfaces and using ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets twice a month for deep cleaning.
That way, external components will remain presentable while internal ones function at peak capacity, thus prolonging the machine’s life expectancy.
Different Types of Washing Machines and Their Needs
Top-loading and front-loading machines, while similar in function, require distinct approaches when it comes to maintaining cleanliness.
Top-Loading Washing Machines
Due to the design of top loaders, soap residue can easily build up in hard-to-reach areas. For example, leftover detergent can accumulate around the agitator or at the drum’s base over time.
If left unattended during regular cleaning routines, these hidden spots may become hotspots for residues and odors.
Front-Loading Washing Machines
Cleaning front-load washers tends to be more intricate due to the way they’re built.
One area that’s particularly susceptible to residue is the rubber gasket surrounding the door as it comes into contact with moisture from wet laundry loads.
To counter this issue, we recommend wiping the seal with a soft cloth (an all purpose cleaner will do) every time you run the washer.
How to Clean Your Washing Machine with ACTIVE
Here we’ll explain how to clean and inspect the washer drum, detergent compartment, and other areas that are prone to dirt accumulation.
Preparing Your Washing Machine for Cleaning
Start by taking everything out of the washing machine.
It’s also important to use the right setting. Ideally, you want to use a hot water cycle as it’s highly effective at breaking 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 sanitizing the washing machine.
Running a Wash Cycle
Add one ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner Tablet directly into the washer drum and run a hot water or “Clean Water cycle.”
The tablets will automatically dissolve and circulate throughout all parts, effectively eliminating grime residue along with mineral deposits – offering a freshly washed clothes experience.
Tip: If it’s your first time cleaning your washer in a long time (or ever, no judgment), we recommend running a second cycle immediately afterward. The first cleaning cycle will help loosen grime build-up while the second cycle will finish the job by removing the rest and flushing it away.
Special Areas That You Want to Pay Attention To
While ACTIVE will reach the most important areas of grime buildup, other areas require special attention, which we will go over below.
Bleach and 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 vinegar.
Wipe it gently using a damp cloth until all visible debris are gone.
And don’t forget those tricky crevices around the drawer compartment. For that, you can use white vinegar and hot water – just mix the two and scrub the area with either a toothbrush or cotton swab.
Depending on the washer that you have, you may be able to remove the bleach and detergent dispenser tray from the machine itself.
In that 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 it in your washing machine.
The Fabric Softener Compartment
The fabric softener compartments tend to accumulate sticky soap scum if left unchecked. A toothbrush dipped in white vinegar solution works wonders on these areas.
Just make sure not to scrub too hard as exerting too much force can damage the compartment itself.
Afterward, rinse the compartment with warm water, then wipe dry with a microfiber cloth – that will help prevent potential contaminants due to moisture retention.
Gasket and Seal
Your washer’s seal prevents leaks during wash cycles but also creates the ideal conditions for residue to accumulate due to their consistently moist environment. Checking and wiping these seals regularly after cleaning with ACTIVE will prevent residue and odors from developing.
Maintaining Washer Cleanliness Between Deep Cleans
Deep cleaning your washing machine is important but you also want to keep up with routine maintenance between these cleans. That will not only keep the washer in tip-top shape but will also extend its lifespan.
Here are some tips that will help.
Air Out Your Machine After Each Use
Leave your washer door open after each use – that will allow moisture to evaporate, which will reduce the likelihood of contaminants forming. This is especially true for front-loading machines as they tend to trap moisture behind the doors.
Pay Attention to the 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.
Laundry Detergent: Less Is More
Be mindful when you’re adding your detergent – using too much can cause excess suds, which can lead to unpleasant odors. Not only that but it can damage the machine itself – this is especially true for high-efficiency models.
Common Questions About Washing Machine Maintenance
How Often Should I Deep Clean My Top or Front Loading Washing Machine?
Your laundry habits dictate how often 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 It’s Time To Clean My Washing Machine?
If there’s an unpleasant odor coming from your washer or if your freshly washed clothes smell stale rather than fresh – it’s time to deep clean with ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner tablets.
Visible buildup on the drum or detergent compartment, along with reduced effectiveness during wash cycles is another sign that it’s time for cleanup.
How Does Hard Water Affect My Washer?
If you live in an area with hard water, mineral buildups (e.g. calcium, magnesium) can accumulate inside the pipes, and that can affect your machine’s efficiency over time.
Using a quality cleaner like ACTIVE will help combat such issues, ensuring optimal performance. Baking soda can also be effective.
Choosing the Best Washing Machine Cleaner
A clean washing machine will not only boost your appliance’s performance but will also prolong its lifespan. There are numerous commercial cleaners available, each offering unique benefits.
ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner is one of them. It’s specifically formulated to fight against stubborn odors that can be problematic with front-loading washers. It’s equally useful for top-load models as well as it eliminates odor-causing residues.
The tablets offer deep cleansing action, reaching even hard-to-reach areas within your washer drum without leaving any harsh chemical residues behind.
ACTIVE Cleaners: Comprehensive Appliance Cleaning Solutions
If you’re looking to keep every corner of your home spotless, be sure to check out our range of ACTIVE cleaning products. We have specialized solutions designed specifically for all types of appliances and machines – from washing machines to coffee makers.
Kayla S –
I previously used Affresh tablets, but noticed they reduced the count from 6 to 5 while keping the price the same. I found an online brand offering three times as many for just a few dollars more, so I decided to try them. After using one tablet, I was impressed. The suds produced were much greater than Affresh’s, providing reassurance, especially in my hard water area (320ppm). There was minimal residue left in the tub, meaning I might skip my usual extra rinse cycle. I also noted the trap filter was surprisingly clean, with just a few dark specks in the drain water.
To combat smelly clothes, I now leave the door ajar for ventilation, wipe inner gaskets then clean the detergent compartment then regularly drain the machine, and reduce detergent use to 2-3 tablespoons for normal loads. Overfilling tends to lead to waste, likely due to detergent manufacturer influence. Additionally, I use the speed wash for most loads; a quick 15-minute cycle often suffices for lightly worn shirts without stains. I plan to continue using these tablets, which are affordable and perform similarly to Affresh. Highly recommended.
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Dan K –
Grat product, but corners fragile on tablets
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Ross –
Pause the cycle midway and clean the drum rim
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Tim P. –
I am not one to write reviews of anything. I had let my disposal get pretty nasty and I saw Active cleaners on Amazon for a decent price so I gave them a try. Very good foaming action and excellent cleaning and deodorizing result with just one tablet. I would highly recommend this product and will continue to use it to keep my old disposal like new.
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Molly –
I used two tablets in my top load washer on the ‘clean washer’ setting, hoping for a viral cleaning video. My boyfriend’s work clothes are always filthy with dirt and grease. The tablets didn’t fizzle much and produced only a few suds. Once they disappeared, so did my expectations. The wash tub water remained as clear as the fill water, with no clean scent left behind. Disappointing.
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Fay –
The second picture shows the results after 4 days of using these tablets, and it’s noticeably cleaner than the first. This is my third time using this product in the washer. In the second use, I couldn’t capture a timeline as the water was drained. By the third use, I saw changes in the water at the 36-hour mark. The longer you let the tablet sit, the more effective it is at cleaning tougher residue. After 24 hours, the residue wiped off easily. I recommend extending the time beyond the package instructions for better results.
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Kathryn H. –
This GRIME came from the rubber seal after my cleaning cycle. I’ve had my front-loading washer for two years, and it requires a cleaning cycle to operate. I thought I was maintaining it well with baking soda and vinegar until this filth appeared! 10/10 for the price.
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Brandon –
I bought these tablets to tackle the debris that kept appearing on my clothes after washing. Despite running the self-clean cycle twiceand once without the tablet and once withand I still found a lot of debris. While the tablets are useful for maintenance, they aren’t a complete solution. You still need to clean underneath the drum manually. So, yes, get the tablets, but remember that they should be used for maintenance, not as a sole solution for debris.
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Gordon –
Used both the dish washer and washing machine cleaner for the first time. I am thoroughly impressed with the results and will now make this brand of appliance cleaning products my go to line! I am now looking forward to trying some of the other products available.
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Mason E –
These worked as described, but I didn’t realice they only work effectively in areas reached by water. The product is tailored for side load washers, where water circulates throughout the entire drum but this means it cleans all parts of the machine, including the drain pipes. However, for top load washers, which are becoming less common due to water in efficiency, it mises some areas, leading to less thorough cleaning in spots that aren’t fully covered by water.
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