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.
Suzanne Bell –
I love this! I bought the dishwasher, washing machine and Garbage disposal all 3 I love them so clean and shiny. I am hoping to see a coffee machine cleaner that would be awesome! Love this product a repeat customer!
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Juan –
It’s been 2 years, and this product has kept my washer pristine. I use one tablet a month, making the box last for 2 years. Ready to order my next box; it’s exceptional. Even if you do laundry often and clean twice a month, it’s still a great deal. Give it a try; you wont regret it. **Original Review** For 6 years, we’ve used Affresh for our washer. I saw ads for Active on Facebook and liked how bubbly it looked. Affresh didn’t foam much, making me doubt its effectiveness. I tried Active, and I’m impressed. While I can’t say if it’s better than Affresh, the suds give me confidence. They recommend every 2 weeks; since it’s just my wife and me with about 3 loads weekly, I use it once a month. I will definitely buy it again.
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Paul Bailey –
the washer appears unchanged, as does the laundry. grime still requires scrubbing, which i can do with dawn. i’m not sure what the tablet accomplishes besides wasting water. it may clean the inside of the barrel, but the visible parts look the same. used in a speed queen top load i’m not impressed and wouldn’t recommend it.
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Robert –
Product arrived without its original packaging, and all tablets are in powdered form
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Tina –
In one use, it eliminated the pre-rinse smell from the laundry water. The basin sprkles from end to end, as if it’s a new washer despite being over 20 years old
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Lennon –
Those who report finding gunk in their tubs after using these tablets may believe they work, but I suspect they’re only effective on very dirty machines. I tried one myself and paused the cycle to check the water with a flashlight, hoping to see the debris others mentioned. To my surprise, the water was mostly clear, with minimal cloudiness from the tablet. The next day, I ran a cleaning cycle with bleach and found a substantial amount of dirt in the drum, clearly from the grime the tablets missed. Skip the tablets and use bleach for your cleaning cycle instead.
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Kylie –
I hope this review reaches many readers bc I’m pleased with this product and want to share some washer tips. I noticed grime-like flecks on my clothes after washing, especially on whites. My LG washer is eight years old and well-maintained, but I was unsure what was causing the issue possibly mold, mildew, or grease. Sometimes, I could flick it off, but it occasionally smeared into the fabric. I considered buying a new washer but decided to search for cleaner options and found this product. After using a tablet in the tub clean mode, the problem persisted. I learned that “Tub Clean” only filled the tub with about two inches of water, insuficient to address the grime. Manufacturer support suggested there was no way to increase the water level but I discovered a workaround. By setting the washer to bulky/bedding with hot water and tricking the machine into thinking it was full of clothes, I filled the drum more effectively. After 45 minutes, I found what looked like dissolved paper mache floating in the drum. I used a mesh strainer to remove the floating debris. After repeating the process, I still found substantial debris. While skimming may not be necessary for all washers, it gave me peace of mind. i used nearly the entire box of tablets within a week, despite the “year’s supply” claim. It’s a year’s supply for regular maintenance, which I now plan to do. The cost was about $25, much less than the $1000 I would have spent on a new washer. Unlike many Amazon products that pay for positive reviews, this is not one of them. I wrote this review because it genuinely helped me, and I hope it helps you too. Supporting a small business is important, and I wanted to share my honest experience to assist them.
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Emily Langley –
I had high hops for this product on my front loader washer. The first picture shows it before, the second after. I pre-washed all the rubber and used two tablets instead of one, thinking it would work better. I washed on hot to tackle what I assumed was mildew or soap residue. The tub is shinier, and the musty smell seems to be gone, but I always leave the doors open. Would I recommend this? Maybe for top loaders, but not for front loaders It didn’t meet my expectations, hence the lower rating
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Beth –
It works, trust me! I own a Maytag HE washer with an Affresh wash sensor for cleaning cycles. I’ve used Affresh consistently, but after switcvhing to Active washing machine cleaner, I was amazed! There’s no strong chemical scent, and the small tablets are very effective. If I had recorded the first cleaning cycle, you’d be shocked at the amount of gunk that came out. I ran another cycle with an extra tablet, and even more came out! (See video attached.) My wsher feels incredibly fresh! plus these are cheaper in bulk.
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June –
These work great and are wallet-friendly! I love the personalized card that comes with them. This will definitely be my go-to purchase every year (or sooner with my puppies)!
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