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.
Rene –
My washer had a terrilbe smell, and I tried everything. By chance, I found this product and ordered it, eager to try it. I tore open the packaging as soon as it arrived and tossed it in my washer. It worked wondersand my washer feels brand new! Plus, there was a sweet handwritten note inside. I’ll definitely be trying their other products!
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Adam Butler –
Can you see the tiny holes in my washer filled with grime that I scraped out with my clean fingernail? This was after using this product. I started with one tablet in a hot water wash (no clothes). The tub and its holes stayed dirty. Then, I tried two tablets in another hot water wash (also empty). Neither a single tablet nor two cleaned the drainage holes, suggesting it didn’t clean the drum either. I can’t comment on odor elimination since I use unscented detergents, but it didn’t effectively clean my washer. The photos show my fingernail digging into a drainage hole, revealing all the grime I scraped out after wasting time, hot water, and product. Don’t waste your money on this.
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Josh C –
I used two tablets and ran my washer on the cleaning cycle, but there was no noticeable difference. Some reviews mention a “handwritten” thank you note, but the included card was just printed. The residue in the washer remained unchanged, and I see no advantage to this product. It also arrived later than expected. You’d be better off using vinegar in the drum instead. I suspect the positive reviews are fabricated, as there was no improvement in the drum’s smell.
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Gary –
I opted for these instead of the brand recommended by the washing machine manufacturer. They perform just as well as the name brand. We use them as needed based on the machine’s reminders and have never experienced a smelly or dirty washing machine.
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Perry –
I have an older front load washer that has a persittent musty smell. I’ve removed seals to clean tricky spots, cleaned the filter every two weeks, and left the door ajar to dry. I regularly run white vinegar through the “Tub Clean Cycle,” but nothing worked. While my clothes come out fresh, the tub still stank. Just as I was about to replace it with a top load model, I tried this product, which saved me from buying a new machine. i highly recommmend it; it’s affordable and worth the effort!
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Auralie –
Very satisfied with the product; it exceeded my expectations. We have hard water, and our washer had a musty odor, leaving clothes with grey stains. I used one tablet as instructed and ran a clean cycle. After washing bathroom towels to check for residue, everything came out spotless.
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Lloyd –
I don’t usually share product finds, but I had to mention this one I picked up on Prime Day. I saw videos showing that washers may look clean but often aren’t, and our washer is a prime example. I noticed stains on clothes and initially blamed the detergent pods. Today, I ran a cleaning cycle and just checked it. You won’t believe what I foundand the residue is dried and stuck to the sides! I had to dampen it, scrub it off, and now I’m running another cleaning cycle.
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Mason –
we have an old washer and dryer that have seen better days. after counntless loads of dirty, sandy clothes and dealing with hard water, i wish i had realized the importance of cleaning the washer sooner. cleaning it rarely made my to-do list, but noticing residue on dark clothes certainly grabbed my attention! i found myself hand-washing clothes, which was a hassle. our washer is old, and wiping it down wasn’t effective. diy solutions like hot water and vinegar didn’t work either, so i bought a cleaner specifically for this purpose. after using it twice, i found it helped loosen the grime transferred onto our clothes. i wiped out a lot of debris from hard-to-reach areas. i haven’t done laundry yet post-cleaning, but i hope it improves my washer’s performance. the takeaway is simple: regardless of your washer’s age, clean it out! if it’s older, consider using these tablets; they worked well for me. we’ll see how it goes! i hope this helps anyone in a similar situation.
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Dave –
I have a 5cf top loader and used two small tablets with hot water, letting it soak for a few hours. When I drained the machine, the water was clear, with no flakes, unlike previous experiences. My machine is well-maintained and doesn’t smell. The following week, I used an OxiClean machine cleaner in the same way, and this time I found light-colored flakes at the bottom of the agitator and some floating in the water, resembling skin. These tablets didn’t function for me like other cleaners, so I plan to give them to my mother, as she has hard water and they might be more effective for her.
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Kenzo –
My repairman recommended these tablets, and it’s the best advice I’ve received! After using them once a month, my washing machine looks and smells great, and my laundry has improved. I’ve tried other cleaners, but this is by far the best. Highly recommend!
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