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.
Quynh –
I tried the product in my four-month-old washing machine on the tub wash cycle, but a faintish odor remained afterward. Typically, a deep wash or afresh product would eliminate that smell. After seeing a TikTok recommendation, I decided to try these since the price was reasonable. However, I was disappointed, as they didn’t seem effective at all. They appear too small and thin for my needs, and I can share a comparison picture. They are not close to the size of the afresh tablets I usually use. I might consider using two tablets, but that would mean using them up quickly. I’m still thinking about returning them, understanding this is a small business, but they simply haven’t worked for me maybe my washer is too large, but I’m not sure.
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Avery Torres –
I bought this Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler after watching a video about the buildup from liquid fabric softeners. Although I never used them, I noticed a blue residue in my washing machine’s dispenser cup from my former roommate’s usage. This residue had dripped down the agitator pole. After seeing the video, I advised my roommate to stop using the softener. After they moved out, I found the residue hardened on the dispenser cup. It took time to remove the cup assembly, and I was shocked to see the thick residue, which was everywhere. I followed the product instructions and ran a cycle, but it did nothing for the residue or the dark ring in the tub. I tried again, but the results were still the same. In a final attempt, I removed the cup and mixed one product cake with hot water to soak the parts for an hour, yet the stubborn residue remained. Ultimately, I had to use a stiff brush and a different cleaner to remove the buildup. Now, the washer is clean and residue-free. While I appreciated the video’s insights, I’m disappointed that this product didn’t function for me.
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Sanaa H. –
I rent from a very frugal landlord who provided a used washing machine that smelled like it had hosted a sports team’s post-game festivities. Unsurprisingly, our clothes came out reeking despite trying vinegar, popular washer cleaners, and multiple tub clean cycles. Our landlord was unconcerned since the machine was cheap and workal. This was my last attempt to salvage laundry at home. To my surprise, after the first wash, the smell was almost gone, and the stubborn mold wiped away easily. I’m now giving the machine one more treatment and feel confident it will be in perfect shape. This product is fantastic! It should work well in any typical situation and might even be a bit too powerful. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
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Hunter –
Avoid this product. I tried it three times—twice with hot water and once with warm. The tablets wouldn’t dissolve, and I suspect they would leave residue on clothes. There were also chipped pieces that could cling to fabrics. To make matters worse, my washing machine smelled worse after use. A cycle with vinegar and cleaning around the gaskets restored freshness.
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Kara –
New washer bought two months ago; shocked by what it cleaned. Highly recommend!
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Yves –
I had been using it for a while when that funky smell returned. i never paid much attention to its effectiveness, just assuming it worked. This morning, I decided to watch an entire cycle. My first attempt failed because the washer didn’t fill the drum with enough water for the tablet to activate fully, only cleaning the back half. Frustrated, I used my waterpik for an hour on the gunk at the front underside. Then I thought to add more water. I set it to heavy dutythough instructions say normal washsince my washer was filthy. I tossed in two tablets instead of one, started it, paused after two minutes, and added a gallon of hot water. Suddenly, there were bubbles filling the washer! When it finished, the inner drum was spotlessno more stinky odor! If your washer smells foul, you might be washing clothes in that filth. Get rid of the gunk with this product. There was some residue under the gasket, but a quick wipe fixed it. If you have a front loader, check if it can add minimal water when empty; if so, add a gallon of hot water and let it work its magic.
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Zuri –
Fills the chamber with foam; I rinsed after the self-cleaning. It restored a fresh, scent-free state with one tablet. Planning to use a tablet every two weeks.
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Rico –
THE HANDWRITTEN THANK YOU NOTE is a delightful rarity in 2022. This thoughtful touch, along with the product’s ease of use and excellent cleaning ability, has transformed my washer and utility room, eliminating a foul odor I struggled with. I’ve shared a photo on Facebook, and a couple of friends have already made purchases. Highly recommend and will buy again!
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Mattthew –
I hoped to enjoy this product after seeing all the positive reviews. The handwritten thank-you note was a nice touch. However, I can’t say it performed better than other cleaners. I ran three cycles in my Samsung washer, and each time, it left a brown residue. This issue existed before using the tablets. After cleaning out the buildup, I feel the tablets didn’t do more than a cycle without cleaner. I’ve also noticed brown stains on clothes, suggesting a thorough drum cleaning may be needed. While you get more for your money, I can’t confirm any difference from the tablets yet. I’ll update my review if results improve.
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Nan –
I have a top-load washing machine with a central agitator. I used name-brand washing machine cleaners monthly but decided to try a new brand. With the name brands, I didn’t see any difference; my machine didn’t look cleaner. After using this product, I discovered brown flakes after the cleaning cycle. This cleaner is PHENOMENAL. I was shocked by how much fabric softener residue had accumulated in the drum’s holes. It truly cleans my washer. After using a tab, I just wipe the drum dry with a paper towel. This is the best washer cleaner I’ve ever tried, and it’s from a small business that included a thank you note. I will keep buying this product.
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