It can be easy to overlook cleaning the things we use to clean other things, but key appliances such as washers and dryers need to be cleaned and maintained properly to optimize performance and ensure safety. keep your family safe.
Cleaning your washing machine will prevent a build-up of laundry products and soil that can stain clothes, even freshly washed, and prevent odors from sticking to the machine – and in your laundry. Dryers need periodic maintenance to keep them running smoothly and safely; according to FEMA2,900 home dryer fires are reported each year, most of which are caused by failure to clean the machine.
We spoke to the experts about how and how often to clean top-loading, front-loading, and electric and gas dryers, including how to clean dryer vents to keep your machine clean. you operate safely.
Lindsay Jones, brand director at Maytag, are provided with step-by-step instructions for cleaning the top-loading washer. She recommends cleaning your washing machine regularly: “Always diligently cleaning your washing machine means you don’t leave residue on your machine.”
Start by cleaning the tub, using a washing machine cleaner like Affresh or 1-quart liquid chlorine bleach. Run the washing machine’s cleaning cycle, followed by a rinse and spin cycle to remove dirt from the washer. Leave the washing machine door open to allow the drum to dry.
Important Note: If using bleach, also do not use products that contain ammonia or vinegar, as they cause a dangerous chemical reaction when mixed with chlorine bleach.
Pull out the dispenser compartment(s) until you feel some resistance, or if they are removable, remove them from the device. Wipe them down with a damp cloth and use a toothbrush to scrub away stubborn buildup. Removable parts can also be soaked in warm water to loosen and remove residue; Wipe thoroughly after soaking.
Open the lid and clean in and around the door with a damp cloth. Use a damp cloth or sponge to clean the outside of the machine. Avoid using abrasive or strong detergents when cleaning exterior surfaces as they can cause scratches and other damage.
Top-loading washers with agitators will require a deeper cleaning. “To thoroughly deep clean a washing machine, you will need to clean the filter and agitator,” says Gina Perry, senior cleaning merchant at The Home Depot. “This procedure varies from machine to machine.”
Consult your machine’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to remove the washer’s agitator and filter, and unplug the machine before removing any parts. Typically, says Perry, these are the steps to remove and clean the washing machine filter.
Use the socket wrench to remove the bolt holding the agitator; from its base, lift the stirrer out of the machine.
Place the stirrer and filter in a bucket, utility sink, or tub filled with hot, soapy water, or in a cleaning solution made with 2 cups vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1/4 cup water.
Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the parts. Rinse thoroughly, then dry with a microfiber cloth. Replace the filter and agitator in the washing machine.
“Due to the way they are set up,” Perry says of front loaders, “they tend to be more prone to odors than top loaders.” Perry provided step-by-step instructions on how to clean a front-loading washer to remove unwanted mold and mildew growth and odors.
Start by cleaning the tub, using a HE washing machine cleaner such as Tide Washing Machine Cleaner on a normal cycle with the hot water setting.
After the detergent load is finished, scrub the door gasket with an old toothbrush to remove any dirt and grime build-up, then use a cloth to wipe it down with vinegar. Pull out the dispenser compartment(s) until you feel some resistance, or if they are removable, remove them from the device. Wipe them down with a damp cloth and use a toothbrush to scrub away stubborn buildup.
Wipe the inside of the tub and door with a microfiber cloth. Use a damp cloth or sponge to clean the outside of the machine. Avoid using abrasive or strong detergents when cleaning exterior surfaces as they can cause scratches and other damage. Place the trays and detergent dispenser back in the machine and open the door to allow everything to dry completely.
How often to clean your washing machine depends on several factors, including the size of your household and what the machine is used for. Households with many members or those that use washing machines to wash cloth diapers, outdoor work clothes or other soiled textiles will need to wash the washing machine more often.
“If you start to notice odors or detergent/film residue left in your washing machine, it may be time to deep clean your appliance,” says Perry.
A sniff test is a good way to determine if your machine needs to be cleaned, but establishing a regular cleaning schedule can also help. “It’s best to have your washing machine cleaned monthly,” says Jones, “which is a good rule of thumb for large households or machines used for heavy laundry. For small households that wash less frequently, the machine should be cleaned every 30 cycles, says Jones.
If you regularly wash heavily soiled items, says Gary Childers, a fabric care scientist and appliance specialist at Procter & Gamble, recommends using the washing machine’s additional rinse cycle to help extend the time between washes. “Households where laundry is soiled above average may experience odors in the machine that others do not,” he said. “Additional rinse options on the machine can help reduce the rate at which these odor-causing deposits build up inside the washing machine.”
When it comes to cleaning your dryer, there are things you should do regularly to keep it running smoothly and safely, and deeper cleaning and maintenance should be done every 12 to 24 months.
According to Childers, routine maintenance includes:
- Remove lint from the lint screen before or after each drying cycle.
- Clean the lint screen with warm, soapy water every six months; Larger households should clean the lint filter more often.
- Remove spots inside the machine or on the door with a warm, wet cloth.
- Have a professional appliance repair technician inspect the inside of your dryer and its ductwork every 12 to 24 months, depending on intended use and manufacturer recommendations.
Cleaning the dryer ductwork can be done without calling a professional. “Cleaning the dryer duct is not difficult,” says Perry. “Remove lint from ductwork by hand and then vacuum inside duct.” She gives step-by-step instructions for cleaning the dryer vent.
Unplug the dryer (for gas dryers, turn off the gas supply valve), pull the dryer away from the wall, and disconnect the dryer duct.
Ridgid 12-Gallon wet/dry shop vacuum with filter, hose and accessories
While wearing safety gloves, use your hands to remove lint from the hole in the back of the dryer. Then use the hose attachment of the vacuum cleaner or vacuum cleaner to clean in and around the hole in the back of the dryer; if you can separate the length of the duct when it comes in contact with the wall, do so for easy access. Go outside and remove the outside vent cover and clean the dryer vent from the outside using the vacuum cleaner.
If the dryer vent is too long to effectively use the vacuum to remove lint, purchase a dryer vent kit that contains flexible brushes to clean the inside walls of the vent. . Insert the brush into the duct and move it back and forth while gently rotating until the vents are free of dust and lint.
Reattach ductwork and vent caps, sealing duct sections with UL-listed foil tape if necessary. This is a good time to inspect ducts to make sure they are undamaged and meet safety codes, and replace them if necessary. Push the dryer back to its original position, plug or turn the gas valve back on, and run a 15 to 20 minute test cycle using the fluff or air drying setting to ensure all connections are secure and Remove any remaining debris.
