How to clean your washing machine drum?

If your washing machine smells like sweaty workout gear, it’s time to clean it. Even washing machines do get dirty. Hard-water minerals, laundry soil, detergent, and softener build up in places you cannot see, and mould and mildew grow inside the washer’s lid. Here’s our detailed guide on how to clean the washing machine drum.

Things you will need for cleaning washing machines

White Vinegar

Old Toothbrush

Baking Soda

Dishrag or dish scrubber

Rubber Gloves (optional)

Steps to clean top-load washing machine drum

Step 1: Set your machine to the longest and hottest cycle after emptying the drum. To fully fill your washer, set the dial to the largest load size. It is best to use the "heavy duty" wash cycle if you are unable to set the time manually. Keep the lid open while the drum fills with water, and set the temperature knob to the hottest setting. Use the drum clean cycle instead if your machine has one.

Step 2: You can use your kitchen’s standard white vinegar. Pour four cups of white vinegar into the machine as the drum fills with water

Step 3: While the water fills the drum, add one cup of baking soda so it mixes evenly. Baking soda and vinegar will react to lift any residue and clean the drum of the machine.

Step 4: For the cycle to begin, close the lid of the machine for one minute. Baking soda, vinegar, and water will be mixed more thoroughly and the cleaning solution will spread throughout the drum. Lift the lid after a minute to pause the cycle. It is common for some washing machines to lock their lids once the cycle begins. It can be unlocked and opened by pressing the stop or pause buttons.

Step 5: Use an old toothbrush to rub the upper part of the drum.

Step 6: Close the lid and let the machine complete one washing cycle.

Step 7: Wipe the inside of your machine with a clean dishrag to remove any residue. To scrub any trouble spots, dip one end of the rag into a mixture of warm water and vinegar.

Step 8: You may need to run another cycle with four cups of vinegar to remove any residues.

Steps to clean front-load washing machine drum

Step 1: Pour two cups of white vinegar into the drum after emptying it. Vinegar should be poured directly into the drum. Before moving on, close the washing machine door. You may need to add another half a cup (120 ml) of vinegar if there is a lot of grimy build-ups.

Step 2: Mix one-fourth cup of water and baking soda in a small bowl or cup. Combine the solution and pour it directly into the wells where detergent, fabric softener, and bleach would go. The machine will then clean all the wells.

Step 3: Use the hottest setting allowed by your machine for the cycle. The cleaner will soak in the drum for a longer time if you use a normal cycle for clothes or a heavy-duty cycle. When the heat is combined with vinegar and baking soda, any mildew or grime inside the drum will be loosened and destroyed.

Step 4: To clean your washing machine, dampen a rag with clean water and wipe away any excess grime or mould. To remove mildew that has stuck on during the cycle, clean it with a scouring brush.

Warnings

You should never mix vinegar with other cleaning solutions, such as bleach, ammonia, or hydrogen peroxide. Some of these mixtures can produce dangerous fumes when combined together and that can be hazardous to health.

Those with sensitive skin may experience irritation from vinegar. Protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.

Along with cleaning the drum of the washing machine, it is equally important to clean the gasket, detergent dispenser and outer parts of the machine. If these parts are left unattended, the accumulation of moulds and mildews will not completely vanish from your washing machine and the odour will not go even after cleaning the drum.