If you want your washing machine to work well for years to come, you need to know how to deep clean it! I walk you through the easy steps to get it clean and running well.
In our pre-kid days, Finn and I would wash one load of laundry a week. It was a very easy chore for us both. In fact, I’ve never understood why people complain about washing clothes. I mean it’s not that hard, right?
Now, as a family of four, I know better. We probably do at least two or three loads a day! I don’t understand how two little people can make such a huge pile of dirty laundry, day after day!
I’m so glad we renovated our laundry room when we bought our house. We chose a front-loading washer and dryer, both from Maytag. They have held up great over the past 5 years!
Since we do a lot of laundry and our appliances are in constant use, I do my best to deep clean our appliances every six months or so. I have already shared the step by step tutorial for deep cleaning your dryer vent in this video. Lint buildup can cause house fires, so everyone should do this regularly!
Today, I want to share with you my tips for cleaning a front-loading washing machine. I know some people are concerned about front-loading machines because they’ve heard horror stories about them starting to smell a little weird. I’m here to tell you that with the right cleaning regime, you can avoid this!
My best tips for cleaning your washing machine
It is very important to clean the things that clean. If you don’t deep clean your washing machine (or dishwasher), how are you supposed to clean the items you put in it?
Over time, soap residue, dirt, lint, fabric softener, and detergent residue can begin to build up inside your washer. total! If you don’t take care of it, you will find that bad smell in your laundry room and on your clean clothes.
Leave the washing machine door and drawer open
Before we get to the deep cleaning steps, here’s one thing you should do after every load of laundry – keep the door open!
If you close the door, the moisture will remain there and no air will come out of the front-loading washer. When I put clothes in the dryer, I’ll leave the washer door open and also pull the detergent drawer out so the air can come out as well. 
After a few hours, it’s usually dry and I can close it, but let’s be honest, it’s usually time to load another load of laundry anyway. This simple step makes deep cleaning a breeze.
There are also small holes in the rubber seal and hair, lint and random things can get stuck in there. I used my small brush to get into these crevices and clean them completely.
To use, simply place the tablet in the empty washing machine – not the dispenser, but in the actual washing machine where you put your dirty clothes.
My Maytag washer has a “Clean Washer with Refresh” cycle! If not, that’s okay. Simply read the back of the package and follow the instructions to use the correct cycle and temperature.
I toss the tablet, use the hot water cleaning cycle, and after an hour and a half my washer is much better! It is the best and easiest way to keep your washing machine drum clean.
If you don’t have any washing machine tablets on hand, you can put some baking soda inside your washing machine. Next, add two cups of distilled white vinegar to the detergent dispenser. Next, turn the machine on to the highest water temperature to start the cleaning cycle.
Deep cleaning every six months
You will need to deep clean your washing machine at least twice a year.
If you’re likely to forget to do this task every six months, don’t worry. That’s exactly why I created my digital playbook, Your Home Playbook. It tells you exactly when to do each of these home maintenance tasks and will link to this tutorial so all the steps are right in front of you.
You can learn more about your home startup guide here!
Get cleaning!
Now, I should know. Do you clean your washing machine regularly? We’ve certainly dealt with a smelly washing machine from time to time.
It’s okay if you haven’t kept up, but now is a good time to start! It’s a simple process and your laundry room and clothes will smell much better with these simple steps.
Casey
