Your washer and dryer are likely the last appliances on your cleaning radar. However, like all household appliances, they need a deep clean at least once a year. Take a look below to see how to clean your laundry appliances with ease and efficiency.
The Washing Machine
1) Empty your washing machine and put 2 cups of baking soda in. Let your washer run at the hottest setting on the longest cycle. After your baking soda load is complete, do the exact same thing, except with 2 cups of vinegar.
2) Next, take out your detergent dispensers and let them soak in an equal parts water/vinegar mixture for a couple hours.
3) Now it’s time for the outside of your washing machine. Using a bristled brush, clean the nooks and crannies of your machine, making sure to get around the corners of the door. Feel free to use a multi-purpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth for the rest of the exterior.
Leaving the washing machine door open is a good habit to get into, both after you clean the interior and doing a load of laundry. This will prevent the growth of mildew
and mold.
The Dryer
Sadly, people not cleaning their dryers can lead to disaster. Take a look here to see why it’s important to stay on top of dryer maintenance.
Now that you know why it’s important to clean your dryer, how do you do it? Since all dryers are made differently, it’s wise to consult your owner’s manual before getting started. If you’re still nervous, schedule a service appointment to have a technician do it for you.
1) Unplug your dryer and get your vacuum.
2) Remove the lint screen, throw away any lint and vacuum the screen. Make sure you’re cleaning out your lint screen after every load of laundry, too. Put a narrow vacuum attachment in the actual lint trap to suck up any loose debris.
3) Next, check the dryer vent outside your home to ensure air isn’t getting blocked.
4) Remove the discharge hose (the “trunk” looking thing at the back of your dryer). Check to see if there is any blockage and use your vacuum to clean out the interior.
5) It is recommend to get a dryer brush/kit to clean the inside of your dryer. You can do a more extensive clean by unscrewing the back panel and vacuuming; however, this is extensive and not necessary if you have the right equipment. Where the discharge hose was, gently move the brush through the back of your dryer, making sure to get into corners.
6) Vacuum up the rest of the area behind your dryer (and washing machine while you’re back there).
7) Give the outside and dryer drum a wipe down with an all-purpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Secure the discharge hose back on and plug your machine in.