How can I clean a washing machine, to stop it smelling mouldy?

Answer 1

Is cleaning your washing machine important? It certainly is! The inside of your washing machine is constantly being subjected to dirty water, mineral deposits, detergent deposits, and if you launder cloth diapers it is especially important to keep your machine clean and in tip-top condition. Much like dishwashers, sinks and bathtubs get dirty even though they are meant to clean things, your washing machine can become a mess in no time. Though, most dirt and soil is washed out with the water, dirt, soap residue and other unidentifiable grungy objects can be left behind and you actually have to get rid of this dirt yourself. Every time you wash your clothes, hard water and detergents cause build up to accumulate also, inside the tub, pump and hoses. This build-up reduces the ability of your washing machine to perform and mineral build-up can be abrasive to your cloths and diapers you are washing, causing them to wear faster. Cleaning your washing machine eliminates these problems.

First, run a cycle of hot water along with two cups of vinegar or lemon juice to loosen up soap and grime. Remove the fabric softener receptacle and soak it in hot water and detergent. Clean the bleach dispenser with a spray cleaner and paper towels and Q-tips. Don’t forget to clean the top rim of the wash bucket as it is up and under where it can’t usually be seen easily and becomes dirty. Run the washer empty on a hot cycle one more time.

While this is going on you check all your hoses for leaks. Over time, the water hoses that came with your washing machine may leak or burst. It's a good preventive maintenance practice to check these hoses from time to time for any sign of wear or weakness. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the hoses every 5 years. Make sure your hoses are not a disaster waiting to occur!

Once you’ve soaked the fabric softener receptacle, replace it and polish up the outside of your washing machine with vinegar and a cloth towel. Your washing machine now looks better and will run better as well!

Happy washing!

Answer 2

One cup of White Vinegar to the hottest water no clothes added full cycle when done then you can use the washing machine, you can also from time to time do a maintenance cleaning with full strength undiluted vinegar on a clean cloth or sponge and wipe around the tub and pour in some vinegar in the dispensers to help clean and deodorize them your washer will be clean and odor free and also will last longer this will also clean the hoses and keep them free flowing if the above treatments are done on a regular basis like every other week or twice a month it can be done it also removes rust and limescale and will disinfect your washer Vinegar has been touted as being the best disinfectant in the world and it is safe to use Good Luck !

Answer 3

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How can I clean a washing machine, to stop it smelling mouldy?

Answer 4

For one thing forget about the bleach - that is if you want to get the most out of your machine - bleach will only corrode the pipes. If you use low temperature programs the best thing to do is once in a while you give it a maintenance run that is put it on the highest temperature you've got normally 90 degrees and throw in a measure of detergent and let it run empty. The hot water gets rid of all the residue for you. Do this every 2 or 3 months. And never close your machine right after you finish using it. Wipe it dry ( drum and all) and leave it open for at least an hour.

Answer 5

The best way to clean out your washing machine, and I do this regularly, is to do a long hot wash, without any washing, using about 2 large cupful's of 'Washing Soda Crystals', if you can't find crystals Soda Powder will do. Also, you can add a little 'White Vinegar', which helps to de-oderise the machine. I hope that helps

Answer 6

There are many steps you can follow easilly and you can stop it smelling mouldy.
a. Run a service wash
b. Turn off your machine
c. Clean the seal, drawer and filter
d. Leave the door and drawer open
e. Check the stand pipe

Answer 7

The bin itself is usually quite easy to remove through twisting and lifting it out. While the suggestions of running an empty load through the wash of hot and bleach (or some other disinfectant) are good, sometimes the mold and muck that is causing the smell has accumulated beyond the reach of the water running through the wash. Removing the bin will allow you to access those areas and wipe them clean. Then use the hot water/disinfectant empty load method once a month to prevent it from getting that bad again.

Answer 8

Add a a few ounces of baking soda to an empty hot wash. Baking soda is amazing stuff great for cleaning everything.

Answer 9

put it on a boil wash once a week without any laudry in it, this should clear out the stagnant deposits. If you want to a bit of bleach but be careful what you wash afterwards
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Answer 10

Vinegar and soda crystals, the vinegar works and a deodoriser and no dont worry wont leave your washing smelling like the chip shop, put on hot wash and rinse a few times then put on wash empty on cold water only. works for me x