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How to Spring Clean Your Washing Machine & Keep it Clean

May 24, 2019 by Robin 20 Comments

This post may include affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more information.

A Fresh Smelling Washing Machine is pure joy! There are a few simple things you can do this spring to get it smelling fresh. Plus, some helpful tips for keeping it fresh throughout the year.

Household Cleaning

Are there unpleasant odors coming from your front loader washing machine? Well I’ve got a few tricks that will have it smelling fresh in no time. A fresh smelling washing machine is not only pleasant to your nose and clothes, but it’s also essential if you want to extend the life of your machine.

How to Spring Clean Your Washing Machine

High Efficiency (HE) washing machines, most specifically front loaders, are designed to use less water and energy. Because of this there is a buildup that occurs of detergents, molds and mildew which is what causes that funky odor in your machine. A deep, thorough cleaning, a couple of times a year, will take care of the problem.

Step 1: Soap Dispenser Tray

Remove the soap dispenser tray. Using a multipurpose cleaner, a sponge and a scrub brush, give the dispenser tray a good scrubbing. Then scrub clean the compartment where the dispenser tray goes. Dry the tray and compartment before replacing.

Related: 15 Homemade Multipurpose Cleaners

Step 2: Rubber Seal

Pull back the rubber seal and remove any debris that may have collected. Now wipe it down the seal with a multipurpose cleaner or some vinegar water to remove any mold or mildew.

Step 3: Door

Using a multipurpose cleaner, wipe down the inside of the washer door, including the seals, hinges and latches.

Step 4: Lint Trap

Warning: This is a disgusting job, especially if you haven’t done it in a while or ever. The smell is absolutely rancid, so if you have a weak stomach you might want to find someone else to do it for you.

The lint trap to my washing machine is located at the bottom. I had to remove three screws that hold the bottom kick plate in position in order to get to it. If you are unsure where yours is located, refer to your owners manual.

To clean, start by putting some kind of a pan under the trap before you open, you might want to put on a gas mask as well. If you’ve ever wondered where that nasty smell is coming you’ll know as soon as you twist open that trap.

Now don’t be surprised, a lot of things other than lint have gotten trapped in there; stagnant water, black sludge, socks, jewelry, even money.

Once all of the water has drained from the trap, give it a good scrubbing, cleaning inside the trap as well as the cap.

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Step 5: Sanitize

Make sure the washing machine is empty then select the “clean” mode. If your washer doesn’t have a cleaning mode, then select large load with the hot water setting. Fill the soap dispenser tray with distilled vinegar (no detergent) and start the machine. Allow it to run through the complete cycle, this should remove any lingering odors.

If you still find that the machine has a slight odor, repeat the above steps using bleach instead of vinegar.

Step 6: Rinse

Again, make sure the washing machine is empty, select the clean mode, but this time don’t add anything to the soap dispenser. Allow it to run through the complete cycle.

Step 7: Exterior

Using a multipurpose cleaner, wipe down the outside of the machine. While you’re cleaning it’s a good idea to check the hoses for any cracks or leaks.

Related: Teaching Kids to Do Laundry

How to Keep it Clean and Smelling Fresh

▪ Don’t allow clothes to sit in the washer, remove as soon as the wash cycle is complete.
▪ Wipe the rubber seal dry with a soft rag.
▪ Dry off the door and door gasket when done.
▪ Leave the door to the washer partially open between loads so that air can circulate.
▪ Sanitize the washing machine once a month.

Did you know that your washing machine had a lint trap?


Household Cleaning

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  • The Amazing (Non-Toxic) Cleaning Power of Peroxide – Hydrogen peroxide is one of the most effective green cleaners. 
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  • How to Clean Your Lampshade Like a Pro – Before you toss out that dusty, dirty old lampshade, try giving it a good old fashioned cleaning.
  • 25 Ways to Clean Clothes for Less – Making your own laundry cleaners is an easy and powerful way to clean clothes.

About the Author

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Robin
A mother to three amazing boy, wife to an incredible husband and a former finance manager who traded in her spreadsheets for cookie sheets. I blog about things that make life a little more fun, a bit more manageable, slightly prettier, a great deal tastier and considerably cheaper.


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Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a commission. I only recommend products or services that I personally believe will add value to my readers. All opinions stated are strictly my own. Read our full disclosure policy for more information. 

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Filed Under: Cleaning Tagged With: how to, laundry, two cents'

Comments

  1. Michele Morin says

    May 28, 2019 at 7:51 am

    Thank you (I think) for the info about the lint trap. I’ve got to scrounge up my owner’s manual today!

    Reply
    • Robin says

      May 28, 2019 at 11:12 am

      While you’re looking for the manual, look for a gas mask! LOL

      Reply
  2. Lisa Lombardo says

    May 28, 2019 at 8:41 am

    I definitely need this info! I found your post on Tuesdays with a Twist and would love to have you join us on Farm Fresh Tuesdays!

    Reply
  3. Kippi says

    May 30, 2019 at 9:03 am

    Thank you for the tips and tricks for that smelly washing machine. I really love the water saving with my new washing machine, but was surprised by the musty smell.
    Happy weekend,
    Kippi

    Reply
  4. Kristi Dominguez says

    May 30, 2019 at 6:06 pm

    These are all great tips! It makes me want to go clean mine out right now!

    Reply
  5. Teresa says

    June 6, 2019 at 10:31 am

    I do this often. The lint trap is my husband’s job, though…
    Thank you for sharing the tips at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned.

    Reply
    • Robin says

      June 6, 2019 at 4:32 pm

      It makes a big difference!

      Reply
  6. Nina Lewis says

    June 21, 2019 at 12:23 pm

    The thought that I ought to clean my washer flitted through my mind last week. You’ve given me motivation to actually do it! Thanks so much for sharing at our Party in Your PJs link party!

    Reply
    • Robin says

      June 21, 2019 at 9:20 pm

      Funny how that happens!

      Reply
  7. Jenny says

    June 22, 2019 at 8:45 am

    These are great tips to keep your washer clean. Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday!

    Reply
    • Robin says

      June 24, 2019 at 8:56 am

      They really help get rid of the smell.

      Reply
  8. Kirsty says

    June 24, 2019 at 1:53 pm

    Oh lord I didn’t know about the lint trap…. I am afraid to look!! Thanks for sharing this with the #DreamTeam it is very useful.

    Please do add our #DreamTeam badge somewhere on your site when you link up with us we would really appreciate it

    Reply
    • Robin says

      June 24, 2019 at 6:39 pm

      Be afraid, be very afraid and be sure to wear a gas mask! LOL

      Reply
  9. Kathleen - Bloggers Lifestyle says

    June 25, 2019 at 11:20 pm

    Thanks for sharing all this great info. I now have a job to do and a lint trap to look for 🙁
    We will feature your post on the next Blogger’s Pit Stop to make some more washing machines healthy.
    Kathleen

    Reply
    • Robin says

      June 26, 2019 at 7:21 am

      Thank you Kathleen, see you at the next Blogger’s Pit Stop!

      Reply

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