Because what goes in, must come out!
When you feel the need to ask - "All Right . . . who threw the fish in the washer?" then you know it is time for some proper washing machine hygiene. Why? Because with everyday use, be it sweaty socks, gym shorts, undies, musty towels, food-ridden dish rags, all-day-wear clothing and/or cloth diapers (nappies), your washing machine will develop a build-up that needs to be removed. As with any well-used appliance, your washing machine's care is an absolute necessity to keep it in good working condition and to keep your family's laundry smelling fresh.
Think about it - Everything needs to be cleaned once in a while? We flush out and clean our toilet bowls and scrub our showers, tubs and sinks . . . all get dirty and are used to cleanse our bodies and/or dispose of 'wastes,' right? Well, why should the washing machine be any different? It is suggested by many washing machine manufacturer and repairmen (who often view the side effects of too little care of one's washer) that every 2 to 3 months owners do a little bit of upkeep. You know what they say . . . "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
Leftover residue in the washer will result in a funky smell emanating from the washer! It makes itself obvious and without proper attention, your washer's tub (and the laundry in it) will smell more like the fish dock or a day at the stables than the freshness anticipated. Sure the stains are gone, but the smell is full strength. Never fear - put away your fishing poles and saddles - you don't have to ride this one out, there are a few simple procedures that you can follow to keep this from happening.
First things first. Make sure that the problem is actually that of your washing machine, because in some situations it could be your water supply. For instance, well water can contain sulphur in the water. This smell can best be compared to the smell of rotten eggs. If this is the case, a water filter system for all your incoming water would be the answer. If your water is supplied by the city, you may be smelling chlorine. Again, a filter would be required. However, if you have eliminated those concerns, then you can assume you have a build-up of residue within your washer that needs cleaning.
Loosening the grunge and grime. Starting with an empty washing machine, run HOT water up to the highest washing level your washer offers. When the water is full and the washer begins agitating, add 3 cups of distilled white vinegar (2 cups of lemon juice can be substituted) and 1/2 cup of baking soda to the water. Allow the cycle to run almost completely, advancing it to 'spin' right as the water starts to drain. By doing this, the washer will spin and drain at the same time. Follow by wiping down the inner tub, removing any residue that has been loosened by the cleansing process. To remove all remaining residue, follow this with a complete COLD water cycle. Adjust your washer's agitation to high (where you would place it for heavily soiled clothing). This technique should remedy any lingering soap scum or mineral deposits both in the drums of your washing machine and the hoses.
Why Baking Soda and Vinegar?
Baking Soda :: Baking Soda lifts residue effectively from the inner tub of a washing machine to dissolve easily in the wash water, flushing out the pipes/hoses on the way. Because it is so very water soluble, it dissolves before its soft crystalline molecules can scratch or damage a surface. Baking Soda has the power to neutralize odors, instead of just covering them up. It deodorizes by bringing both acidic and basic odor molecules into a neutral state.
Vinegar :: Vinegar is mildly acidic in nature, which makes it ideal for cleaning. It has the ability to eliminate soap residue and build-up on any given surface while neutralizing odors.
Finishing Up. Now that the inside of the washing machine is clean, do a once over on the external parts. If you have/use the dispenser(s) for fabric softener and/or bleach, remove those, cleansing thoroughly. You may find the need to soak the fabric softener dispenser to rid of the residue as it is common for build-up to occur. If you have a top loading washing machine, don't forget to wipe over the top rim of the inner tub - though it isn't easily seen, it can develop a good bit of grime.
Comments(0)