Cleaning the washing machine naturally - The best remedies

Washing machine cleaning is a commonly neglected activity. Meanwhile, it is an important part of your maintenance. Ignoring the need to clean the washing machine can have serious consequences. As a result, the use of the apparatus can be not only unpleasant, but also highly inefficient. For this reason, you should remember to regularly clean the washing machine.

Why is washing machine cleaning important?

Cleaning the washing machine is essential, since most of its components are in constant contact with the dirt released from the clothes. They are also exposed to water, which causes scale to build up in the heater, drum and filter. If left in that state, the machine may malfunction. The heater may take longer to heat the water. The pressure in the tubes can be weakened due to the lime that accumulates inside them.

If the scale is not removed regularly, the mentioned components will eventually break down. Repairing a broken device generates additional costs. Fixing broken items is often simply too expensive, so it may be cheaper to replace the entire machine. Taking this into account, it can be assumed that cleaning the washing machine saves it from serious breakdowns.

If the washing machine is not cleaned regularly, the clothes can give off an unpleasant odor that is difficult to remove after washing. It is very troublesome, since one simply cannot wear such clothes. Before the next wash, they must be dried well in the air, soaked and washed again, in a clean appliance.

What will happen if the washing machine is not cleaned regularly?

If you neglect cleaning the washing machine, the continuous contact with water, the hot environment and poor ventilation inside it will create the perfect conditions for organisms such as yeast and fungi. Mold is very dangerous to human health, as it releases toxic substances into the air.

They can cause problems with:

• Respiratory system,

• Nervous system,

• Skin,

• Allergies,

• The constant feeling of tiredness

• Runny nose.

The yeast that occupies the washing machine can be the cause of an unpleasant odor, which can affect the clothes. A deep and systematic cleaning of the washing machine will avoid the mentioned problems. It not only minimizes the risk of the device malfunctioning, but also makes it more efficient.

How to clean the washing machine - home remedies

Cleaning the washing machine with homemade solutions is very simple. It is used mainly by those who take serious care of their health. This washing machine cleaning method has been very popular, especially in homes with small children. There are plenty of store-bought washer cleaners out there. But they can not only be expensive, but also harmful. That is why they have been replaced by proven home remedies that were popular a couple of years ago.

Synthetic cleansers can cause skin irritation and adverse allergic reactions to sensitive individuals. Therefore, if you are wondering how to clean the washing machine, think about using natural products.

You can find them in any kitchen, so they will not generate any additional expense. In addition, cleaning the washing machine with them is safe for human health.

Cleaning the washing machine with baking soda

It is very easy to clean the washing machine with baking soda. The product can be found in every house, as it is often used in the kitchen.

Baking soda is a very versatile substance. It is mostly used in the kitchen for baking. It is also an ingredient in many homemade cosmetics, such as masks and scrubs.

Baking soda is also a perfect cleaner. It is a remedy for problems such as:

• Dirt,

• Lime,

• Stains.

Cleaning the washing machine with baking soda is not very difficult. Simply pour half a glass of baking soda into the dust compartment and run an empty wash cycle using the highest possible temperature. The spin speed, in this case, is not important - it can be set to the lowest. If necessary, you can load the machine with some towels or kitchen towels.

Cleaning the washing machine with vinegar

Another solution to clean the washing machine is vinegar. It is a good bleach with antistatic properties. It can be used to wash towels, removes detergent residue and increases the fabric's ability to absorb water.

Similar to baking soda, vinegar is capable of removing odor. To clean the washing machine, pour 1-2 liters of vinegar into the detergent compartment and set a high temperature wash cycle. The vinegar will remove limescale, mold and bacteria.

The only problem with this method is the strong, sour smell that can spread throughout the house. Ventilating the rooms, however, should quickly get rid of the smell.

It is recommended to put another wash cycle with a little detergent. Its smell will eliminate the unpleasant smell of vinegar.

Cleaning the washing machine with citric acid

In addition to vinegar and baking soda, there is a third product that can be used to clean your washing machine: citric acid. It is perfect for descaling various appliances, not just washing machines. Citric acid is commonly used to descale appliances such as kettles and coffee makers.

How to clean the washing machine with citric acid? It is enough to put 120 g of the product in the dust compartment. As in the previous methods, put a wash cycle at high temperature.

Cleaning the washing machine with vinegar and baking soda

If the washing machine is very dirty and the above methods don't work, you can combine the ingredients. For example, with vinegar and baking soda you can make a very effective cleaning scrub.

To make it, mix 10 tablespoons with baking soda until it forms a solid paste. Put the paste on each trouble spot and leave it for a few hours. Finally, rinse it off with a damp sponge or cloth, then wipe dry. You can also fortify the vinegar with citric acid. The proportions are: 20 g of citric acid per one liter.

How to clean a washing machine with a dishwasher tablet?

A dishwasher tablet is an intelligent method and, above all, very fast and effective to clean a washing machine. If you use this kit on a daily basis, you probably have the right products lying around your house. If not, you can always buy the smaller package for this purpose.

Interestingly, a dishwasher tablet works perfectly for small dirt, as well as in case a thorough cleaning is required. Are you wondering how to clean the washing machine with this method? Too easy.

• Depending on the level of dirt, prepare 1 to 2 dishwasher tablets.

• Put the tablet(s) in the drum of the washing machine and set a program - minimum 60-70°C (130-140 F).

• Wait for the wash cycle to finish; then you can use the washing machine normally.

• Cleaning the washing machine with a dishwasher tablet is not only a good way to remove all the dirt. It is also a perfect solution if you want to remove limescale and prevent its buildup.

Cleaning the washing machine - essential issues

Rinsing the washer with a cleaning solution may not be enough. Pay attention to every part of the device. The most important components are:

• Filters - These are normally located at the front of the machine. You should check for small objects that often get caught in there. Small parts of clothing, such as socks, also often get into the filter. After cleaning it thoroughly, rinse it with pure water and put it back in its place.

• Detergent drawer - this stain is most likely growing mold. If the washing machine has not been cleaned for a long time, the drawer must be removed from its place and thoroughly scrubbed. It is better to use a sponge and an appropriate cleaning product, or soda. Apart from the drawer, the socket must also be cleaned.

• Seals and other rubber parts - these components are the most susceptible to water damage. On front-loading types most of the dirt residue is under the door seal, so it needs to be cleaned regularly. The aforementioned vinegar and baking soda paste will be perfect for this purpose. Makes cleanup quick and easy.

The mentioned parts are the most prone to dirt, limescale and mold growth, so they need careful attention. Routine cleaning of the washer and its components prevents major problems with the appliance in the future.

How to clean the washing machine - cleaning tools

To clean the surface only, use a soft cloth. You can also use a stiff sponge to scrub hard-to-remove stains.

Plastic bristle brushes are also great for cleaning. But they should be used with caution when scrubbing delicate items like rubber gaskets. To access hard-to-reach places (for example, the base of the detergent drawer), you can use an old toothbrush.

Regular cleaning of the washing machine is a very important matter. In this way, you can increase the life of the appliance and make it more efficient. Periodic cleaning of the washing machine will wash clothes better, making them fresher and with a pleasant smell.

When choosing a washing machine cleaner, consider natural methods. They are very effective and cheap. Soda, vinegar and citric acid are found in almost every home. Using them is an easy way to care for your washing machine and ensure its long-lasting performance.

Cleaning the washing machine naturally - FAQ

Cleaning the washing machine with vinegar... at what temperature?

Cleaning the washing machine with vinegar should involve the highest possible temperature. It speeds up the reaction of acid with lime and makes cleaning more effective. The best temperature is 90°C.

Does cleaning the washing machine affect its durability?

Cleaning the washing machine regularly is a very good way to prolong its life. Avoiding the accumulation of limescale in its parts is a guarantee that the device will work without faults for a long time.

How much does it cost to clean the washing machine?

The cost of natural cleaning remedies is remarkably low. The only products that are bought are vinegar, baking soda or citric acid, which are very cheap. Its price is a fraction of store bought chemical cleaners.

Cleaning the washing machine... how often?

It is advisable to descale the washing machine once a month. This will prevent scale and other substances from accumulating inside the appliance. All parts, such as the filters and the drawer, must be cleaned manually every six months.