The washing machine needs to be taken care of constantly because it is a very delicate household appliance. In fact, this one tends to accumulate a large amount of moisture, limescale and sometimes even mold due to the passage of water. This is precisely why it is good to keep in mind that, at least once a month, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the washing machine from top to bottom. Let’s see how to do it effortlessly and with a quick and easy method!
Basket
Let’s start with the drum, the piece that “works” more than the others and, as a result, tends to accumulate a greater amount of dirt. In order to bring it up to scratch, I can do nothing more than recommend vacuum washing, which is necessary at least once a month. There are various natural ingredients with which you can do this, but here is a list of the three best ingredients for vacuum washing in the washing machine!
Vinegar
The first could only be vinegar, which is perfect not only for cleaning the washing machine, but also for laundry! Simply put a cup of the product in the washing machine basket and start a wash at high temperatures. The action of the vinegar will stick to the dirt and effectively remove it while also cancelling out any bad odors that were present in the appliance. You can use any type of vinegar, however I recommend alcohol vinegar which is purely for home use!
Coarse salt
Perhaps not everyone knows that rock salt is a real asset in the home and is not only essential in the kitchen! If you want to use it to spruce up your washing machine drum, all you have to do is put 1 pound of the product in the drum. Then start a power wash, I always recommend high temperatures, especially for this remedy since otherwise the salt granules will not dissolve properly. Goodbye dirt!
Citric acid
Now let’s turn to citric acid, another ingredient whose use is becoming increasingly popular in the washing machine! Similar to vinegar, in fact, citric acid is also useful for other purposes, not surprisingly, it is an excellent natural fabric softener. You will need to prepare a solution with 1/3 lb of citric acid dissolved in 1 quart of water and place everything in the drum. Close the door and start the wash on empty. The result will be amazing!
Porthole
Once we have taken care of the most difficult area of the washing machine, let’s move on to the porthole! Often the cleaning of this element is underestimated, but in fact it is very important to always have it clean first of all because it is transparent and immediately shows dirt, but also because detergent residues and lime scale often stick to it. So, to make it new again you will first have to unplug the appliance, then soak a sponge with white vinegar and rub it on the porthole with the nonabrasive side. When you have removed all the dirt, it is time to rinse and dry thoroughly with a cotton cloth.
Gasket
We can also count the gasket among the pieces of the washing machine that you struggle with to keep clean all the time! The problem with the gasket is that the dirt cannot be seen, it stays in the creases, but it is actually essential to remove it on a daily basis as well. It is there, in fact, that standing water creeps in and we find residues of hair, papers and so on. So, to clean it thoroughly, prepare a mixture by mixing 1 tablespoon of baking soda with water flush until you get the consistency of a gel. Spread it on a toothbrush and rub it gently over the seal and particularly in the creases. Then wipe with a microfiber cloth to rinse thoroughly and wipe away every drop of water. The gasket will be as good as new again!
Drawer
Even the washing machine drawer does not fail to give us some problems, especially related to lime scale and mold. It’s the detergent residue that doesn’t slide down the pipes that leads to all that dirt, but don’t worry, I have the solution for you! You will need to take a soft sponge and moisten it with vinegar or a little household hydrogen peroxide. Place the sponge in the areas to be cleaned and leave it there for several minutes so that it can soften all the dirt. After the necessary time has elapsed, scrub and remove the stain residue itself with the sponge. Limescale and mold will have become just a memory!
Filter
Let’s finish cleaning the washing machine from top to bottom with the filter! This element can be washed even twice a year; it does not require the same maintenance as the other parts. Before washing it, make sure you unplug the appliance to carry out everything safely. Put a basin or towels under the filter door so as not to flood the floor, then open the small door and gently disassemble the filter. Rinse it under running water to remove the most imposing dirt, after which soak it in water and vinegar. After about 30 minutes, use a toothbrush to degrease and dry it, then put it back in place and it will be as good as new!
Warnings
Always read any instructions on the appliance to do proper maintenance.
