As you well know, the washing machine is an appliance that requires special attention because it is used every day and even for several times. All its elements should always be perfectly clean so as not to compromise its operation and always have perfect cloths. The only piece that can be washed once every 6 months is the filter, and today we will see together how to clean it inside and out to have it as good as new!
Before you start
Before we get started with the thorough cleaning of the filter, let’s see what steps to take so you don’t risk flooding the house and dirtying the floor. First, unplug the appliance in order to carry out everything safely, then put a basin or towels under the filter door. Open the door and unscrew the filter very gently, as they can often have hooks that need to be loosened very carefully. Collect all the water with the basin or towels and then close again. That’s it, the preliminary steps are done, now let’s see what ingredients are indicated to get the filter as good as new!
Vinegar
The first could only be vinegar, which is great for removing all the encrustation of dirt and lime scale! What you will need to do is to soak the filter in warm water and 1 glass of vinegar for a few hours so that it acts effectively. Afterwards, rinse the filter and run a toothbrush over it to remove the dirt residue; you will see that it will come off in no time. That’s it, it will be back as clean and as good as new!
Citric acid
Citric acid is also a very effective solution to give the filter a good cleaning, plus it is a popular ingredient in the washing machine! You will need to prepare a mixture by mixing 1/3 lb of citric acid in 1 quart of water, then transfer everything to a steamer. At this point, place the filter on a sheet of tin foil to make sure that you do not soil the cabinet and spray a good amount of the previously prepared solution. Now all you have to do is wait a few minutes, then go and scrub with a toothbrush to remove the dirt and rinse thoroughly.
Lemon
I could not help but also mention lemon among our effective solutions for cleaning inside and outside the washing machine filter! You will need to press the juice of 1 lemon into a bowl with warm water and soak the filter for a while. Afterwards, rub on the dirt again with a brush or a sponge that is not too abrasive, and all the lime scale will be gone in no time. Rinse under running water and that’s it!
Baking soda
Last among the natural remedies to make the filter new is our dear baking soda! Its effectiveness in the washing machine is renowned and even when it comes to cleaning individual elements it gives its best, so let’s see how to use it right away. You will need to prepare a thick paste with 1 tablespoon of baking soda and water flush, mixing to get the consistency of a gel. At this point, moisten the filter with warm water and spread the mixture on a toothbrush, scrub on the dirt to remove it permanently. Afterwards, rinse and the filter will be as good as new!
Cleaning the housing
Once you have a super clean filter, you will also need to clean the housing! Don’t worry, it will be super easy and moreover it is a very quick step. You will first need to remember to always keep the plug unplugged. Then open the door and dampen a cloth with water and vinegar, fold it and wedge it into the housing by swirling it around so it can hold all the stains. When it is completely clean, remove the cloth and rinse a second time, then wipe dry.
To conclude
Having cleaned the filter and housing, all that remains is to conclude our thorough cleaning! You will need to check that there are no stains on the floor and that everything is perfectly clean with no residue. Then very gently reassemble the filter for good and check that it is not loose. At this point, dry the entire outside of the appliance to remove any residual water and you can reuse the washing machine!
Warnings
Try the remedies first in inconspicuous corners so you can make sure you don’t damage the filter.
