The washing machine is a true ally in everyday life. However, if you want your clothes to last a long time and always take care of them, proper care is essential. That is why it is necessary to develop good habits and use appropriate gestures to avoid unpleasant surprises.
How do you properly care for your washing machine?
Unfortunately, there are still too many people who have the annoying habit of closing the machine door immediately after removing the clothes from the drum. Why is this such a bad idea? Simply because this lack of ventilation generates humidity and favors the proliferation of germs and bacteria. In addition, an unpleasant, persistent and musty odor may appear. And this is due to many substances that you later use to eliminate it.
According to the experts from the American magazine Better Homes & Gardens, it takes a few hours for the moisture to completely evaporate and the machine tank to be sufficiently ventilated. Only then should you close the appliance door. They also recommend drying freshly washed clothes immediately: if clothes remain wet in the drum for too long due to humidity and heat, it encourages the formation of mold spores and bad odors.
When should you clean the washing machine?
We cannot repeat it enough: washing machine maintenance is essential to extend its life, avoid unpleasant odors and prevent possible breakdowns. In this sense, it is advisable to frequently and regularly clean all the elements of the appliance, from the detergent drawer to the drum, including the rubber bands and filters.
Remember that if your machine remains wet for too long, microorganisms will accumulate and eventually become a source of infections and bad odors. For this reason, the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) gives consumers some advice on how to maintain their washing machine so that it is always in good condition. The OCU highlights, among other things, that it is advisable to thoroughly clean the device at least four times a year to avoid problems. “ However, you can clean the detergent tray, the rubber or any other element that you consider necessary more frequently ,” states the organization.
To clean the exterior of the device, a damp cloth is enough, but the most important thing is to focus your attention on these key elements: the rubber, the filter, the drum and the detergent drawer.
How do you clean the washing machine effectively?
Here are 3 tips for optimal cleaning:
- Descale the drum with white vinegar
The drum is an important part of the washing machine. It is important to clean it periodically so as not to affect the general operation of the device. What is the best method { Program a vacuum wash cycle at a temperature of 90°C. To avoid detergent residue, it is better to use natural descaling products such as white vinegar or citric acid. Simply add some directly to the drum and start the program. This means you can effectively disinfect the entire tank. It is best to never use bleach to clean the drum, because if any residue remains, there is a risk that your clothes will become discolored afterwards. Keep in mind that baking soda, like white vinegar, is a very good descaler and will also eliminate bad odors.
- Clean the rubber well
The order causes the rubber of the washing machine to wear out over time. It is less efficient and can damage your clothes. However, although it is designed to prevent water leaks during washing, as explained by the OCU, it is not infallible and its performance can deteriorate if dirt and mold accumulate in it.
“ To clean the rubber and avoid all these restrictions, open the door wide and gently pull the rubber without removing it from its position so that the wrinkles can be seen ,” explains the OCU. Then wipe away the residue with a cloth soaked in white vinegar water. The last step is to remove any remaining dirt and dry the garment with another clean cloth.
Two golden rules to keep in mind: always dry the rubber after each wash and leave the door open when removing clothes to ventilate this area and allow efficient drying.
- Removes dirt accumulated in the filters.
Without a doubt, the filter is the most important part of the washing machine, since it retains all types of unwanted waste such as hair, lint, paper and other elements that penetrate the fibers of the fabrics.
It is therefore important to empty this filter periodically so that it is always ready for use. Additionally, the OCU proposes the following guidelines:
- Unplug the washing machine and place a container or cloth on the floor to collect any accumulated water.
- Take out the filter (usually located at the bottom of the device).
- Clean it well with cold water and a sponge.
- Dry it well before replacing it.