When was the last time you checked your filter, or gave the draws a good clean?

Washing machines, like other appliances, require regular cleaning and maintenance.  There are many products on the market that can help with this, but most are filled with harmful toxins and chemicals.  These are not needed and all you need are the following;

• Soda crystals
• 500ml White vinegar
• Lemons
• Clean toothbrush

Step 1.  Clean out the draw and its compartment

Remove the draw and rinse with warm water under the tap.  If its extra grubby and filled with soap scum soak the draw in some warm water and two tablespoons of soda crystals, scrub with a clean toothbrush if needed (they get into all the tight spots).  Whilst the draw is soaking its time to clean out the compartment.  Use some warm water and soda crystals and wet wipe the top, bottom and sides (use the toothbrush).  Once the draws is completely clean, rinse with warm water and dry.  Replace the draw and now it time to clean the drum.

Step 2.  Soap from the drum and pipes

Mix 2 teaspoons of soda crystals and a cup of warm water and pour into the draw compartments.  Place 2 cups of soda crystals into the drum and run your washing machine on a short 30 degree wash.  Whilst the cycle is running focus on cleaning the front of the machine.

Step 3.  Cleaning the front

Whilst the machine is running wet wipe the front of the washing machine using your favourite product, or a mix of warm water, soda crystals and a squeeze of lemon.  Use the toothbrush to reach all the hard to reach areas.  Buff to a streak free finish with a dry, long fibred, microfibre cloth.

Step 4.  Removing limescale

Once the soda crystal has worked its magic its time to focus on that dreaded limescale.  Limescale needs an acid to break it down so here is where the lemons and vinegar some into play.  Fill the softener compartment with white vinegar.  Add a few dirty cleaning rags and a few squeeze of lemon (minus the pips) to the drum and set to a hot (60 degree minimum), long wash cycle.  Once the machine starts to fill add the remaining white vinegar to the remaining compartments.  If required repeat this step.  If not, its time to clean out the filter.

Step 5.  Cleaning the filter

Once the cycle is completed its time to remove the filter.  This is usually located (on front loaders) at the very bottom of the front of the machine, under the bottom flap.  sometimes these can be difficult to remove, especially if you have never done it before.  Be careful not to break the clips.  To find out where your filter is, refer to the manufacturers manual.

To remove the filter you usually have to turn anti clockwise.  Have some old towels to hand as this part can often get messy.  Remove the filter and rinse with warm water, soak in soda crystals and warm water if required and scrub using the toothbrush.  Replace once its sparkling and tadaaa you are almost finished.

Step 6.  Cleaning the rubber

When cleaning the rubber around the drum its worth remembering to not use harsh products as this will break the rubber down and create leaks.  Use a mix of warm water and a squeeze of dish soap to wet wipe all the rubber and inside of the door, use the toothbrush on the hinges etc.  If there is limescale use a small amount of white vinegar or even some lemon juice.  If you do need to use this make sure you thoroughly rinse the areas to not cause any lasting damage.

There you go, your washing machine should be smelling and looking great.  You can wash your linens now knowing everything is nice and clean and no nasty toxins are used. 

Our home and holiday let cleaning teams both provide this service to current and new clients.  To find out more check out our socials or get in touch.

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