Saturday, October 9, 2010

Tips! How to Maintain a Clean Washing Machine - Monthly Tips

Time Saver Maids Monthly Tips

How to Maintain a Clean Washing Machine

Machines are designed to work efficiently but they can also wear down, especially a clean washing machine. By keeping your washing machine clean, it will continue to work for a long time.

Tools and Materials Needed

  • Baking soda
  • White vinegar
  • Level
  • Bleach
  • Hot water
  • New hose and fittings if needed

Step 1 - Make Sure Machine Is Working Properly

Inspect your washing machine for wear and tear. Ensure that all of the hoses are intact and none of them are cracked or worn down. Always make sure that there are no visible leaks and watch out for corroded fittings. If any of the fittings or hoses are worn down, you will want to replace these. If your washer machine is a few years old, it is a good idea to replace these parts anyway.


Step 2 - Leveling the Machine

To level the machine you will want to use a level. Make sure to adjust the machine's feet until the level indicates that the machine is level. This is an important step. If you don't level the machine, the constant shaking during wash loads can actually slowly damage the working ability of the machine.

Step 3 - Washing the Exterior of the Machine

Always keep the exterior of the machine clean. You can rub it down with soap or bleach.

Step 4 - Cleaning the Tub

You should clean the tub every 3 months. To do this, think of it as a self-clean. Set the washing machine on the hot water setting and one on dirty. Once the washing machine fills up with water, add 2 cups of white vinegar and a 1/2 cup of baking soda. If you have a high efficiency washing machine, the measurements may differ. Once the washing machine begins to drain the water, you want to increase the washing cycle. After this cycle, set a cycle again to cold water. This cycle will clean out any left over white vinegar and baking soda.

Step 5 - Flushing out Machine Dispensers

Remove your washing machine dispensers and soak them in hot water. Clean out any gunk that exists in them, as well as the top of the machine and the tub. Sometimes your washing machine will not let you remove the dispensers. If this is the case, slowly run hot water through them until they are clean.

Step 6 - A Brand New Machine

After the cleaning, your washing machine will require the use of less detergent and fabric softener. Try using half of what you are normally using. The results will be amazing and will save you money as well.

Step 7 - Call Washing Machine Maintenance

If you want a thoroughly clean washing machine, you can always call a washing machine service technician. They will be able to extend the life of your machine by cleaning the inside of the machine that you were unable to reach. If you want to save the trouble and money of calling someone you can try yourself. Just remember to always unplug the machine before you attempt to remove the front panel.