Simple Tips on How to Clean Your Washing Machine

When your washing machine is meant to clean your clothes, it makes sense that the machine itself is clean so it can do its job well. And as it can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria, mould and mildew, surely the last thing you want is a smelly appliance on your hands or for your clothes to come out marked.

Cleaning your washing machine also helps your appliance run smoothly and efficiently. More importantly, a looked-after machine will, in turn, look after your laundry for many years to come.

Incorporate this simple cleaning routine and your machine will thank you for it:

• After each use – clean the rubber door seal.
• Every 5 washes – clean the detergent drawer.
• Every month – descale your washing machine.
• Every 1 – 3 months – clean the filter and do a deep clean to remove residue.

Not sure how to do it? No problem! Let’s take a step-by-step look at how to do each of these tasks next.

The rubber seal inside your washing machine door can trap fluff and dirt and is susceptible to mould and bacteria. Here’s how to clean it after every wash:

1. Wipe the seal with a dry cloth.
2. Leave the door open to air out.

Prevent any odours, blockages and mould from forming due to detergent and softener residue build-up. Follow these simple steps after every five washes to keep your detergent drawer fresh and clean:

1. Gently pull the detergent drawer all the way out.
2. Remove all the detachable elements and wash everything in warm, soapy water.
3. Use a toothbrush or bottle cleaner to reach all the parts of the drawer.
4. Let the drawer dry before reassembling all the parts.
5. Clean the detergent drawer housing with a damp cloth.
6. Let the drawer and housing dry completely.
7. Carefully replace the clean detergent drawer.

Over time, limescale can creep into your washing machine affecting the heating element, drum, pipes and hoses, which could lead to a costly repair. Here’s how to prevent limescale and remove any build-up once a month:

1. Empty your washing machine.
2. Get some washing machine limescale remover and add the recommended amount to the detergent drawer.
3. Run a wash cycle without any detergent.
4. Dry the drum with a clean cloth.

The filter in your washing machine can get clogged up with dirt, hair and stray buttons, preventing it from doing its job. So, it’s a good idea to inspect it every few months and clean it if you need to – especially if you see signs of slow drainage, strange odours or lint residue on clothes. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Disconnect the power and turn off the water supply.
2. Lay a towel on the floor and place a shallow container below the filter so that the water can drain away.
3. Open the cover and unscrew the filter cap – remove any obstructions like coins, buttons and lint.
4. Give the filter a clean.
5. Check the filter housing is free of obstructions and clean it with a damp cloth.
6. Replace the clean filter and turn the power and water back on.

A high-temperature wash every few months can flush out your machine, helping to keep stains away. We always recommend washing at low temperatures to help the environment, but a regular hot wash is needed to remove any residue:

1. Empty the drum and add a washing machine cleaning agent or laundry detergent to your detergent drawer.
2. Run a cotton cycle at 70°C or above.
3. Dry the drum with a clean cloth.
4. Leave the door open to air out.

Many washing machines feature an auto-clean programme to help keep your appliance clean and running smoothly. So, make things easy for yourself and pop this cycle once a month for optimal performance.