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    Home

    How to Clean Your Washer and Dryer

    by Jessica 2 Comments

    Your washing machine cleans your clothes, and your dryer makes sure they are wrinkle free and dry, but how often do you clean them? To work properly and safely both need to be cleaned every once in a while. These tips showing how to clean your washer and dryer will help keep them running smoothly so your clothes come out of the laundry fresh and clean every time!

    how to clean your washer and dryer

    It's really important to make sure that your washing machine is clean so that your clothes come out clean and smelling fresh as well. Washing machines can retain water in between uses, which can cause a mildew smell and hard water can build up in the washing machine as well. Front loading washing machines are notorious for smelling like mildew if they aren't cleaned properly and often too. Your dryer doesn't get as dirty as the washing machine, but it's very important to clean your dryer's lint trap and dryer vent hose thoroughly every few months to prevent a fire and to keep the heat flowing properly.

    How to Clean a Front Loading Washing Machine

    adding vinegar to front loading washing machine to clean

    Start by adding two cups of vinegar to your washing machine's detergent tray. Don't turn the washing machine on yet.

    cleaning the inner rubber gasket on a front loading washing machine

    Mix a ½ cup of water and ½ cup of distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. Pull back the rubber seal on the front of your washing machine and spray liberally with the vinegar and water mixture. Use a microfiber cloth to clean the inside are of the rubber seal, removing any buildup, hair and debris. Now, run the hottest and largest wash cycle that your washing machine has. If your washer has a Tub Clean cycle, you can run that one. Once the cycle has finished, allow your washing machine door to stay open so the inside of your washer can air dry. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the outside of your washing machine.

    I recommend leaving your washer door open slightly between washes to allow it to dry in between uses. This will help keep the mildew smell away.

    How to Clean a Top Loading Washing Machine

    pour vinegar in top loading washing machine to clean
    • Fill a spray bottle with vinegar or, add a spray nozzle to a bottle of vinegar. You can see how I used an old vinegar spray bottle to Make a Glass Spray Bottle HERE if you like!
    • Spray the inside of your washing machine liberally with vinegar. Be sure to get around the top of the rubber ring at the top of your machine.
    • Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down all of the inside surfaces of your washing machine including any grooves and around any of the rubber gaskets.
    • If your washing machine has a fabric softener dispenser, remove it and clean it with vinegar and water, then place it back in the washing machine.
    • Add 2 cups of distilled white vinegar directly into the tub of your washing machine.
    • Run your washer on the hottest and largest cycle it offers.
    • Use a damp cloth to wipe down the outside of your washing machine.
    • Once the cycle is finished, leave the lid of your washing machine open and allow it to air dry.

    How to Clean Your Dryer

    There aren't any major steps for cleaning a dryer, just a few simple things you should do often.

    • Clean out the lint trap in between every use. Lint is one of the number one fire hazards because it can catch fire very easily.
    • Once every couple of months, use your vacuum's attachment to clean out the lint trap reservoir. This is the area that your lint trap fits in to. Excess lint and debris can accumulate there and should be removed.
    • Check the dryer hose every few months to make sure it is working properly and not clogged with lint. Over time, holes can form in the hose, causing it to release moist heat into your home. Lint and debris can also become trapped in your dryer hose, and needs to be cleaned. Personally, I replace my dryer hose every year just to make sure my dryer works properly.

    Looking for more cleaning tips and recipes? I have shared hundreds, and you can find them all HERE on my Home Cleaning Page!

    cleaning tips
    « How to Clean Your Mattress and Bed Pillows
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    Comments

    1. Rebecca Payne says

      February 04, 2021 at 11:08 am

      Great tips. keep them coming!

      Reply
      • Dianna says

        February 04, 2021 at 11:38 am

        Also when keeping with Dryer maintenance, Once a month when I remove the lint trap I wash it with soap and water to remove any products used that stop air flow.

        Reply

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    I’m Jessica, a mom on a mission to show other women that you can live well without breaking the bank. I like to share the thrifty, creative ways that I make changes in my home in the hopes that it will spark the creativity in someone else! I love to share DIY projects, crafts, simple recipes and cleaning tips too! Read More…

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