Give your laundry a refresh with our washing machine cleaning tips
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Posted: 22/02/22
If the thought of your washing machine breaking down sounds like a nightmare, then you’ll want to ensure it’s always in tip-top condition! Learning how to clean a washing machine properly will not only keep your clothes fresher for longer, but it could also help prevent any future malfunctions (the horror!).
But first, how often should you clean your washing machine?
If you want to keep grime, dirt, and germs at bay, you should clean your washing machine regularly. Treat it to a deep clean at least once a month, and depending on how often you use it, incorporate one of our methods below into your weekly or bi-weekly house cleaning routine. Trust us, your clothes will thank you for the extra effort!
How to clean a washing machine
There are several ways to clean your washing machine, from using specially designed products to cleaning it from the inside out with products you may already have at home.
Using: White Vinegar & Baking Soda
When it comes to freshening up your home, there isn’t much that white vinegar and baking soda cannot do! And when you put them together, well, you have the ultimate cleaning combo!
If you have a front loader washing machine, start by pouring two cups of white vinegar into the detergent drawer and setting the machine to its hottest cycle. Once that is complete, put ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drum and set it again on its hottest cycle to complete your deep clean.
Do you have a top loader machine? Then pour 200ml of white vinegar directly into the drum and set it to its hottest cycle. After it’s finished, do the same again with ½ cup of baking soda.
The vinegar and baking soda mix will help kill bacteria while ridding your machine of foul odours. Just be sure to leave the door open on both washing machines to air and dry it out when the cycles are finished.
Using: Detergent & hot water
Sometimes, the classics techniques are always the best! If you only have detergent in your home, this can be used to clean your washing machine. Fill your detergent draw with the recommended amount and set your machine to its hottest, longest setting. Be sure the drum is empty, and once it’s finished, your washing machine should be left sparkling clean and smelling fresh!
Using: Bleach
Only have bleach in your cleaning kit? No worries! To deep clean your washing machine, pour half a cup of bleach directly into the drum and run it on its hottest setting. You want to ensure that all the bleach has been removed from your washing machine, so once the first run has finished, set it again for an extra rinse – just to be sure!
Using: Specific washing machine cleaner
Your washing machine will be in great hands with one of our specialised cleaners available in-store and online from Savers. Help remove residue, limescale build-up, and dirt with products from household names such as Dettol, Oust and Crystale.
Top tip: Each product will differ slightly from the next, so be sure to read the instructions and check your washing machine manual first before using anything new.
Shop Toiletries at Savers
Dettol Washing Machine Clean Lemon 250ml
£2.99
Cleaning the seals
The seals around your washing machine may look harmless, but they are a breeding ground for mould and bacteria! So, get them back to their former glory by wiping them with warm, soapy water. If you’re tackling stubborn grime, gently remove it with a soft toothbrush.
Cleaning the detergent drawer
If your detergent drawer has seen better days, then give it some TLC by removing it from the machine (read your manual before doing so, if necessary), and soak it in hot, soapy water. If it’s really grubby, buff away any mould or dirt with an old toothbrush. Don’t forget to rinse it before popping it back into your machine.
Cleaning the outside of your machine
Dust and dirt can quickly gather on the top of your machine or the door, so don’t forget to wipe it down with anti-bacterial spray or wipes. It’ll be sparkling clean in no time!
Shop Household at Savers
Dettol Washing Machine Clean Pom 250ml
£2.99
Shop Household at Savers
Dr Beckmann Washing Machine 250ml
£2.49
Shop Household at Savers
Ariel Washing Machine Cleaner With Lenor Freshness 250ml
£2.49
To keep your household appliance fresh & sparkling
How to clean a washing machine
If the thought of your washing machine breaking down sounds like a nightmare, then you’ll want to ensure it’s always in tip-top condition! Learning how to clean a washing machine properly will not only keep your clothes fresher for longer, but it could also help prevent any future malfunctions (the horror!).
But first, how often should you clean your washing machine?
If you want to keep grime, dirt, and germs at bay, you should clean your washing machine regularly. Treat it to a deep clean at least once a month, and depending on how often you use it, incorporate one of our methods below into your weekly or bi-weekly house cleaning routine. Trust us, your clothes will thank you for the extra effort!
How to clean a washing machine
There are several ways to clean your washing machine, from using specially designed products to cleaning it from the inside out with products you may already have at home.
Using: White Vinegar & Baking Soda
When it comes to freshening up your home, there isn’t much that white vinegar and baking soda cannot do! And when you put them together, well, you have the ultimate cleaning combo!
If you have a front loader washing machine, start by pouring two cups of white vinegar into the detergent drawer and setting the machine to its hottest cycle. Once that is complete, put ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drum and set it again on its hottest cycle to complete your deep clean.
Do you have a top loader machine? Then pour 200ml of white vinegar directly into the drum and set it to its hottest cycle. After it’s finished, do the same again with ½ cup of baking soda.
The vinegar and baking soda mix will help kill bacteria while ridding your machine of foul odours. Just be sure to leave the door open on both washing machines to air and dry it out when the cycles are finished.
Using: Detergent & hot water
Sometimes, the classics techniques are always the best! If you only have detergent in your home, this can be used to clean your washing machine. Fill your detergent draw with the recommended amount and set your machine to its hottest, longest setting. Be sure the drum is empty, and once it’s finished, your washing machine should be left sparkling clean and smelling fresh!
Using: Bleach
Only have bleach in your cleaning kit? No worries! To deep clean your washing machine, pour half a cup of bleach directly into the drum and run it on its hottest setting. You want to ensure that all the bleach has been removed from your washing machine, so once the first run has finished, set it again for an extra rinse – just to be sure!
Using: Specific washing machine cleaner
Your washing machine will be in great hands with one of our specialised cleaners available in-store and online from Savers. Help remove residue, limescale build-up, and dirt with products from household names such as Dettol, Oust and Crystale.
Top tip: Each product will differ slightly from the next, so be sure to read the instructions and check your washing machine manual first before using anything new.
Cleaning the seals
The seals around your washing machine may look harmless, but they are a breeding ground for mould and bacteria! So, get them back to their former glory by wiping them with warm, soapy water. If you’re tackling stubborn grime, gently remove it with a soft toothbrush.
Cleaning the detergent drawer
If your detergent drawer has seen better days, then give it some TLC by removing it from the machine (read your manual before doing so, if necessary), and soak it in hot, soapy water. If it’s really grubby, buff away any mould or dirt with an old toothbrush. Don’t forget to rinse it before popping it back into your machine.
Cleaning the outside of your machine
Dust and dirt can quickly gather on the top of your machine or the door, so don’t forget to wipe it down with anti-bacterial spray or wipes. It’ll be sparkling clean in no time!
To keep your household appliance fresh & sparkling
Shop laundry accessories online at Savers
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