Cleaning the washing machine is probably not on your weekend to-do list. But it should be. We all love the smell of fresh clothes. But what if your washing machine is the reason your clothes smell musty? In India, we face challenges that are unique. The problem of hard water is a concern. Limescale deposits cause problems. And let’s not forget about the humid climate, which leads to the growth of molds.
If you want to keep your clothes smelling fresh and your washing machine in good condition for long, you need to clear out these stains. Nowadays, cleaning is easy, as there are effective methods based on items commonly available at home.
Related: 9 Best Washing Machines in India: Our Top Picks and Review
Why it’s Important to Clean Washing Machine in India
You may think, “It’s a washing machine. It cleans itself, right?” No. Think about it. Your washing machine deals with dirty clothes, sweat and dust every day. The challenge is higher in India. We have hard water in India containing minerals such as calcium and magnesium. When this water is heated, it leaves behind deposits. Known as scaling or mineral build-up, it can befound on the drum, pipes and heating element.
We also need to deal with detergent build-up. Some of us Indians like to add a little extra detergent to get our clothes spotlessly clean. However, excessive detergent does not get washed off completely and remains inside the washing machine. Creating a thick slime layer, this can be a feast for bacteria and mold. Soon you begin to notice a strong, unpleasant odor coming from the washing machines. Clothes, too, get affected by it.
Cleaning the washing machine is not just about getting rid of the bad smells. It is about ensuring good efficiency. A dirty washing machine has to work harder, consuming more electricity, using additional water and resulting in wastage of resources. If you want to own energy-efficient appliances, you need to keep them properly maintained.
Related: Washing Machine Buying Guide India: Key Factors to Consider
Required Tools and Supplies for Cleaning
Alright, are you ready to clean? You don’t need expensive chemicals. You don’t need a professional cleaning kit. You likely have many of these DIY cleaning products already in your kitchen.
White Vinegar: This is the key to all good cleaning. It helps to remove grease stains. It helps to dissolve soap scum. It helps to eliminate unpleasant smells. It is effective in removing scales of lime.
Baking Soda: Good for scrubbing and deodorizing. It deals with stubborn stains.
Citric Acid: If you are dealing with severe hard water stains, then citric acid is your go-to solution.
Lemon Juice: Natural bleach with a refreshing fragrance.
Microfiber Cloths: Soft and gentle surfaces, non-abrasive. Effective for dusting.
Old Toothbrush: Convenient to reach out to small corners and crevices. Clean the detergent container and seals using it.
Spray Bottle: Needed to create your cleaning solutions.
#Optional Equipment
If you want to do an extra round of cleaning, you can get a dishwasher-safe wheel brush. But white vinegar does the job well enough. You may need a flashlight too to see inside the drum and hose pipes.
#Safety Equipment
Wear rubber gloves. Cleaning products can be harsh on our skin. Ensure that you unplug the washing machine before starting to clean from the inside. Prioritize safety.
Maintaining Washing Machines
Before we move on to deep cleaning, let’s talk about maintaining good hygiene practices. Here are some simple ways to keep your washing machine clean on a daily basis. Follow these quick cleaning tips to avoid issues in the long run.
Firstly, keep the door open. Yes. After each wash, ensure that the door and the detergent tray are slightly open. Good airflow helps to dry out the moisture.
Mold thrives in dark and damp areas. Don’t create a habitat for it. Regular washing machine mold removal techniques help to keep your washing machine mold-free.
Secondly, monitor your detergent. Having extra detergent does not necessarily lead to cleaner clothing. Using the right amount of detergent is important. Using excessive detergent leaves behind a layer of residue. If you live in areas with soft water, you would need even less detergent. Look for “High Efficiency” (HE) detergents. They are designed to work well with modern washing machines and help eliminate detergent residue from clothes.
Thirdly, do a maintenance wash. Run an empty cycle on the highest heat setting once a month. You can add citric acid for washing machines or vinegar to this cycle. Regular cleaning of pipes prevents pipe clogging due to grease accumulation.
Lastly, clean the gasket and drawer once a week. It takes just 2 minutes. All you need to do is wipe it gently with a damp cloth. Regular maintenance of the washing machine gasket and drawer prevents any excessive deposit of grease. The regular washing machine care steps can help to keep it in good condition.
Know More: Washing Machine Maintenance Tips: Standard Guide for Indian Homes
Cleaning Washing Machine: Step-by-Step Guide
A. Cleaning Front-Load Washing Machine
1) Empty the drum; wipe the door seal.
Start with an empty washing machine. Check out the rubber seal around the door. Gently draw it out. Discover black stains or slime on it. Create a mixture of white vinegar and water (1:1 ratio). Dampen a cloth with this solution. Clean the seal thoroughly, paying attention to all its creases. Remove any hair or threads of clothing stuck to it.
2) Run a hot water cycle with vinegar.
Take 1 cup of white vinegar. Pour it in the detergent compartment. No clothes should be loaded. Set the washing machine to the highest temperature and the longest cycle available. Run it. The vinegar will help to sanitize the drum. Will help to remove the detergent deposit build-up. As the water heats up, it will break down mineral deposits.
3) Run a second hot cycle with baking soda.
Once the first cycle is complete, it’s time to deal with the baking soda. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda directly into the drum. Run a hot water cycle again. Vinegar and baking soda combine to produce carbon dioxide gas—creating a frothing effect that helps to eliminate any stubborn stains left behind. The vinegar smell can also be neutralized.
4) Clean the drum and door.
Open the door. The drum is sparkling clean. Take a dry, clean microfiber cloth to clean the inside of the drum and wipe the glass door. Ensure you clean and dry the rubber seal once more. We wouldn’t want any dampness to settle here.
5) Leave the door open to air-dry.
You are almost done. All we need to do now is keep the door of the washing machine slightly open to let it dry well. This ensures no moisture is left inside. The fresh and spotless washing machine is ready.
Related: 7 Best Front Load Washing Machines in India: Our Top Picks
B. Cleaning Top-Load Washing Machine
1) Fill the drum with hot water; add vinegar.
Set your washing machine to the highest temperature and largest laundry load setting. Allow the drum to fill with water. Before the agitation begins, add 2 cups of white vinegar. Let the water and vinegar mixture stand for 1 minute. You can stop the cycle at this stage.
2) Let it soak and clean.
Allow the mixture to stand in the drum for 15-30 minutes. The soaking time helps to remove all the tough stains. Meanwhile, prepare a cloth from the vinegar water and wipe clean the outer surface of the top lid, the control panel, and the exterior, including the space below the rim. Use your old toothbrush to clean any hard areas.
3) Run a complete cycle with baking soda
After letting it soak, close the lid. Let the cycle complete. Upon completion of the cycle, add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the drum and run another hot cycle. This helps in removing any lingering odors and leaves the drum looking bright.
4) Rinse and wipe dry
Once the cycle is complete, wipe clean the interior of the drum using a dry cloth. Pay extra care to the agitator (the central rod), as dirt tends to accumulate here. Clean the lid and the rim too. Leave the lid open for some time to let it dry.
Related: Front Load vs. Top Load Washing Machine in India: Which Is Best for Your Home?
C. Optional Deep Clean with Citric Acid
If you live in an area with very hard water, vinegar alone may not be enough. You need to get a washing machine descaling treatment. Citric acid is a strong agent.
1) Run an empty hot cycle with citric acid
Find out from your machine’s user manual how much to add. 1-2 tablespoons of citric acid in 1 liter of water is good enough. Sprinkle the powder directly into the washing tub. Run the longest, hottest cycle. Citric acid will help remove the hard water scale deposits.
2) Check hoses and tubs
After the cycle is complete, grab a torch light. Go through the tub. It should look brand new. Try to check the pipes too. Mineral deposits can block the filters. If you find any deposits, consider doing it again.
Cleaning the Detergent Drawer and Seals
The drum is clean now. But what about the areas where the detergents settle? The detergent dispenser area is prone to mold and slime formation.
1) Remove and soak detergent drawers
Most washers come with a mechanism to detach the detergent drawer. Find the release button and pull out the drawer. Place it in the sink. Wash it with hot water and regular dish soap. Use your toothbrush to clean out the tight spaces. In case there is tough mold, create a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it, leave it for 10 minutes, clean and rinse thoroughly, and then dry it well.
2) Clean the rubber gasket with a soft cloth
For front-load machines, the rubber seal is important. Mold can grow between the folds of the seal. Prepare the vinegar solution and apply it to clean the gasket thoroughly. Be firm while rubbing. If the mold appears black and difficult to remove, prepare a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution. Be cautious when using strong chemicals. Always clean the rubber gasket after using any strong chemical solutions to avoid damaging the rubber material.
3) Look out for mold
If you spot any mold that refuses to disappear, check the drain filter located at the bottom. Sometimes mold growth occurs due to stagnant water in the drain filter. Keep an eye on it. Cleaning your washing machine filter regularly will help prevent mold growth.
Fixing Common Problems After Cleaning
Despite thorough cleaning, problems may arise. Here’s how to deal with them
1) Odour persisting after cleaning.
Have you run a vinegar cycle? The smell remains? Inspect the rubber seal one more time. There could be mold growing deep within. Check the drain hose. Sometimes, a dirty drain hose creates a strong musty smell. Run another vinegar cycle to clean the washing machine. If this doesn’t help, you may need to get a professional to check the internal pipelines of the washing machine.
2) Stains on clothing.
You take out your clothes to find them with white spots or feeling slimy. The reason behind detergent build-up. You’re using an excessive amount of detergent or using an incorrect one. Switch to a liquid detergent. Powders tend to form lumps. Use less detergent. Run an extra rinsing cycle.
3) Slow drainage.
Water is stuck at the bottom. There is a clogged part. Most of the times it is located at the pump filter. You can find the small door at the front-bottom side of your washing machine. Open it gently. Be prepared to clean any water spillage with a towel nearby. Remove the filter by unscrewing it. The filter will be filled with lint, coins, and buttons. Clean it thoroughly. Issues related to slow-draining washing machines can be resolved with this step.
4) Scale buildup on heating element.
If your washing machine takes a long time to heat water, scale has built up on the heating element. Although you can’t see it, the symptoms indicate its presence. Try the citric acid deep clean cycle mentioned earlier, which removes scale from the heating element. The citric acid dissolves and removes the scale from the heating element, improving the washing machine’s ability to perform efficiently.
Cleaning Schedule for Indian Homes
Consistency is key. Don’t wait until the machine starts to smell bad. Follow this cleaning schedule.
Monthly Quick Clean (20-30 minutes)
Clean the door seal. Clean the detergent compartment. Run a short hot cycle using vinegar or a specialized cleaner. Regular cleaning helps keep away the stains from its surface. Maintaining good cleaning habits saves you time.
Quarterly Deep Clean (Full Cycle)
In every 3 months, give it a thorough clean. Carry out the vinegar and baking soda routine. Clean the drain filter. Check the hoses. This deals with the stubborn stains. Regular deep cleaning helps in preventing any long-term damage.
Seasonal Cleaning
India experiences varied seasons. Prior to the monsoon, carry out a thorough clean. Moisture during monsoons makes any unpleasant odors emanate from a dirty washing machine. During winters, water temperatures may be lower, which causes the detergents to lose their effectiveness. You might need to change your cleaning cycle according to the seasonal water condition.
Safety Precautions
Unplug before performing any internal cleaning tasks.
No exceptions. If you’re cleaning the drum or checking the filter, switch off the power. A combination of water and electricity is hazardous.
Do not mix vinegar and bleach.
No, never. Vinegar is an acid, and bleach is a base. Combining them leads to the production of highly toxic chlorine gas. Use vinegar or bleach. Or, opt for natural ingredients such as vinegar and baking soda.
Use gentle detergents; refrain from using abrasive scrubbers.
The drum of your washing machine is either made of stainless steel or plastic. Using steel wool or rough cleansing pads will lead to scratches. Scratches retain dust particles and can cause rust formation. Clean your washing machine using soft cloths and soft bristles.
DIY vs Professional Help
When should you do it yourself? When should you call a professional?
When to call for help.
If you notice water seeping out from underneath, contact a technician. If the machine produces loud grinding noises, stop using it. If the drum does not rotate at all, there is a mechanical problem. Cleaning tasks do not include these issues. If you suspect any electrical issues such as sparks or electric shocks, disconnect it immediately. We need the services of skilled technicians to deal with washing machine repairs.
Tips on how to save costs through DIY maintenance tasks.
You can save thousands of rupees by carrying out simple self-cleaning jobs. Descaling the washing drum yourself. Cleaning the filters yourself. The basic maintenance tasks are easy to perform. Service centers charge extra fees for providing them. You can use the money saved to enjoy delicious food. Regular DIY maintenance increases the life of your washing machine. It is a simple and effective way to save money at home.
Conclusions
Cleaning the washing machine is not as challenging as it appears. All it requires is some time and necessary items.
Get the required equipment. Obtain white vinegar, baking soda, and citric acid. Get microfiber cloths and a toothbrush. Wear protective gloves and switch off the power supply.
Run the strong cleaning cycles. Don’t worry about the heat. The best way to eliminate bacteria and remove soap scum buildup is through hot cycles. Whether it’s a front-load or top-load washing machine, the cleaning process is similar—soak, scrub, rinse, and dry.
Clean the seals and disinfect the detergent holders. Do not let mold grow. Remove the compartment. Clean the rubber folds. A clean washing machine equals a happy household. Allow the washing machine drum to air dry by keeping the door open.
Your washing machine will function smoothly. You can save on costly repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You should ideally give your washing machine a quick cleaning session every week. Clean the drum once a month. Perform a thorough descaling process every 3-6 months. India’s water conditions require regular cleaning routines compared to other countries. Follow a strict cleaning schedule.
You can use tap water to clean your washing machine. If you need to make a solution to clean the exterior, distilled water would be ideal, as it does away with any water stains. Although, for cleaning cycles, tap water is sufficient—provided it is hot.
Yes. Vinegar is safe to use in high-efficiency washing machines. Be cautious not to combine it with detergents. You can keep the vinegar in the drum. Vinegar helps in removing detergent residues, which high-efficiency machines are prone to.
Clothes aren’t coming clean? The washing cycle is taking longer? Poor water drainage? White film on the drum? These are signs of mineral salt buildup. If you notice any of these issues, consider carrying out a citric acid cleaning treatment.