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How to Clean Your Washing Machine in 5 Easy Steps

You might not realize it, but your washing machine actually requires regular cleaning. On average, families in the US wash around 7-8 loads of laundry per week, which over time can account for a large amount of laundry detergent to build in your machine. Patric Richardson, aka HGTV's "Laundry Guy," explains that a build up of product in your laundry machine can cause it to not work as efficiently. "Those sensors in your machine can get kind of gummed up with detergent, and then it's not as efficient, your machine doesn't work as well," he says. "So cleaning every so often also cleans those sensors."

Not cleaning your laundry machine can also make it more susceptible to trapping in dirt and smells that can eventually be re-released on to your clothes. As a result, Richardson says, "You will want to periodically wash your machine, so that your machine itself is clean and so that it's not trapping in any dirt."

To make it easy for you, we've laid out all the steps to follow below.

Photo credit: House Beautiful
Photo credit: House Beautiful

Materials

  • Distilled white vinegar

  • Borax

  • Hand towel

  • Spray bottle


How to Clean Your Washing Machine

1.With the washing machine empty, dump a gallon of white vinegar and a pound of Borax into the bin.

2. Let the washing machine run for one minute so that the vinegar and Borax can mix.

3. Let the washing machine sit with the vinegar and borax for one hour.

4. Select a wash cycle that is the longest and hardest for maximum cleaning.

5. When the cycle is complete, use a spray bottle of half vinegar, half water and a hand towel to wipe down the top, gaskets, and door + handle.

Though it's another thing to add to your overall cleaning routine, it's well worth it if you want to ensure your washing machine is working effectively for years to come!

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