We regularly clean our cars, our ovens, and our fridges—but what about our washing machines?
Many people mistakenly believe that these appliances clean themselves each cycle, but unfortunately, that isn’t the case.
Everyone knows that mould and mildew thrive in warm, humid places. These qualities happen to describe the inside of most washing machines. Without a cleaning regime, you could have a mould problem on your hands in no time!
Are your clothes really being cleaned if they’re in direct contact with mildew? Here’s why you should clean your washing machine:
Cleaning Your Washing Machine
If you look it up online, you’ll find any number of homemade concoctions designed to clean machines. But if you take the DIY route, be careful: mould exposure can cause negative health effects, especially for those who have allergies and sensitivities.
To keep yourself safe, and to give your machine a truly effective clean, consider calling a professional instead.
Moving Into A New Place?
Whether you’re renting an apartment or purchasing a home, you should look at the condition of the washing machine. Oil, residual detergent, and dirt from the previous owners can build up inside the rubber gasket. Whenever you wash your clothes, they come in direct contact with it—yuck!
Pay attention to any dark streaks or smells that come from the machine. You don’t want to wash your clothes in other people’s dirt!
Eliminating Odours
Despite adding fabric softeners and scented detergents, your clothes have a funky smell when they come out of the wash. What gives?
Closing the door of your machine creates an airtight seal of moisture and warmth. This gives mildew the perfect conditions to thrive. After washing a load of laundry, try to leave the door ajar and allow the machine to fully dry out.
Prevent bacteria from breeding by moving your clothes as soon as the cycle completes. Allowing them to sit in the machine will not only make them smell, but also encourage mould growth. It won’t be much of a washing machine if it makes your clothes dirtier!
Finally, try to avoid overloading the machine. We all know how tempting it can be to cram two loads into just one, but the effort you save won’t be worth the repair bill. Not to mention, doing that can damage your plumbing and your clothes, as well.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
Many homeowners are unaware that they should clean their machines each month.
Of course, the frequency will depend on how often you do laundry. If you do a load a day, you might need to wipe down the gasket each week.
Did you recently purchase a washing machine? Some newer models are programmed with self-cleaning cycles, so check the manual to see if this is an option.
If you’re wondering whether your machine is due for a cleaning, open the door and take a whiff. Smell something funky? Then your machine needs attention.
For washer maintenance in Winnipeg, contact KAR. We can clean it and perform any other repairs that may be required. With our services, your washing machine will be spotlessly clean—as it should be!
