Washing Machine Cleaning Secrets: Cleaner Than New with the Right Method
Sisters, does your washing machine have a weird smell?
I never noticed until clothes came out making me itch—then realized the machine was filthy inside.
After researching cleaning methods and testing various cleaners and tips, I finally found the most effective approach. Sharing today—no wasted money, get your machine cleaner than new.
Why Washing Machines Get Dirty
Many think washing machines stay clean since they’re constantly rinsed with water. Nope.
Two spots harbor the most grime: “the gap between inner and outer drums” and “rubber seal.”
The gap between drums has water flowing through during washes but never fully drains. Over time, grime, bacteria, and mold accumulate there. You can’t see it, but it’s there.
The rubber seal is another “disaster zone”—if not dried after each wash, water pools and mold grows, creating odors.
Methods I’ve Tried
Tried many approaches:
Washing machine cleaner: Bought online, 20 yuan/bottle, pour in and run cycle—mediocre results, gap grime remained.
White vinegar + baking soda: Internet tip—strong smell, minimal effect.
84 disinfectant: Disinfected, but left pungent chemical smell—afraid to wash clothes after.
Professional cleaning service: 200 yuan for technician visit, but only cleaned once—next time means paying again.
Finally discovered the most effective method: “DIY + specialized cleaner.”
Most Effective Cleaning Steps
Step 1: Clean the Rubber Seal
Most overlooked but most important. I flipped the seal back—black mold spots everywhere, disgusting.
Cleaning’s simple: use old toothbrush with dish soap, scrub every corner of the seal, especially crevices. Rinse thoroughly, dry with cloth.
For stubborn mold, wipe with diluted 84 disinfectant—but rinse completely or it’ll smell.
Step 2: Clean the Drum Gap
Hardest spot since you can’t see it. Found a solution: “washing machine cleaning effervescent tablets” that penetrate deep into the gap to dissolve grime.
How to use: Put tablet in machine, select “drum clean” mode or highest water level, let machine run empty. Tablet dissolves, creates massive foam, brings out gap grime.
Bought tablets online—10 yuan/box, multiple uses. Way better than liquid cleaners because tablets penetrate deeper.
Step 3: Clean Filter and Drain
Often overlooked. Filter’s in bottom right corner—open cover to see. Found mine full of lint and coins, no wonder drainage was slow.
Clean by removing filter, rinsing with water, brushing with toothbrush. Brush drain too, ensure no blockage.
Daily Maintenance Matters
After cleaning, daily maintenance keeps it clean:
Remove clothes immediately after washing: Don’t let clothes sit—breeds bacteria and odor.
Leave door open to dry: After each wash, leave door open for airflow—prevents mold.
Clean filter regularly: Monthly filter cleaning prevents clogs.
Deep clean every 3 months: Use tablets for deep cleaning—maintain cleanliness.
Final Reminder
Don’t ignore washing machine cleaning. I neglected it—clothes got dirtier with each wash, skin got irritated.
Now I clean monthly—clothes come out cleaner, no odors. Best part: costs only tens of yuan.
If your machine smells, try this method. Tested and proven—no pitfalls!