Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Clean that washing machine!

I don’t know why, but I always assumed that since a washing machine cleaned clothes and had soap running through it every cycle that it pretty much cleaned itself. I was wrong. A while ago I noticed my washer was getting a little smelly. I thought leaving the lid open between washes was sufficient. Although this is good practice as it allows the washer to dry out thoroughly between washes, it, unfortunately, is not enough. 

If your washer gets heavy use day-to-day, you should clean it bi-weekly.  If you cannot manage two times a week, then strive for at least once a month. First, fill the washer with the hottest water possible to the fullest setting. Now add either 1-quart white vinegar or bleach. I use vinegar since I am trying to transition from harsh bleach. Then, close the lid and let the washer agitate for a minute. Open the lid and let the solution sit for one hour. 

If your washer has removable parts like a fabric softener well, remove them. Soak, scrub and dry these parts and replace them. Take a toothbrush and scrub around the agitator, under the lid, and around the rim of the tub. You can clean the front and sides of the machine with a microfiber cloth. Let sit another 30 minutes and then let the cycle finish.  While the cycle is running, you can wash the dials and top of the machine.

Fill the machine again with hot water. Add a cup of baking soda and run the longest cycle again. This will neutralize the vinegar and wash away any gunk left from the first cycle. After this last cycle is done, wipe down the sides and bottom of the tub with a fresh microfiber cloth to make sure we did not miss any residue. Remember, leave the lid open to keep your washer fresh till the next wash.

KATHY WEAVER-ZECH AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO