Have you ever wondered why does your washing machine smell so bad even after washing your clothes with perfumed detergent? Are you sure that your machine doesn’t have any germs?
This article will help you get rid of nasty smell and unbearable germs and bacteria found in your washing machine drum. You’ll also learn how to clean your washing machine drum.
What is a Washing Machine Drum?
The washing machine drum is the main compartment where you put all your laundry to be washed. It can be made from stainless steel or high quality plastic.
The capacity of the washing machine is determined by the capacity of the washing machine drum. So, if your washing machine has a capacity of 8 kg, you can put a load of 8kg laundry in the drum.
Smelly Washing Machine Drum
It is sometimes disturbing when you open the lid of your washing machine and then a strange odor will welcome you.
Dirt, limescale and detergent are great contributors in a smelly washing machine drum. These factors might build up inside the drum that cause unpleasant odor.
Bacteria Build-up
Continuous washing at low temperatures can’t destroy bacteria. Moreover, it allows them to stay and live in the drum even you’re washing your clothes using strong soap and detergent.
Steps in Cleaning Your Washing Machine Drum
It doesn’t matter whether you have a front loading washing machine or top loading washing machine. As long as you keep it clean, you’ll get rid of harmful bacteria that can be risky for you and your family.
Cleaning your washing machine drum can be easily done by following these simple instructions. Prepare yourself and get ready to clean.
Steps in Cleaning Your Washing Machine Drum
The first thing you need to do is to scan the inside of your washing machine drum. Remove the load from inside, if any.
Fill your drum with hot water. Then, add a quart of white vinegar. Vinegar is an effective disinfectant that can remove detergent and dirt build up as well as the nasty smell.
Close the lid of your washing machine drum. Make sure that it is tightly closed. Turn the machine on for about a minute.
When the cycle is done, open the lid and let the solution rest inside the drum for about half an hour.
Next thing to do is to run the washing machine in a full cycle this time. Put it in the rinse cycle as well.
After the complete cycle, fill the drum with hot water again. Add two cups of bleach to remove stains thoroughly.
Then, let the mixture set for half an hour. After a half an hour, you may restart the machine and allow it to run a complete cycle for the second time.
Once the cycle is done and the content is drained, wipe the inside of the drum. Check if there is no more visible dirt.
If there are still stains left, use a pure vinegar to dissolve them completely. Rinse as usual and enjoy your newly cleaned washing machine drum.
Tips for Maintaining Your Washing Machine Drum
To prevent unpleasant odor, molds, and mildew, leave the lid open after you finish your laundry. Wait until the drum dries out.
You can wipe the inner surface of your washing machine drum. Don’t forget to use a clean and dry cloth.
For front loading machines, you can leave the door propped open with a clean and dry cloth until your next load. This will help in preventing germs from multiplying between the gasket and the glass door.
The flow of oxygen will be a great help to prevent molds from coming back. Do not use abrasive cleaners when cleaning the drum. It may destroy the surface of your washer.
Do not use excessively strong detergent soaps. This can lead to soap build-up that can stain your clothes. Check if it is necessary to use more powder to your laundry.
Moreover, clean your machine regularly. Don’t wait to see molds and stains inside the drum. It may only take a few hours to thoroughly clean your washing machine drum.
It is important to regularly clean your washing machine drum to eliminate unwanted dirt, odor and harmful bacteria. By following the proven steps above, you can have a safe laundry washing for you and your family. If you like this article, feel free to comment and share this post.