This article was co-authored by Chris Willatt. Chris Willatt is the owner and founder of Alpine Maids, a cleaning agency in Denver, Colorado started in 2015. Alpine Maids has received Angie's List Super Service Award for three years in a row since 2016 and has been awarded Colorado's "Top Rated Local House Cleaning" Award in 2018.
There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Even though you constantly remove cleaned clothes from your washer and dryer, both of these appliances have to be periodically cleaned as well. After many loads of laundry, the inside of your washing machine can get built up residues of dirt and detergent, and the inside of the drum can become contaminated with fecal bacteria. The inside of your dryer can also get a buildup of lint, dust and dirt, so a thorough cleaning of your washer and dryer every few months will mean that your clothes will get cleaner.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:Clean Your Washer
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1Clean the top of the lid and underneath the lid of the washer with a damp sponge.[1]
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2Pull out the lint trap (if your machine has one) and rinse it under running water.Advertisement
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3Clean out the soap, bleach and fabric softener dispensers. If these cups are removable, take them out and rinse them under running water. Otherwise, use a pipe cleaner or some cotton swabs to remove the residue. (If you do this after each load, they won't get an accumulated build-up of gunk and grime).[2]
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4
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5Run a cycle of hot water and 1 gallon (3.8 L) of white vinegar if you have hard water once a month or every 10 loads. The vinegar will help to dissolve the mineral deposits caused by hard water or well water.Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:Clean Your Dryer
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1
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2Vacuum or wipe down the interior of the dryer, including the door seal.[7]
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3Detach the dryer lint duct and clean it out, or vacuum it out.
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4Check the outside vent. Lift the flap and make sure there isn't any debris or lint blocking the vent, preventing air from escaping freely.[8]
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5Wash down the top and the exterior of the dryer. Use warm, sudsy water and then rinse the soap residue off.[9]
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6Remove melted crayon, ink or dyes by applying an all-purpose spray cleaner on the drum and wipe it up with a damp cloth or paper towel.[10]
- For extra measure, toss a few old towels into the dryer and run it on the high setting for about 20 minutes—any color residue not removed with the spray cleaner will transfer to your old towels.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionI have ink stains from a pen on the inside of the drum. What can I use to remove them?
Community AnswerAcetone (Nail polish remover) will remove ink, but it is highly flammable. Put it on a cotton-ball and wipe the spots. Then wipe it down with soap and water and rinse thoroughly. -
QuestionHow do I get smells out of my dryer?Community AnswerRun the dryer on empty a few times and then add dryer sheets.
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QuestionWhat do I use if there is rust on the outside of the dryer?
AdrianTop AnswererIf it is surface rust, sand it off. Make sure the vent pipes are not leaking, as it may lead to moisture, causing corrosion. -
QuestionCan Dr. Beckman cleaner be used in a combined washer/dryer?AdrianTop AnswererYes, it will work.
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QuestionI have a washer dryer and it has started to smell after a wash, can you explain?AdrianTop AnswererYou should leave the door open after cycles to ensure the inside dries. It can lead to mold if not dried properly.
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QuestionWhat could cause silver stains on clothes in the dryer?
Community AnswerYou could have washed your clothing with something silver, or it could be metal chipping from the dryer. -
QuestionHow do you clean lint and sea gravel in the dryer vent?AdrianTop AnswererGet a vacuum with a long and thin crevice attachment. Use it to clean out the vent. Otherwise, you may have to hire someone to clean the inside duct.
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QuestionIs it okay to use bleach to clean a dryer after my cat peed in it?AdrianTop AnswererDon't use bleach to clean the dryer. Only wipe it with a damp cloth.
Warnings
- Clean the lint filter from your dryer before you dry every load. Lint build up can cause a fire.Thanks!
- Change the hoses connecting your washer to the hot and cold water faucets every 3 to 5 years, or as soon as they start to show wear. The hoses can split if they get old or brittle, causing a serious flood.Thanks!
References
- ↑ https://www.today.com/series/how-often-should-you/how-clean-washing-machine-t20131
- ↑ https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/laundry-linens/tips-checklists/how-to-clean-washing-machine/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZD1f8miAvM
- ↑ Chris Willatt. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 1 July 2019.
- ↑ Chris Willatt. House Cleaning Professional. Expert Interview. 1 July 2019.
- ↑ https://housewifehowtos.com/clean/clean-your-clothes-dryer-for-faster-drying/
- ↑ https://www.ahs.com/home-matters/repair-maintenance/how-to-clean-your-dryer
- ↑ https://www.today.com/series/how-often-should-you/how-often-you-should-clean-your-dryer-right-way-do-t77396
- ↑ https://www.today.com/series/how-often-should-you/how-often-you-should-clean-your-dryer-right-way-do-t77396
About This Article
To clean your washer, start by wiping the top and bottom of the lid off with a damp sponge. Then, remove the soap, bleach, and fabric softener dispensers and the lint trap if your machine has one and rinse them under running water. Finally, add 2 cups of white vinegar to the dispenser and run the empty machine on a hot setting to remove any residue.To clean your dryer, start by vacuuming or wiping down the interior of the drum. For stubborn grime, use an all-purpose cleaner. Then, remove the lint filter and vacuum out as much lint as possible. Finally, detach the dryer lint duct and vacuum that out as well. For more tips, including how to clean the outside of your washer and dryer, read on!
