Clean Your Washing Machine and Improve Its Longevity

November 30, 2018 Published by Leave your thoughts

Most homeowners rely on the washing machine to keep their clothing fresh, clean and smelling great—that is, until one day when the clothes come out of the washer still smelling dirty, or even like they had been sitting too long. Unfortunately, this happens when people forget the machine itself needs to be kept clean to ensure their clothes get clean. Forgetting to clean the washer can not only result in poor clothes cleaning, but also leaking and even unexpected breakdowns, leaving you with no choice but to call a professional for washing machine repair in St. Peters, MO.

Here’s how you can deep-clean and maintain your washing machine to ensure it works for years to come:

  • Check the detergent drawer: Start your hunt for the sour smell by checking the detergent drawer. Excess detergent can accumulate in the drawer over time, which makes it difficult for the clothes to get properly cleaned and can even clog up the drains. Simply take out the detergent drawer, soak it in warm water and then scrub away any residue with a toothbrush.
  • Clean the seal: Next, pull away the seal to remove any gunk that has become trapped in the seal. The seal catches lint, wet tissues and anything else that might have been forgotten in the pockets. All that junk can begin to mold and smell. Just run your hand around the seal to remove anything stuck before wiping it down with a damp cloth.
  • Empty the trap: Everything that doesn’t get caught by the seal goes into the trap. Things can sit in the trap for months, collecting mildew until the washer is no longer able to drain water. To clean the trap, pry open the door using a flathead screwdriver. Then pull at the black tube and drain the hose into a bowl. Twist the trap cap and remove all the obstruction from inside the space before replacing everything.
  • Run the self-clean cycle: Running a self-clean cycle can do wonders for a washing machine. Most professionals recommend running the cycle once every few months, or as soon as you notice a foul smell. Add one cup of bleach to the detergent cup before starting the cycle as an extra line of defense against a particularly strong odor.

Keep the clean going

Following a few steps after every wash will help keep the washer smelling fresh longer. Leave the door open after moving the laundry out to give the inside of the washer enough time to air dry. Closing the door traps the damp air inside with nowhere to go, resulting in mold growth. Also, never forget to check the machine for any lingering items.

Is your laundry still smelling unpleasant? Let the washer experts at Crews Appliance Repair help. Our team can help eradicate any foul smells for good. We have more than 35 years of experience in appliance repair in St. Peters, MO, and have tackled all kinds of issues with washing machines, dryers and other major household appliances. Reach out to us today to schedule a service appointment!

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