Steps to Clean and Disinfect Your Washing Machine and Dryer

Project Summary

• Duration of Work: 15 to 30 minutes
• Duration: 1 to 2 hours

• Proficiency Level: Novice
• Projected Expense: $20

Understanding the importance of disinfecting your washing machine and dryer following specific incidents, like a flood or a family illness, is essential for maintaining a safe home environment. Additionally, incorporating the sanitization of these appliances into your deep cleaning schedule can be beneficial.

Continue reading to discover effective methods for cleaning these appliances, particularly after your garments have been exposed to bacterial or viral infections, poison ivy, or pesticides.

Warning

If a washing machine or dryer has been exposed to a flood or fire, it is important to have a technician inspect the appliance’s electronics prior to cleaning or operating it.

What is the recommended frequency for sanitizing your washing machine and dryer?

It is advisable to clean and sanitize your washer and dryer every one to three months. However, if someone in your household has been ill, you may want to sanitize these appliances more frequently.

If you notice an unpleasant smell coming from your washer and dryer or your laundry after it’s been cleaned and dried, it’s an ideal moment to clean and disinfect your appliances.

The Significance of Maintaining Your Washer and Dryer

Cleaning your washing machine is essential due to its dark, moist, and warm environment, which creates ideal conditions for the accumulation of dirt, bacteria, mold, and detergent remnants. This accumulation can obstruct the machine’s internal components and lead to unpleasant odors that may cling to your laundry.

Maintaining a clean dryer is essential for safety reasons. Neglecting to remove lint and dust buildup from dryer vents is the leading cause of fire-related damage to homes annually.

Requirements for Your Task

Gear / Instruments

• Latex gloves
• Cleaning brush
• Cleaning rags

Materials

• Sodium hypochlorite solution
• Water

Instructions

Steps to Clean a Washing Machine Using Chlorine Bleach

The accumulation of impurities, leftover detergent, and fabric softener can harbor bacteria and other particles within a washing machine. This can lead to a transfer of these contaminants to your laundry, resulting in unpleasant odors and a risk of disease transmission. However, you can eliminate these issues by performing a specialized cleaning with chlorine bleach.

Adjust the temperature of the washing machine water.

Adjust the washing machine’s water temperature to the maximum level. Ensure that the machine is not loaded.

Incorporate chlorine bleach.

Pour 1 cup of chlorine bleach into the empty drum of the washing machine (this applies to both front-loading and top-loading models). Ensure that no laundry is added.

Select the washing cycle.

Select a complete washing cycle with a hot water rinse option, if possible. Let the machine complete the entire process.

Clean the Internal Parts

Once the washing cycle has finished, take a moment to examine the inside of the washing machine. Pay close attention to the rubber seals, gaskets, and the interior of the door or lid for any signs of residue or mold. Additionally, inspect the compartments for detergent or fabric softener. Prepare a cleaning solution by combining 1/4 cup of chlorine bleach with 1 quart of water. Use a cloth or a soft-bristled brush dipped in the solution to scrub these areas and eliminate any buildup.

Perform a final wash.

Adjust the washing machine to the rinse and spin setting, and let it complete the cycle to guarantee that all bleach is eliminated prior to starting a new laundry load.

Wipe Down the Outside of the Washing Machine

To complete the process, wipe down the outside of the washing machine, including the top, front, and sides, using a mixture of a gentle detergent and hot water. Afterward, rinse it with fresh water and dry it with a soft cloth.

Methods for Cleaning a Washing Machine Without Using Chlorine Bleach

If you prefer not to use chlorine bleach, consider utilizing pine oil, phenolic disinfectants, or quaternary disinfectants to sanitize your washing machine. Be sure to read the instructions on the product labels, and apply the same cleaning procedures as you would with chlorine bleach as mentioned earlier.

Warning

Select a single approach for cleaning and sanitizing a washer and dryer. Avoid combining different cleaning agents.

Steps to Clean and Disinfect a Dryer

When contaminated laundry is dried using a low heat or air-only setting, there is a risk of cross-contamination with subsequent laundry loads. Additionally, if any chemicals or petroleum-based products were present, there is a heightened risk of fire. It is essential to clean and disinfect the dryer thoroughly. Here’s the process to do so.

• Put on gloves and carefully take out the lint from the lint screen, then dispose of it properly. The lint may be contaminated and could lead to skin irritation and other problems.
• Combine 1/4 cup of chlorine bleach with 1 quart of water to create a solution. If you prefer not to use bleach, you can opt for pine oil, a phenolic disinfectant, or a quaternary disinfectant, making sure to adhere to the instructions provided on the product label.
• Soak a cloth or a soft-bristled scrub brush in the cleaning solution, then clean the dryer drum, rubber seals, gaskets, and the inside of the dryer door.
• Wipe down all surfaces using a clean cloth moistened with plain water.
• Place some old towels or rags in the dryer, adjust the settings to high, and let it operate for 10 minutes to eliminate any leftover cleaning solution.
• Clean the exterior of the dryer using the cleaning solution, then thoroughly rinse it with a cloth soaked in fresh water.

Advice for Keeping Your Washer and Dryer Clean

• Remove wet laundry from the washer promptly to avoid the growth of mold, mildew, and unpleasant smells.
• After each use, make sure to dry the gaskets of your washing machine to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
• Prior to loading your garments into the washing machine and dryer, inspect the pockets for any objects that could lead to stains when heated, including pens, lipsticks, chewing gum, and crayons.
• Refrain from placing garments that have come into contact with oils or gasoline into your washing machine or dryer.
• Only place clean garments and towels in the dryeravoid loading it with wet, soiled items.
• Empty the lint filter after each use of the dryer.
• If you own an older top-loading washing machine, make sure to clean the lint trap located in the central agitator. However, high-efficiency washers do not come equipped with lint traps.

What is the purpose of the sanitize cycle in a washing machine?

The sanitize cycle in a washing machine employs higher temperatures to remove typical household bacteria from your laundry. While not every laundry load requires this cycle, it can be particularly useful when washing items like bedding and clothing from a household member who has been ill.

Which is more effective for cleaning the interior of a washing machine: bleach or vinegar?

To clean the interior of your washing machine, you can utilize either bleach or vinegar, but avoid using them simultaneously as this can produce harmful gases. If you’re dealing with mold, chlorine bleach might be the more effective option.

What are the best methods to remove bacteria from my washing machine?

Remove bacteria from your washing machine by performing an empty cycle using hot water and one cup of chlorine bleach. For top-load washers, pour the bleach directly into the drum or the water, and for front-load machines, use the designated dispensers.