Here’s How to Clean Your Washer & Dryer

The machines that wash and dry your clothing also need cleaning to ensure their best performance and long-term reliability. Simple routine maintenance can also prevent your washer and dryer set from damaging your clothes or other fabrics. The payoff is longer-lasting, better-looking clothes and well-functioning machines that provide trouble-free service. These tips will help you keep your washer dryer combo in tip-top working condition.

Washing Machine Cleaners

A deep cleaning of your washing machine is recommended once a month to remove detergent residue, eliminate odours, and inhibit the growth of mould and bacteria. From packaged commercial solutions to simple liquid bleach or vinegar, there are many products available to effectively clean the interior of your washer. First, check the appliance manual for specific dos and don’ts so you don’t void your warranty. After cleaning and between loads, always leave your washing machine door or lid open so air can circulate inside.

How to Clean Your Washing Machine

Whether you have a front load washing machine or top load washing machine, the instructions for cleaning both are generally the same. Again, refer to your owner’s manual before proceeding.

Run a Complete Cycle

Use the Clean Washer button on your machine, if applicable, and add bleach to the detergent dispenser. Otherwise, put a half-cup of bleach, cleaning tablet or measured amount of detergent solution in the dispenser before operating as normal. Note whether the manual instructs you to put a clean towel in the washer so it doesn’t run empty.

Rinse & Spin Again

Wait for the cycle to end, then run another rinse and spin cycle to drain off remnants of the cleaning agent and refresh the washer drum.

Clean the Dispenser Drawer

Laundry soap residue builds up over time and might need a light scrubbing to dislodge. Remove the drawer, if possible, for a thorough cleaning and rinse under the tap, or open it enough to reach all of the corners where gunk can accumulate. After cleaning, leave the drawer open to fully dry.

Clean the Door & Drum

It’s important to wipe down and dry the rubber gasket on front-load washers. Failure to do so can invite mould and discolouration. Use a clean cloth to wipe the interior of the glass window and inside the drum.

Clean the Exterior

Do a visual check and towel off the outside of your machine to remove any spots, splash marks or dampness that could lead to corrosion.

Washing Machine Maintenance Tips

Perform these simple tasks to help keep your washer running smoothly and at peak efficiency:

Use only recommended detergents
Don’t overload your machine
Check the washer drain hose connections for damage or leaks
Ensure that the washing machine drum is drained completely after each load
Leave the washer door open for a few hours between uses
Clean out the washing machine filter (check the manual to locate it if necessary)
Try to remove wet clothes immediately after the wash cycle ends
Check that stackable washer and dryer units are always balanced and level
On top-load models, make sure there are no threads or fabric wrapped around the washing machine agitator
Note any unusual noises coming from the washing machine motor during normal usage

How to Clean Your Clothes Dryer

There’s a big difference between routine dryer cleaning and a thorough inspection of the entire system. The latter is only necessary a couple of times a year. It involves disconnecting the power source, pulling the machine away from the wall, and detaching the ductwork. Any special instructions for your model can be found in the owner’s manual.

Clean the Lint Trap

The dryer lint trap is usually recessed in the front of the dryer cabinet, near the base of the door, and houses the lint screen:

Remove the lint screen and look inside the receptacle
Inspect and manually remove any hard objects such as buttons, toothpicks, and coins, etc., that went unnoticed through the wash and dry cycle
Use the nozzle attachment to reach inside and vacuum up lint and light debris

Clean the Dryer Drum

Sometimes items get left behind when you think you’ve emptied the dryer drum. Take a closer look inside to retrieve stray socks or objects.

Make sure the dryer drum is completely empty
Do a visual check of the drum interior and remove any loose objects
Wipe down the inside with a clean towel
In case of odour, deodourize the drum with a solution of one-part vinegar or bleach to two parts warm water and apply with a damp towel
Thoroughly dry the interior with a clean cloth

Clean the Dryer Vent

Exhaust from your dryer exits the house through the dryer vent. It’s important to keep it clear of blockages.

Inspect the vent from the outside where the exhaust exits the house
Make sure there is no blockage or debris build-up at the exit port
If the exterior vent is easily removed, clean it or replace it if necessary
If the exit vent is sealed in place, clean it with a shop vacuum

Clean the Lint Screen

Debris from a single load of heavy towels and fleece clothing items can quickly block the dryer lint screen. Make a habit of always checking it.

Inspect and clean the screen after every load
Peel off accumulated lint manually or vacuum until the screen is clear
Discard the lint
Replace the screen in the lint trap receptacle

Clean the Dryer Duct

Depending on the length of the duct this can take some time, but mustn’t be overlooked. Wear gloves if you’re handling rigid, steel ducting with sharp edges.

Disconnect the duct at both ends (dryer and outdoor vent)
Visually inspect the inside of the duct for lint or blockages
Shake and/or tap gently on the duct to dislodge debris so it falls out the end (preferably outdoors)
Use a vacuum to finish cleaning the inside of the duct before reinstalling

Clean the Exterior

Do a visual check and towel off the cabinet to remove any spots, splash marks or dampness that could lead to corrosion. Make sure nothing is leaning or rubbing against the machine during operation by keeping the area tidy.

Your washer and dryer are designed for heavy-duty cleaning. However, regular care and maintenance will keep their internal electronics, sensors and timers running smoothly, and help extend the lifespan of your machines.

Appliances Cleaning

Here’s How to Clean Your Washer & Dryer

Washing Machine Cleaners

How to Clean Your Washing Machine

How to Clean Your Clothes Dryer

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