Maintaining and cleaning your washing machine is essential for its longevity and to save money over time. A crucial part of this is ensuring you prevent mould, which often appears around the seal due to trapped dirt and moisture.
If left unchecked, mould can contaminate your laundry and reduce the machine’s efficiency. Mould specialists at Advanced Damp have warned others that there’s a simple solution to this – and you don’t need to do a much.
1. Leave the door open
After use, the warm and damp conditions inside a washing machine are ideal for mould and mildew growth. To prevent this, it’s advised to leave the door open after each wash, reports the Express.
The experts recommend: “Always leave the washing machine door open after each use, as it helps it to dry out quicker and reduces moisture, which in turn keeps your washer mould-free.”
2. Wipe off the seals and inside surfaces
Post-wash condensation can accumulate on the seals and interior surfaces of your washing machine, potentially leading to mould if not aired out. The professionals suggest: “Give the inside of the door a quick wipe with a cloth after each use, especially if you don’t use your machine daily.”
3. Clean every few months – don’t forget to check the filter
For optimal performance and extended lifespan of your washing machine, it’s important to clean it regularly and inspect the filter. Experts have shared the optimum cleaning regime for your washing machine, advising: “The ideal routine for cleaning your washing machine would be to clean the rubber door seal after each use.”
They note that you should also “clean the detergent drawer every five washes and descale your washing machine once a month.” Also suggesting giving the appliance a thorough clean they add that you should ensure you “clean the filter and give the machine a good scrub every one to three months.”
To tackle any undesirable odours, they recommend: “You can also set your machine on a hot wash with a cup of white vinegar in to freshen it up and remove any unpleasant smells.”
They caution against allowing laundry to sit in the washer too long, especially overnight, to avoid mould: “Remove wet clothes right away.”
Lastly, the mould experts warn about detergent overuse: “Don’t use too much detergent” since this won’t increase cleanliness but will leave residue: “Make sure to always follow the instructions on dosages for liquids, powders and capsules.”