Cleaning your Washing Machine

Avoid dirt, mold and mildew buildup in your washing machine by cleaning the washer once every few months. Although the majority of dirt drains from the washer some residue sticks inside and can transfer odors to you or your customers’ clothes. Other than a bad smell one sign that it’s time to clean your washing machine is if you notice white streaks or a powder-like white residue on dark clothes. Luckily, cleaning your washing machine is simple, pain-free process.

Cleaning Top Loader Washing Machine

The first step in cleaning a top load washing machine is to fill the drum with hot water and one quart of chlorine bleach and run using the longest spin cycle setting. Immediately after the cycle fill the drum with hot water and add one quart of distilled white vinegar and run using the longest spin cycle. The combination of chlorine bleach and distilled white vinegar cleans away bacteria, soap scum and mineral deposits stuck inside the drum which makes it more difficult for water to drain and extract detergent during the spin cycle. High efficiency top load washers should be cleaned more often – once every two months compared to twice per year – following the same method.   

Cleaning Front Load Washing Machines

Front load washers need a little more attention to remove any leftover residue and you should clean these machines once every two months. The cleaning process is similar to top load machines with a small twist. Instead of adding hot water to the drum just add ½ cup of liquid chlorine bleach in the detergent compartment, fill the bleach dispenser with bleach and run a normal cycle. After the cycle make sure to dry the door gasket and glass to ensure a water tight seal – the area between the gasket and the door is a prime spot for mold and mildew to grow if it is not dry.

It’s also smart to clean the built-in detergent, bleach and fabric softener dispensers once every two to three months. Pour a cup of warm white vinegar into the dispensers, let it soak for a few minutes and run a normal cycle. If you can remove the dispensers take them out and soak in warm vinegar for an hour and rinse with water.

BDS Laundry Systems wants to help extend the life of your washing machines by following these cleaning tips. Give us a call to learn more of the ins and outs of all commercial washing machines at 800-688-0020 or contact us online today.