How to clean the washing machine | How The Trust Project

The washing machine is one of the essential appliances in any home. In order for it to continue washing clothes effectively and to extend their useful life as much as possible, that is, to save us the hassle -and the money- of having to buy a new one, it is necessary to carry out regular maintenance through a series of simple steps.

We are going to see how to clean four basic parts of the washing machine: dispenser box, filter, drum and rubber gasket. Although we can find specialized cleaning products on the market, at home we have everything necessary for a complete cleaning of the machine.

CLEANING THE DISPENSER BOX

It is the part that we open to add the detergent, the softener and the bleach. Remains of these products tend to accumulate in the compartments, which will end up generating bad odors and mold that can damage clothes. To avoid this, simply remove the box, following the manufacturer's instructions, and then rinse it with warm soapy water. This brief work must be done as soon as we see the first signs of dirt.

FILTER CLEANING

It is surely the component of the washing machine that we pay the least attention to when it comes to keeping the machine in good condition. The filter is usually located in the lower part of the front of the appliance and is used to prevent threads, hair or small objects that we have forgotten in our pockets from ending up clogging the drain pump and causing a breakdown.

A clear symptom that it is necessary to clean the filter, according to the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU), is that the washing machine, after finishing the program, keeps water inside the drum, or that the clothes continue to be dirty after the complete the wash cycle.

Keep in mind that when removing the filter, water is likely to come out, so it is recommended to put a towel or a container on the ground to collect the liquid. Once we have removed the plug and we have the filter, we must clean it with warm water and even with soap, if we consider it necessary. Once dry, we attach it back in place.

CLEANING THE RUBBER SEAL

We must always keep this element clean, since it is common for dirt, bad odors and even mold to accumulate on it. If the rubber seal of the washing machine drum is in good condition, it is enough to add one more step to the ritual of washing clothes: after washing and collecting the laundry, take a damp cloth and go over all the grooves of the seal and, then, with another cloth we dry it. In addition, it is recommended to leave the door of the washing machine open so that dirt does not accumulate.

If, on the other hand, the rubber gasket is already dirty, we dilute about 50 ml of vinegar, a tablespoon of baking soda and the water from a glass in a container. We apply the resulting product directly on the rubber and with the help of a toothbrush we rub all the rubber. Finally, we dry the piece with a dry cloth and leave the door open. If the result is still not satisfactory, we repeat the process. There are experts who recommend doing this cleaning once a month, even when the board is in good condition.

DRUM CLEANING

Yes, the drum also needs maintenance. And yes, again we bet on vinegar as an anti-limescale product. This time, we introduce half a liter of vinegar in the detergent compartment of the dispenser box and program a long wash at high temperature (60 degrees or more). Once the cycle is complete, open the door of the washing machine and let it dry for several hours.

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