While you might think that your washing machine is one of the cleanest appliances in your home, unfortunately, it is not. Yes, it uses soap and cleans with every use, but any dark, warm, and moist environment can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew. And while a lot of the dirt and grime from your clothes goes down the drain, sediment and soap scum can remain which is not good for your machine.

What can cause mildew and buildup?

• Too much detergent. Modern laundry machines are crafted to conserve water. So, with the reduced amount of water, the detergent may not break down entirely, leaving a coating of soap on the tub and possibly damaging your machine. You should always follow the washer manufacturer’s instructions on the type and amount of detergent to use.
• Leaving wet clothes in the washer for too long. If you find yourself frequently forgetting the wash, you may accidentally be welcoming mold and mildew growth.

The good news is that cleaning your washer is easy and the ingredients you need are probably already in your home like vinegar, baking soda, and bleach.

How to Clean a Front-Loading Machine

1. Set the washer to the hottest, longest setting.
2. Add two cups of vinegar.
3. Add one-quarter cup of baking soda.
4. Start the wash cycle and let it run until it’s complete.
5. When complete, wipe down the inside and outside surfaces with a damp sponge. Pay special attention to the gasket (rubber seal) that wraps around the front since that can get gunky pretty quickly.
6. Dry all the surfaces with a clean, dry cloth.

How to Clean a Top-Loading Machine

1. Set the washer to the hottest, longest setting.
2. Add four cups of bleach.
3. Let the washer fill completely, then stop it, and let it soak for a full hour.
4. Turn it back on after an hour, and let it complete the entire wash cycle.
5. Now, start it again, on the hottest, longest setting.
6. Add four cups of vinegar.
7. Let the washer fill completely, stop it, and let it soak for an hour.
8. At the end of an hour, take a sponge and dip it in the vinegar water from the tub.
9. Use the sponge to clean all the exposed surfaces, including the detergent or softener basket and the lip of the tub.
10. Now start the laundry machine again, and let it run through the complete wash cycle.
11. When complete, dry the interior with a clean, dry cloth.

It’s recommended to clean your machine once a month to help efficiency and keep your machine lasting longer. And, let’s be honest, you depend on your laundry appliances to keep your life running smoothly. To be safe, an American Home Shield® washing machine warranty can help you avoid the headache of paying to repair or replace it if it breaks down due to a covered issue.

Head over to American Home Shield today to get more tips on taking care of your washing machine and don’t forget to check out all of their home warranty plans to find one that works best for you.

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