Steps to clean the washing machine: goodbye to the dirt of the rubber or the drum

For our washing machine to properly clean clothes and keep them in good condition for longer, it is recommended to clean them every month. Generally, manufacturers usually put similar information in the instructions for use, although the truth is that we do not always take them much into account, and do we?

However, cleaning the washing machine is essential, since with this we will avoid the proliferation of bacteria and mold that can adhere to our clothes after washing, in addition to avoiding lime scale that can do so much damage to our appliance and the dreaded encrusted soap, which ends up the cake on our clothes. A washing machine that is not cleaned can even harbor clothing fibers that will adhere to the clothes we wash. The constant cleaning of the washing machine is so important that if we do not do it, not only will it stop washing clothes correctly, but they will deteriorate much faster, even getting damaged.

Still do not know the steps you must follow to clean the washing machine? we help you say goodbye to dirt from the rubber, the drum, or the filter, and we give you some extra tips to keep your appliance clean. Let’s see it!

Tips for cleaning the drum of the washing machine

There are two-star products to clean the drum of the washing machine: vinegar and bleach or chlorine. Whatever product you use, the cleaning procedure is the same. At Dario Feminine we recommend using vinegar because it is biodegradable and is an excellent natural disinfectant that eliminates viruses and bacteria.
By the way, vinegar is also an excellent natural fabric softener, so you can use it as a sustainable alternative for your washing machine. We recommend using bleach or chlorine in cases where cleaning with vinegar is not enough. If you prefer vinegar, use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, although any vinegar will work as well. Cleaning is very simple:
Fill the detergent drawer with vinegar and run a normal washing machine cycle full, preferably with hot water over 30ºC. If you do not have hot water in your washing machine, we recommend a longer cycle, for example, the one for white clothes.
In the case of top-loading washing machines, some do not have a drawer, and then introduce the vinegar directly into the drum. If they are washers with spikes, you can put a little vinegar in the softener dispenser (which is usually the one with the central spike), so that it is also washed properly.
It is important to do an extra rinse with the empty washing machine or old towels, to ensure the complete removal of the vinegar. If you have cleaned the washing machine with bleach or chlorine, this step is mandatory, since the chlorine could remain on the surface of the drum and adhere to the clothes, stripping them of paint.

Very effective tricks to clean the rubber of the washing machine

Front drum washing machines have a rubber around them that tends to accumulate dirt, mold, and bacteria, so they must be cleaned regularly so that it does not dirty and contaminate our clothes. Many times, when the washing machine gives off a musty smell, it is usually because the rubber is dirty.
The idea is to keep the rubber clean at all times. To do this, you can clean it with water and a little detergent after each wash or after several washes. It is important that you not only clean the visible part of the rubber but also the back since it is where the most dirt accumulates. To do this, you just have to remove it slightly (without completely removing the rubber) and clean that area with a damp cloth or a little detergent, removing all the accumulated dirt. When you’re done, dry it off and leave the washer door open for several hours until it’s completely dry.
Sometimes, the rubber can accumulate mold, which is visibly seen because black spots appear on the rubber, mainly if the usual cleaning maintenance is not done or if the washing machine is not allowed to air out with the door open after each wash. But also, mold can accumulate in the joints of the rubber, which are more difficult to access and are often forgotten when cleaning. It is responsible for the bad odors in the washing machine and can be impregnated in clothes, leaving bad odors and being dangerous to use, especially for children. For all these reasons, it is very important not to forget to clean the rubber in the washing machine. How should you clean this mold? Watch out!
To clean the mold you can use vinegar or a mixture of water (2 liters), lemon juice (30 ml), and hydrogen peroxide (125 ml). Mix all the ingredients well and use this natural cleaner to remove mold from the washing machine rubber. You can even use it as a regular cleaner.
When you apply it, leave it to act for a few minutes so that you can more easily remove the mold with a sponge or a kitchen cloth, depending on how embedded it is. In addition, this homemade cleaner will help you eliminate mold from others, such as the refrigerator, non-abrasive kitchen surfaces, shower curtains, the toilet, or the sink. Do not use it on delicate surfaces, for example, if you have a kitchen counter made of a porous or abrasive material such as quartz or granite.
Top-loading washing machines do not always have rubber, but on the upper area of the drum, there is usually a strip of plastic around it that must also be cleaned in the same way, since it accumulates dirt and can generate mold.

How should you clean the washing machine filter?

Another part of the washing machine that must be cleaned regularly is the washing machine filter. For proper cleaning, it would be necessary to remove it from where it is and proceed with the following steps:

If you don’t know how to remove the filter, consult the instruction book for your washing machine model. Take it out and clean it with a rag. You can even wash it in the sink with a brush to remove all the fibers and accumulated lime scale.
If for some reason it is not completely clean, try using vinegar or the preparation of water, lemon, and hydrogen peroxide. It is fabulous for removing any type of dirt!

Tips to keep the washing machine perfectly clean for a long time

In addition to cleaning the drum, the rubber, and the filter, it is important to have a series of basic care with the washing machine so that it stays clean and in good working order. Take note, because they make a difference in the care of this important appliance:

Keep the detergent and fabric softener drawers clean, as well as the bleach drawer if you have it. You can clean them with vinegar and a rag. Use a toothbrush for built-up soap stains.
Always leave the door open after each use for a few hours, preferably until it dries completely. This is essential so that mold and bad odors do not accumulate inside the washing machine.
Just as you clean the drum, remember to clean the door regularly, since the front part comes into contact with the wash.
If your installation allows it, close the water flow and turn it off when you are not using it. This will allow for avoiding moisture.
Do not overfill the washing machine; this usually ends up spoiling the operation of the drum.
Now that you know how to clean the washing machine, as well as the rubber, the drum, and the filter, it’s time to put all these tips into action.