Keep Your Washing Machine Pristine With These Easy Steps

The main difference between front-load and top-load washing machines is that the former cleans items in a tumbling motion rather than a twisting motion. Tumbling works faster, harder, and better at removing stains, odor, and grime, per Howard's. Unfortunately, front-load washers are more susceptible to mold and mildew because it's more difficult for water to evaporate.

On the bright side, many current front-load models feature special self-cleaning settings, which makes routine cleaning a one-step job! If your front-load washer isn't equipped with a self-cleaning tool, then you'll have to do it the old way, aka by hand.

Instructions for Cleaning a Front-Load Washing Machine

1. Double check the machine is completely empty.
2. Using bleach, scrub all attachments: soap, bleach, and fabric-softener dispensers, as well as the rubber gaskets around the opening of the drum, both inside the door and on the physical machine.
3. Pour two cups of bleach into the front-load washer.
4. Start a normal wash cycle with hot water. Once the drum has filled, pause the cycle, and let the bleach-water solution sit for 30 minutes. This allows the bleach to really settle in and get to work. After 30 minutes, resume the cycle.
5. Run an additional rinse cycle to make sure all the bleach is gone.
6. Leave the washer door open so the drum can air-dry.
7. Wipe down the exterior of your front-load washer with disinfectant wipes.

Arguably, the best part about top-loading washing machines is that they don't require as much squatting to clean compared to their front-loading counterparts. Top-loading machines also don't run as high of a risk for mold or mildew because water is able to evaporate up and out of the machine's tub, which means less stinky odor to deal with.

On the downside, top-loading washing machines typically don't fit as many clothes, nor do they feature fancy self-cleaning settings. The cleaning process for top-loaders is quite similar to front-loaders, albeit with a few key exceptions.

Instructions for Cleaning a Top-Loading Washing Machine

1. Double check the machine is completely empty.
2. Using bleach, scrub all attachments: soap, bleach, and fabric softener dispensers.
3. Take an old toothbrush, and vigorously scrub the door and hinges, especially where lint and dirt may have sneakily piled up. If your door has rubber gaskets (maybe as a sound barrier or as a safe-grip), be sure to clean in and around those as well.
4. Pour four cups of bleach into the top-load washer.
5. Start a normal wash cycle with hot water. Once the drum has filled, pause the cycle, and let the bleach-water solution sit for 30 minutes. This allows the bleach to really settle in and get to work. After 30 minutes, resume the cycle.
6. Run an additional rinse cycle to make sure all the bleach is gone.
7. Leave the washer door open so the drum can air-dry.
8. Wipe down the exterior of your top-loading washer with disinfectant wipes.

Bleach is known for its fast-acting and bacteria-killing properties, which is why it's considered the best cleaning solution for washing machines. However, if you're in a pinch or want to try another method, vinegar is almost as equally effective. Vinegar works as a powerful cleaning agent that is perfectly safe for cleaning household appliances such as microwaves, coffee machines, and, according to Howard's, washing machines.

Instructions for Cleaning a Washing Machine With Vinegar

1. Combine 1/4 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup water. Pour it into the machine's detergent dispenser.
2. Pour four cups of white vinegar into a top-load washer or two cups into a front-load washer.
3. Run a normal wash cycle with hot water. Optional: once the drum has filled, pause the cycle, and let the vinegar-water solution sit for 30 minutes. Resume the cycle.
4. Leave the washer door open so the drum can air-dry.
5. Wipe down the exterior of your washer with disinfectant wipes.
6. If you notice a residual vinegar odor, run a rinse cycle.

According to a report from Martha Stewart, washing machines should be thoroughly cleaned about once a month, but as with anything, that also depends on your household and how regularly your washing machine is being used. Running a cycle of hot water from time to time may help prevent dirt and detergent build-up. Additionally, leaving your washer's door open after washes can help stop moisture build-up and, consequently, mold and odor.

Remember, while these cleaning instructions are fairly standard, both front-load washers and top-loading washing machines can vary by make and model. So before you deep-clean your washers, make sure to read the owner's manual just to be safe.