To clean your washing machine, you will want to clean the drum, the dispenser, the gasket (if applicable), and the filter. The first step in cleaning your washing machine is to clean the filter. The filter is normally located on the front of front loaders or in the agitator of top loaders. If you can't find your filter, do a quick Google search to find your specific washers filter!
For front loaders, get a bowl or cookie sheet and place it below the filter opening for front loaders or any filters located externally. Cleaning the filter on these types, you will need to drain the filter area of any excess water. After you've drained the water out, remove the filter from your machine. Take off any visible debris (hair, hairbands, tags, paper, etc) and clean the filter with a sponge or toothbrush and water. After, put the filter back in its place and close the cover.
If you have an agitator filter, you will normally pull up on the agitator to reveal your filter. Make sure you verify this is where your filter is before pulling things apart! You will follow the same steps of removing visible debris and scrubbing with a sponge or toothbrush and water. Put the filter back in and agitator back on when complete.
Then, you will want to clean the gasket and dispenser. The gasket is located on front loaders and will need to be cleaned with a wash rag/sponge and a toothbrush in hard to reach areas. The detergent dispenser can usually be removed (1-2 pieces) and you'll scrub with a sponge/toothbrush and water. If your dispenser cannot be removed, just wipe/scrub clean while it remains in the machine. Fully dry the parts before putting them back. We recommend scrubbing these spots first to loosen any build up/grime that the clean cycle can finish removing. Tip: Front loaders — leave your washer door open regularly after running a wash cycle to ensure your gasket can fully air dry!
Next, you will run a clean cycle in your washing machine. You can do this by running an empty cycle on the hottest water setting or special clean setting if your washer has the option with a cup of white vinegar or a washing machine cleaner (like Active or Affresh tablets! Follow instructions on package). This will help to remove any built-up residue or bacteria.
After cleaning the washing machine, you may want to also sanitize it. Run another empty cycle on the hottest water setting with a cup of bleach, hydrogen peroxide or a washing machine sanitizer. This will help to kill any remaining bacteria and prevent mold growth.
To prevent the buildup of bacteria and mold, it's important to clean and sanitize your washing machine regularly. Aim to clean it at least once a month or more often if you use it frequently. We recommend running a quick clean cycle (with added vinegar, bleach or hydrogen peroxide) OR washing towels (hot wash cycle) after diaper laundry to ensure nothing is left behind. Always refer back to manufacturers' recommendations for cleaning and sanitizing your washing machine to avoid damage or voiding any warranties.
Make sure you set a monthly or bimonthly reminder to clean/sanitize your washing machine!!