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The next time you go to put a load of laundry in your washing machine, take a look at the soil that has accumulated as a result of washing so many dirty clothes and using preferred products. Chances are your washing machine could use a good cleaning to make it work more effectively and prolong its ability to function properly. Cleaning washing machines isn't really hard work, but it does require a bit of patience and know how to get it done right.

The first thing you want to do is remove any parts that can be easily detached. Dirt and grime hide under these parts, seeping out every time you run your machine. Soak the parts in a bowl with baking soda, vinegar, and warm water. Use a toothbrush to loosen dirt from creases and seams around your washer.

The next thing you want to do is remove fabric softener build-up in your washing machine. Depending on how often you do this, it could take a little bit of extra elbow grease to get the job done right. You can use a thin spatula, scraper or knife to remove large chunks of built up fabric softener around the lip of your machine. Then you need to reach up under the rim, and carefully scrape off the bottom side too. If you don't have very much build-up, it might be easier to pour boiling water over it, and wipe with a handy cloth.

After you have thoroughly scrubbed all the little parts to your washing machine, put them back in place. Pull your machine away from the wall, to clean and maintain underneath it, sweeping and mopping as necessary. This is important because build-up under appliances can pose a fire hazard. When you are finished, wipe down the sides of your machine, making sure to dust of the back to give proper air flow to the vents and mechanics of it. Then push it back in place.

The last step of cleaning and maintaining your washing machine is to pour equal parts vinegar and baking soda into it, and run it on the heavy wash cycle. After you have done this, run your machine on heavy without any cleaning ingredients at all. This will ensure that most if not all dirt has been washed away. You should thoroughly wash your entire machine every six months, while removing fabric softener build up every two to three months. Of course if you notice a need to clean your washing machine more often based on personal use or preference, it certainly won't harm the machine.

Learn more about this author, M. J. Joachim.
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