Do not attempt to stack a washer and dryer without a stacking kit, even if both appliances are stackable. The dryer may not stay in place if you don’t have the right gear, posing a serious safety risk. Stacking kits allow you to stack a stackable dryer on top of a stackable washer safely.

With a stacking kit, you can save space and streamline your laundry room by stacking your washer and dryer.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Prior to attempting to stack your washer and dryer, it is important to confirm that both models are able to be stacked. In order to stack a washer and dryer, both units must have a front-loading design.

Additionally, it is generally recommended only to use a stacked washer and dryer set from the same manufacturer. This will help ensure compatibility and stability.

STEP 1: Prepare the location for your stacked washer and dryer.

Before stacking your washer and dryer, get the space ready for the machines and make sure the layout is functional. First, measure to confirm that the washer and dryer will fit once stacked. Make sure that there will be enough space between the wall and the units to vent the dryer and to open the doors and use the washer and dryer.

Aim to leave at least 1 inch of space on each side of the appliances, and at least 6 inches of space behind the units to allow enough room for the dryer to vent. Also, measure to ensure the doors will have sufficient room to open fully and check that you’ll be able to comfortably reach the dryer door and interior as well.

Once you’re sure of the location and logistics, disconnect your washer and dryer from their outlets, supply line, and vent.

STEP 2: Replace the default dryer feet with the stacking kit hardware.

A stacking kit for stacked washer dryer combos includes special hardware to replace the existing feet on the dryer. This step is relatively straightforward and typically only requires a Phillips head screwdriver. However, keep in mind that dryers can be heavy and cumbersome to move by yourself. You may want to enlist the help of a friend or family member when tipping the dryer over to replace the feet.

Before removing the dryer feet, place cardboard on the floor to help prevent your dryer from getting damaged. Then lay the dryer on its side on the cardboard. Remove the feet that came with the dryer, and follow the directions included in the stacking kit for placing the stacking support guides in place. Save the old feet from the dryer in case you ever decide that you no longer want to keep your washer and dryer stacked together.

STEP 3: Adjust the washing machine feet to ensure the appliance is level.

Next, place the washing machine in the space you want it, leaving enough room behind it to reconnect everything once the setup is complete. You will need to confirm that the washing machine is perfectly level before placing the dryer on top of it.

A level can help you with this task. If the machine is not level, use an adjustable wrench to adjust the feet. If you need to shorten one or more of the legs, you can rotate the wrench clockwise. To extend the length of a leg, rotate the wrench counterclockwise.

STEP 4: With help, lift the dryer on top of the washer.

Now you are ready to stack the two units. When stacking a washer and dryer, remember the dryer must always go on top because it is the lighter of the two appliances.

However, a dryer is still quite heavy. Find a helper to assist you in lifting the dryer onto the washer. Once the dryer is up on the washer, position it correctly. The front of the washer and dryer should be flush with one another, and the rear side of the dryer should be slightly farther back than the rear of the washer.

STEP 5: Secure the appliances with stacking kit brackets and clips.

The stacking kit should include brackets and clips to keep the washer and dryer securely in place. The clips are placed on each side of the dryer’s base. Then, the brackets will hook over the clips to keep the dryer from moving off the washer.

The components of each stacking kit may vary, so be sure to closely follow the manufacturer’s directions when attaching the clips and brackets to your units. In most cases, you should only need a Phillips head screwdriver for this step.

STEP 6: Reconnect the power, water, and vent.

Finally, hook up your gas or electric stackable washer and dryer to the outlets, water, and vent. Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions to ensure that this step is completed properly.

Once your units are reconnected, shift them to their final position. It is always a good idea to run a test wash and dry cycle to ensure that both machines are stable and operate properly. Run a small load of laundry and stay close by to monitor the machines for any leaking or excessive shaking.

Final Thoughts

Stackable washers and dryers can help free up considerable space in a laundry room or even help you create a (nearly) invisible laundry room. Learning how to stack a washer and dryer with a stacking kit will help you achieve these goals and ensure that your units remain stable and safe to use. Remember: If you plan to stack your washer and dryer, it is imperative to confirm that your units are compatible and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Knit Hats

Though knit hats get soiled and stinky from sitting on sweaty heads all day, their delicate fabric and shape just cannot withstand a spin cycle. When it does come time to wash your hat, doing so by hand with a mild detergent will ensure that it maintains its structure and softness.

Memory Foam Pillows

Unless otherwise stated on the label, memory foam pillows are not machine washable. When these pillows go through the wash, they turn into soggy messes with no evident structure—and some don’t even make it out of the spin cycle alive.

Coins

Most people wouldn’t put loose change in the wash on purpose, but even doing so by accident can cause some seriously expensive damage should they break the machine. Before you put your jeans and pants through a wash cycle, check the pockets for any coins that might’ve slipped through the cracks.

Anything Embellished

Embellished items don’t belong in the washing machine, seeing as anything with sewn- or glued-on details is far too delicate to make it through a wash cycle unscathed. To keep these articles of clothing intact, either hand-wash them or take them to the dry cleaner for a professional touch.

Flammable Stains

Yes, the washing machine’s entire purpose is to get rid of stains, but there are some that just aren’t compatible with the appliance. Things like gasoline, cooking oil, and alcohol are all highly flammable, and putting clothes covered in them in the washing machine can start a house fire. If you do accidentally soil your garments with something flammable, simply spot-treat the stain with a solvent-based stain remover—like Seventh Generation Natural Stain Remover Spray ($4)—and then hand-wash the item.

Running Sneakers

Throwing regular sneakers in the washing machine is totally fine—in fact, it’s a good trick for keeping white shoes in pristine condition—but running shoes are a different story. Most athletic sneakers that go through a spin cycle come out smaller than before, so be careful to only wash your sneakers if they’re approved for the appliance.

Purses

Some amateur fashion bloggers might recommend throwing a dirty leather or suede purse in the laundry, but these expensive items should never, ever set foot in the machine. Not only will the washer severely harm the bag’s shape and material, but it will also mess up the zipper and any embellishments on the exterior.

Raincoats

Think about this for a second: If your raincoat is waterproof, then how is it going to soak up the water of the washing machine for a deep cleanse? Exactly. Instead, every time a raincoat gets washed, it traps the water like a balloon until it eventually explodes (and makes a huge mess).

Unzipped Zippers

Things with zippers can certainly go in the wash, so long as they are closed. Open zippers swirling around in the washing machine, however, can get caught on other items, potentially causing disastrous damage to precious articles of clothing.

Lace Items

As is the case for embellished garbs, anything made of lace is far too fine to be thrown into the washing machine. If you need to wash your lace, laundry care company The Laundress recommends hand-washing the item in cold water and then laying it in its natural shape to air dry.

Ties

Ties tend to be made with fine fabrics like silk and wool, and so throwing them in the washing machine will lead to shrinkage, damage, and/or color loss. Your best course of action when it comes to tidying up your ties is to just take them to a dry cleaner, where they can be properly handled by a professional.

King-Size Comforters

A king-size comforter is simply too big for a typical washing machine, and trying to wash one will both break the machine and leave the comforter just as dirty as it was before. However, most most laundromats and dry cleaners house industrial-sized machines large enough to wash almost anything. Head to one to both clean your comforter and keep your machine intact.

Pet Hair

Sure, a piece of clothing covered in pet hair might come out of the wash clean, but all that fur is going to linger in your machine until it either leaves via other articles of clothing or clogs the drain—and neither option is fun to deal with. Instead, lint roll your pet-hair-coated clothing before tossing it in the wash.

Pens

Always check your coat’s pockets before putting them in the hamper. Should a pen accidentally sneak into a load of laundry, it could explode in the wash and get ink stains on everything in the machine, putting you back at square one.

Anything with Rubber

When something partially made of rubber ends up in the wash, the heat from the machine destroys the adhesive holding it together, causing the rubber to either come apart or straight-up melt. And while some rubber-backed items—like bath mats and rugs—can withstand a delicate wash cycle, under no circumstances should any ever go in the dryer.

Car Keys

Nobody purposefully washes their car keys, but all too often they end up in a load of laundry anyway, resulting in some serious scratches to the washing machine’s interior. Also, these days, most car keys are electric, and washing them in water can render them unusable.

Bras

Not only can the washing machine destroy a bra’s underwire, but the undergarment’s clasps can also get stuck to other pieces of laundry and cause serious tears.

Excess Detergent

Douse your laundry with too much detergent and your clothes will come out of the washing machine with residue all over them, requiring yet another rinse cycle. What’s more, overdoing it on the soap can cause a build-up of mold in your machine, meaning that both your washer and your clothes will require additional cleaning.

“A lot of people think washing machines are self-cleaning. On the one hand, they do rinse out after each use, but on the other hand, what’s left behind is soap residue, dirt, bacteria, and hard water deposits,” explains Melissa Maker, host of YouTube channel Clean MySpace. “All of the things that come off your clothing—most of it rinses away, but there are even remnants of that that get stuck behind.” Ready to start scrubbing? Below, we’ve compiled a step-by-step guide on how to clean your washing machine, according to Maker and other experts.

Step 1: Read your machine’s user manual.

Different types of washing machines need to be treated differently. So, before you start cleaning, read your owner’s manual and find out what you should and shouldn’t do. If you’ve misplaced the manual, Maker says you can search your washing machine’s make and model number on Google and pull up the manual online.

Step 2: Clean the drawer with soap and water.

When cleaning your washing machine, the first thing you should do is scrub down the drawer where you put your detergent and fabric softener. According to Cyrus Bedwyr, appliances cleaning expert at Fantastic Services in London, keeping the drawer fresh ensures that it “can’t get clogged with old detergent.”

And all you need is hot, soapy water and a sponge to totally transform this part of your washing machine. Scrub it down once a month, and Bedwyr says you should have “no problem with mold and limescale.”

Step 3: If your machine has one, clear the filter of any debris.

You’d be amazed what kind of stuff can get stuck in your washing machine filter if your appliance has one. That’s why Bedwyr notes that you should “check the filter for coins or anything else that can be forgotten in the pockets.” Removing any unwelcome items can prevent a blockage and save you a call to the repairman.

Step 4: Check your hoses.

Without fully functioning hoses, your washing machine will stop running. And a hole in a hose could cause flooding in the house. As part of the cleaning process, Bedwyr recommends inspecting your hoses for proper attachment and any holes.

Step 5: Run your washing machine on the hottest setting with nothing in it.

According to Bedwyr, bacteria most often accumulates on the drum and seals of the washing machine. Thankfully, you can easily clean these areas with a product you likely already have: vinegar. Just put two to three cups of vinegar where you’d normally put your detergent and voilà: Your machine should be good as new. Try to do this at least every three months to clean the drum and pipes, Bedwyr says.

If vinegar is too potent for you, Maker notes that there are other products on the market specially designed to clean your washing machine. “Either/or will work,” she says.

Step 6: Remove any remaining debris with alcohol.

If you think the drum of your machine needs further cleaning after you run a full cycle with vinegar, try scrubbing it with rubbing alcohol. Abe Navas, general manager of Emily’s Maids in Dallas, notes that this dissolvent will “brush away any gunk that could [have] formed.” Make sure not to use soap instead, as it could impact future laundry loads.

Step 7: Scrub down the outside of the machine.

The exterior of your washing machine is much less sensitive than the interior. Therefore, Navas notes that you can simply use hot water, a brush, and dishwasher soap to “scrub anything on the exterior.” Just be careful when you’re cleaning the back of your washing machine since that’s where all the cables are.

Step 8: Keep your washing machine’s door open.

Get into the habit of keeping the washing machine door open not only after you clean it, but after every use. “If you keep the door closed, then you’re going to have much more mildew on the inside of your machine,” Maker explains. Letting your machine dry out after every use will prevent any build-up and make future cleaning sessions much easier.

No matter what type of washing machine you have here’s the simple step-by-step process to clean it properly.

How It Works

The key ingredients in both cleaning methods are bleach and vinegar (read more about the do’s and don’ts of cleaning with vinegar). Bleach kills bacteria, mold, and mildew, while white vinegar dissolves soap scum and tough mineral deposits. You will also need a measuring cup, sponge, bucket, and cloth. After using them in the steps outlined below, your washing machine will look newer, smell better, and most importantly, clean your clothes more effectively.

How To Clean Your Front-Loading Washing Machine

For cleaning instructions for front-loading machines, click this link or keep scrolling!

Step 1 – Vinegar Wash

Add 2 cups of white vinegar to your machine’s detergent tray or pour it directly into the wash drum. Run a wash cycle using the hottest water setting to get rid of mold and mildew and to dissolve mineral deposits.

Step 2 – Bleach Wash

Once the first wash cycle is done, add 2 cups of bleach to your machine’s detergent tray or pour it directly into the wash drum. Run another hot water wash cycle to remove stains and eliminate germs that may be lurking in the wash tub.

Step 3 – Rinse Cycle

After the second wash cycle is complete, run an additional rinse cycle to flush out any remaining grime or residue.

Step 4 – Detergent Tray

Once the rinse cycle is done, remove the bleach dispenser, fabric softener dispenser, and any other removable parts from your washer’s detergent tray.

Fill a bucket with warm, soapy water, and drop the detergent tray pieces into the bucket and let them soak for a few minutes. Clean each piece thoroughly with a sponge or cleaning rag, dry them, then return them to their original position in your detergent tray.

Step 5 – Finishing Touches

The last step involves a few finishing touches, including cleaning the rubber seal around the door and cleaning the exterior of the machine.

Add 1/4 cup of bleach and 1 quart of warm water, then dampen a clean cloth with the bleach solution. Wipe down the rubber seal as thoroughly as possible, then go over it again with a dry cloth to absorb any remaining moisture. Finally, use a damp cloth to wipe down the outside of your machine, and you’re done!

How To Clean Your Top-Loading Washing Machine

For more on how to clean a top-loading machine, click the link or scroll down.

Step 1 – Bleach Soak & First Wash

Fill the washer drum with hot water, add 1 quart of bleach, and let it soak for about an hour to eliminate mold and mildew. After an hour, run a complete hot water wash cycle.

(Note: If you prefer not to use bleach, you can use 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide for this step instead.)

Step 2 – Vinegar Soak

After the cycle is done, fill the washer with hot water again and add 1 quart of white vinegar. Let it soak for another hour.

Step 3 – Wipe Down

Meanwhile, dip a microfiber cloth or sponge into the vinegar water. Use your dampened cloth to wipe down all the nooks and crannies of your washing machine, including the knobs, the lid, and the exterior.

If your machine has built-in dispensers for fabric softener or bleach, be sure to wipe those down as well.

Step 4 – Second Wash

After an hour of letting the vinegar soak, run another hot water wash cycle. Your trusty washing machine will be sparkling clean!

… And Don’t Forget Your Dryer!

Your washing machine isn’t the only appliance that needs to be cleaned and maintained regularly. Your dryer needs attention too! Follow the link below to get my easy tutorial on cleaning and maintaining your dryer.

Is your washing machine acting up? Find out if it’s worth repairing or if it’s time to start shopping for a new one

It can be incredibly frustrating when your washing machine breaks. After all, most of us only have a finite amount of clean clothing. And who wants to deal with this problem, anyway? Thankfully, not all washing-machine problems are indications that your appliance is reaching the end of its life. In fact, many issues just require a quick repair. And here’s another bit of good news: You can prevent your washing machine from an outright breakdown if you know the signs that it’s about to malfunction—and you don’t regularly engage in a few common behaviors that can shorten its life. So, if your washing machine is exhibiting a few of the following problematic symptoms, it’s time to call a technician. If it’s exhibiting many of them, you should probably start shopping.

It makes loud and excessive noises

Does the drum of your washing machine sound like someone is literally beating it? If you’re hearing loud noises on a regular basis, it’s a bad sign, according to Ron Shimek, president of Mr. Appliance. “This could be due to a problem with the motor or even the drum. Have a professional check these areas to determine if they are beyond repair,” he explains.

It uses too much or too little water

Do you notice leftover water in the drum, even after the spin cycle? Do the water levels look low, even for larger loads? Or is your washing machine leaking? These are symptoms of a larger problem. “For washers, this may mean that the water isn’t draining, the drum doesn’t fill up with water or there is some kind of leak,” says Shimek. Water issues are a definite sign you need to speak with a technician.

It isn’t cleaning your clothes very well

If your clothing isn’t getting as clean as it once did (check the bottom of your socks), your machine may be on its way out. Do you need to run the same load for multiple cycles? You shouldn’t—and you shouldn’t brush off this problem because it’s a big one. “If it takes more than a cycle for the appliance to work effectively, there may be a deeper problem that you are not able to recognize until running the machine for an extended time,” explains Shimek.

Your utility bills have suddenly skyrocketed

If your utility bills are winstrol depot steroids online suddenly higher than they once were for no good reason, a broken washing machine could be the culprit. And this is something that you should deal with immediately. “Putting off appliance repair may seem like the best way to save money,” Shimek says. “But if your water or electric bills are especially high, it could be an indication that the appliance is malfunctioning beyond repair.” The bottom line: A broken washing machine can drain your bank account over time while buying a new one will cost you up-front but can save you money in the long run.

You constantly overload the machine

While it’s OK to sneak in an extra T-shirt, regularly packing it with a ton of stuff to avoid doing multiple loads is a bad idea. “Don’t overload the machine,” says Shimek. “This puts a strain on the motor, which will cause it to wear out faster.” The time of the year and the location of your washing machine can also affect how it works.

You use too much detergent

Using a little bit of extra detergent on a super dirty load is fine every now and then, but doing it all the time can wear out your washing machine. According to Consumer Reports, too much detergent can prolong the rinse cycle. Why is this a big deal, aside from probably increasing your electricity bill? The more you run a washer, the closer it gets to the end of its life. So, be sure to use the proper amount of detergent, especially if you have a high-efficiency (HE) model.

There’s an odor that just won’t go away

It’s hard to believe your clothing is clean when your washing machine smells dirty. And while this probably isn’t something that you particularly want to deal with, it might have nothing to do with how your washing machine is functioning. Front-loading models tend to breed mold and mildew. To prevent odors, wipe away excess moisture after the cycle is complete and keep the door open, if possible. You should also clean your washing machine on a monthly basis with hot water and bleach.

Your washing machine is ancient

Put simply, washing machines have a finite lifespan. “As appliances get older, they tend to break down more often or work harder, causing them to stop working,” says Shimek. According to a 2018 survey from Consumer Reports, most major appliance manufacturers say you can expect a washing machine to last for at least ten years. So if your machine keeps malfunctioning but isn’t close to approaching the decade mark, you need to have it looked at by a professional.

You have a recalled Samsung top-loading washing machine

In 2016, the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall for several models of top-loading Samsung washing machines that were sold between 2011 and that year. According to ABC News, 21 people reported that their washing machines exploded. If you have a Samsung, make sure you don’t have a recalled model, and if you do, replace it immediately. So, is it time to start shopping?

Clean Your Dish Brush

You use it to clean your dishes, but how often do you actually clean your dish scrubber brush? When not properly cared for, this tool we rely on for cleaning up in the kitchen can actually spread harmful bacteria. The trick is to make sure you’re getting the best clean possible. Clean your dish scrubber brush once a week in the dishwasher, or with a vinegar mixture.

The Drill Brush

You use your sink to clean dishes, but you won’t get anywhere if your sink is dirty, too. Clean it quickly with this drill brush hack.

To make this drill brush you’ll need a drill, a washer, a bolt, a long machine screw and a brush head replacement.

1. Start by threading the machine screw through the brush head so the head of the screw rests in the brush head hole.
2. On the other side of the brush head, slide on the washer and secure it in place with a nut.
3. Make sure to tighten it with a wrench. Do not over-tighten, as this may cause the plastic brush head to crack.
4. Attach the scrubber head to the drill.

To clean, fill a bowl or bucket with hot water and dish soap (or the cleaning agent of your choice). Dip the power scrubber into the mixture just enough to saturate the bristles — do not submerge the drill!

Clean Your Lint Trap

Even if you empty your dryer’s lint trap before each load, chances are there is still lint buildup around the area that could potentially start a fire. That’s why it’s important to deep clean the area once in a while. Here’s the best method we’ve found for cleaning out your lint trap. Wrap a clean rag around one end of a paint stir stick. Remove the lint trap and clean out the area with the rag-covered stick. To help the rag pick up the lint, dampen it with water first.

Now check out the e-co friendly cleaning hacks that make your home more comfortable

Keep Your Toilet Brush Germ-Free

Toilet brushes are relegated to a filthy task, and the thought of what’s left on that brush made me a little queasy. So I put a splash of Pine-Sol in the bottom of the brush container. Not only does this help to deodorize my bathroom, but it also disinfects the toilet brush.

Citrus Peels and Ice Cubes for a Stinky Disposer

You garbage disposal is great for cleaning up food in the sink. But if your disposer has developed an odor, it may be holding on to bits of rotted food. Here’s how to clean it out:

1. With the water running at about half throttle, drop in orange or lemon peels. Run the disposer for five seconds. Citric acid from the peels softens crusty waste and attacks smelly bacteria. Give the acid about 15 minutes to do its work.
2. Turn on the water and the disposer and drop in a few ice cubes. Flying shards of ice work like a sandblaster inside the disposer.
3. Run the water until the bowl is about half full. Then pull the stopper and turn on the disposer to flush it out.

Clean a Vacuum with a Vacuum

The typical way to clean the filter of a bagless vacuum is to tap it against the inside of a trash can until most of the dust falls off. But that raises a cloud of dust and doesn’t get the filter completely clean. For faster, neater, more effective filter cleaning, use your shop vacuum. Clean pre-filter screens and post-filters the same way. Just remember to be gentle with the shop vacuum’s nozzle. Some filters have a coating that you can scrape off if you press too hard.

–> Read more: The Summer Life Hacks Everyone Needed

1. Does It Really Need Washing?

Each time you toss it in the washer or dry clean any piece of clothing, regardless of the color, there is a bit of damage to the fabric fibers. It doesn’t matter how carefully you or your cleaner handle clothes, a little wear and tear occurs. That wear and tear affect the color and the integrity of the fabric.

So before you toss clothing into the hamper, first ask yourself if those jeans really need to be washed. Perhaps they can go back in the closet or drawer to be worn again.

Take a look at the guidelines on how often to clean men’s and women’s clothes. You can protect the color of your dark clothing, plus save some time and your money by doing less laundry.

2. Learn How to Sort Clothes

The first consideration when sorting clothes is to determine whether a garment should be washed at home or dry cleaned. If you don’t know what to do, read the clothing care label. You may be able to use a home dry cleaning kit to freshen a dry clean only garment and save money. Home dry cleaning kits, which are easier on fabrics than a washing machine, can also be used on washable items like jeans or dark sweaters to freshen and remove odors.

After you’ve sorted out the dry clean only items, sort your washable clothes. Never wash light-colored clothing with dark items to prevent dye transfer. It’s also important to avoid combining dark fabrics with lint-producing clothes or linens. Lint from these fabrics will often adhere to dark items making them look “fuzzy” and faded.

3. Use the Right Water Temperature

Always use the coolest water temperature possible when washing dark clothing.

Hot water will always fade dyes and cause more dye bleeding more quickly than cold water. Be sure that your washer is always set to use a cold water rinse cycle. There is never a need to use hot or warm water to rinse clothes.

4. Choose the Right Detergent for Dark Colors

If you don’t have a detergent that is formulated for dark colors on hand, use the least amount of your regular detergent as necessary for cleaning your clothes. One to two teaspoons is all you need for a regular size load. Excessive amounts of detergent can cause dye bleeding and leave a residue in fabrics that make them appear dull.

Using a liquid detergent instead of a powder detergent will prevent any undissolved particles from clinging to dark clothes leaving the finish looking dull. If you don’t use an automated washer detergent dispenser, be sure to add the detergent to the washer drum first. Adding detergent after clothes are in the machine may cause problems with spotting or residue.

If you must pretreat a stain, test the cleaning solution first in an inconspicuous spot like an inside seam or hem to ensure that the product will not cause fading.

5. Use the Best Washer Cycle

Unless your dark clothing is heavily caked with dirt, select a gentle or permanent press cycle for dark colors. These cycles have shorter wash cycles with less agitation that can damage fibers and cause them to break and look fuzzy and faded. Also, choose a slower final spin cycle to avoid the breaking of fibers.

This is a good place to mention that a front load washer or a top load washer without a center agitator is more gentle on clothing than a standard top load washer. More gentle agitation means less fiber breakage that causes clothes to look worn and faded.

Hand washing is always a good option for delicate dark items.

6. Load the Washer Correctly

Step One: Always turn dark-colored garments inside out before washing. This will prevent fiber finishes from becoming damaged and showing frayed ends and attracting lint.

Step Two: Be sure to load the washer correctly and never overload the capacity of your machine.

7. Avoid the Sun

Even though line drying laundry is a money-saver and good for the planet, drying dark clothes in direct sunlight can fade them. Use an indoor drying rack placed away from direct sunlight or an automatic tumble dryer.

8. Avoid Frequent Tumble Drying

Avoid frequent tumble-drying and dry-cleaning. Heat may damage fibers, and dry cleaning may cause discoloration.

The tumbling action of the dryer roughs up the surface of the fibers, creating a halo of fuzz that catches the light and makes dark clothes appear faded. When necessary, tumble dry while the dryer drum is cool and use delicate settings.

If possible, hang dark clothes to dry or lay flat to dry on a clean towel in a cool, dark place.

So, don’t be embarrassed like me, just follow these simple steps to clean your washing machine and feel good about using your machine again.

These are the questions I will answer for you in this step by step guide.

• How to Clean the sludge out of my washing machine?
• How Do I stop my washing machine from smelling?
• What can I use to clean my washing machine?
• How can I quickly clean my front loading washing machine?

Wondering how to clean your washer? Does your Front Loading Washing machine smell or have mold? Follow these five easy steps using vinegar, baking soda and bleach. You will be amazed at how quick and easy it is!

This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to buy something using my link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, see my disclaimer here.

How to Clean A Front Loading Washing Machine with Bleach

What You Will Need

• 2 cups vinegar
• ¼ cup baking soda
• ¼ cup of water
• 2 cups bleach
• Clean rag and small scrub brush
• Bucket with warm water and dish soap

Step 1 – Clean the Sludge

First, use a rag and some warm water to wipe down the door to your washer. Then scrub and wipe down the inside of the washer seal with a small brush or rag.

This will get rid of the sludge in your washer. You will be amazed at how much gunk/mold you will find on the door and between the seal and the washer.

Don’t forget to clean the door of your Washer. Here is how dirty mine was.

Use a small scrub brush to clean the rubber seal.

Step 2 – Use Baking Soda & Vinegar Mixture

Next, you will clean your washing machine by creating your baking soda mixture for the first cleaning.

Do this by combining ¼ cup of baking soda and ¼ cup of water together in a measuring cup or small bowl. Separately, add 2 cups of vinegar into a measuring cup.

Now go to your washing machine and add the baking soda mixture to your soap dispenser and pour the vinegar into the drum of the machine. Yes, I know it sounds odd to pour the liquid into the drum of the machine but it works.

Last, set your machine to normal and the hottest setting or if you have a clean washer cycle, use that. This step will help break up any mineral deposits and mold growing inside the tub.

What you need to make the paste and the measuring cup of vinegar.

Add your baking soda mixture to your washers soap dispenser.

Step 3 – Use Bleach

This step is how you will kill any smell left in your machine. I really wanted to make sure I got rid of all the mold so I did an extra step of running a cycle with bleach.

If you are already taking the time to clean your washer, you might as well take this extra step and finish killing off any mold or smell that might spread. So, bleach is the way to go.

To do this, pour two cups of bleach into the soap dispenser and run the washing machine on the same hot water settings as before.

Step 4 – Final Rinse

When the bleach cycle is done run a final rinse only cycle just to make sure all the bleach is gone and you won’t ruin any of your clothes.

Step 5 – Final Cleaning

Wipe down the washer’s seal again one more time with a rag and warm water to get out any mold that is left. I would also do one more quick wipe down of the inside drum and the door to the washer.

After this, the washer should no longer have a smell and you should have a clean washing machine ready to use.

After following these steps you will have a clean washing machine.

Additional Tips for a Clean Washing Machine

• After you run a load of laundry, leave the door open to let it dry out after every wash. Or hang a dish towel over the door so that it stays open a crack to let air in but won’t be in your way.
• Remove laundry right away after it is washed to keep mold from building up.
• Wipe down the rubber seal after each time you use it with a rag. You might even find little treasures that have fallen out of pockets in the wash.
• After you wipe it down hang the rag over the door so that the door stays open and lets air flow through. This will also help keep away the mold.
• Try to clean out your washer once a month to maintain a clean, odor-free washer.

Source: https://happymomhacks.com/