How to Clean Your Washing Machine

Though in your washing machine the laundry will be clean again, but also the washing machine cleaning is important. Why and with which household remedies you can clean them, you can find out here.

Why should we clean the washing machine?

• Low washing temperatures: Even if the laundry is washed in the washing machine, germs remain in the drum of the washing machine and also in the detergent compartment. The reason for this is that, especially if the laundry is not cooked but washed at 20-40 degrees, bacteria are not completely killed off.
• Water residue: In addition, water remains in the washing machine, in the rinse compartment, on the rubber seal and in the hoses after each wash cycle, which can cause germs and mould to grow.
• Soiling: Whether animal hair, lint or detergent residue – all of this does not only get caught in the lint filter, but also in the drum and hoses. Not only can this lead to the formation of mould, but the washing machine and the laundry washed in it can also start to stink.

Cleaning the washing machine: That’s part of it

• The washing machine should be regularly wiped from the outside with a damp cloth – because not only dust but also detergent residues often stick to the machine.
• Fluff filter and rubber seal should be cleaned from dirt with a damp cloth and vinegar so that no mould develops.
• Each rinse compartment in the detergent drawer should be cleaned and dried thoroughly.
• Preventive measures: Always leave the washing machine door and detergent compartment open a little to allow the remaining water to escape.

Detergent for washing machines

There are numerous washing machine cleaners available for the machines – but we are happy to do without the chemical clubs. We show you which household products you can use to easily remove the dirt in your washing machines.

• Citric acid: Citric acid is a natural washing machine cleaner and helps against lime (by the way, it also helps to decalcify the kettle). The powder is available in every drugstore. Add five to eight tablespoons of it to the drum and select a washing program at 95 degrees – without washing. The so-called boil wash is necessary to remove all bacteria. By the way, the lemon provides a fresh scent for the next wash cycles.
• Dishwasher tabs: Dishwasher tabs also clean the washing machine from the inside. Here too, carry out an empty wash cycle with a tab at 95 degrees – this way, bacteria and lime don’t stand a chance. By the way: dishwasher tabs also help with cleaning ceramic hobs.
• Soda and vinegar: Simply put 50 grams of baking soda in the detergent compartment and 50 millilitres of vinegar in the fabric softener compartment and run through at 60 degrees. No laundry should be washed during this cycle either. Cleaning can be repeated every two months. Want more household tips with baking soda? It is also ideal for cleaning in the oven.