The cleanliness of your laundry is significantly impacted by the state of your washer and dryer.
Lint removal after each load is a normal component of routine maintenance, as are frequent dryer vent inspections and cleanings (at least once every few months).
To make sure that the laundry equipment are hygienic and safe to use, nevertheless, certain circumstances call for more thorough cleaning.
After washing the clothing of a sick person (certain germs may survive regular washings), after washing garments contaminated with human fluids, poison oak or poison ivy, pesticides, or petroleum compounds, are a few instances that should prompt you to disinfect your washer and dryer.
Warning
Before cleaning or using a washer or dryer that has been damaged by a flood or a fire, have a specialist examine the appliance’s electronics.
What You’ll Need
Resources / Tools
- Leather gloves
- Cleaning brush
- Cleaning supplies
- Dated towels
- Bucket or other mixing vessel
Materials
- Pine oil, phenolic cleaners, quaternary cleaners, chlorine bleach
- Water
Instructions
How to Use Chlorine Bleach to Clean a Washer
In a washing machine, pollutants, leftover detergent, and fabric softener may trap germs and other dirt.
This may return to your clothing, producing stink and perhaps dispersing illness.
However, a specialized cleaning utilizing chlorine bleach will get rid of it.
Step 1: Temperature-Control The Washer’s Water
Set the washer’s water temperature to the highest level.
A full washer should be used.
Step 2: Include Chlorine Bleach
The empty washing drum should be filled with 1 cup of chlorine bleach (both front-load and top-load models).
Don’t include any clothing.
Step 3: Decide On A Washer Cycle
If available, set the washer to run a full cycle with a hot water rinse.
Let it complete the whole cycle.
Step 4: Clean the Interior Parts
Examine the washer’s inside once the cycle has finished.
Look closely for any mold or residue accumulation within the appliance’s door or lid as well as on the rubber gaskets and seals there.
Check any dispensers for fabric softener or detergent as well.
Combine 1/4 cup chlorine bleach with 1 quart of water to create a solution.
Scrub these locations with a soft-bristled brush or cloth dipped in the solution to get rid of any accumulation.
Step 5: Finalize by Rinsing
Before washing a load of laundry, put the washer on the rinse/spin cycle and let it run to make sure all of the bleach is gone.
Step 6: Wash the Washer’s Exterior
Finally, clean the washer’s exterior, including the top, front, and sides, by rinsing it with a hot water and chlorine bleach solution.
Rinse well, then dry with a soft towel.
Washer Sanitation Without Chlorine Bleach
Pine oil, phenolic disinfectants, or quaternary disinfectants are alternatives to chlorine bleach that you may use to clean your washer.
Be aware that bleaches based on oxygen don’t have any disinfecting properties.
Pay close attention to the use instructions on product labels and complete the measures outlined above for cleaning with chlorine bleach.
Warning
Pick one cleaning and disinfection technique for a washer and dryer.
Never combine different cleaning agents.
Methods for Cleaning a Dryer
Cross-contamination with the subsequent load of laundry is a possibility if contaminated laundry has been dried on the low heat or air-only cycle.
Additionally, there is even a chance of fire if certain chemicals or petroleum products were used.
It’s important to disinfect and properly clean the dryer.
Step 1: Take Off The Dryer’s Screen’s Lint.
Lint should be carefully disposed of after being removed from the lint screen while wearing gloves.
Among other problems, the lint may be contaminated and irritate the skin.
Step 2: Create a Cleaning Agent
Mix 1/4 cup of chlorine bleach with 1 quart of water to clean a dryer drum.
If you don’t want to use chlorine bleach, follow the directions on the package when combining a solution of pine oil, phenolic disinfectant, or quaternary disinfectant.
Step 3: Clean The Dryer’s Inside Drum.
Dip a towel or a scrub brush with gentle bristles into the cleaning solution.
Wipe the inside of the dryer door, the rubber seals and gaskets, and the whole surface of the dryer drum after that.
Step 4: Interior Drum Rinse
Rinsing all surfaces with a clean towel soaked in simple water is crucial.
Then, add a couple used towels or rags, turn the dryer to high, and let it run for 10 minutes to get rid of any cleaning agent that may still be present.
Step 5: Clean the Dryer’s Exterior
Finally, use your cleaning solution to thoroughly clean the dryer’s exterior before wiping it down with a towel soaked in clean water.
