I didn’t want to share these pictures with you at first.
I was scared what you’d think.
Would you judge me?
Would my inbox be full of comments condemning my lack of attention to my home?
But here they are…in their full glory-my absolutely filthy washing machine.
How can something whose entire purpose is to CLEAN be so very dirty?
{hanging head in shame}
I spend an enormous amount of time doing laundry. Between my husband and kids I do way more laundry than I ever thought a family of five could produce. (Hubby goes through three sets of clothes a day-workout gear, Army uniform, regular clothes and my oldest wears a uniform to school and then play cloths after not to mention the general normal baby mess requiring clothes changes!) Every time I put a load in the washer I would see this horror:
and make a mental note to do something about it but I obviously never quite got around to it.
Until this week.
Determined to break this cycle of yuck I researched and researched the best way to clean washing machines and here’s what I came up with.
1. Fill washer all the way up with HOT water. Add one quart of bleach, set it on the longest cycle (for me this was the “whitest whites” cycle) and let the washer agitate for a few minutes, then let it sit one hour. Complete the cycle.
2. Again fill the washer with HOT water but this time add one quart of white vinegar. Same routine-set on the longest cycle and let it agitate a few minutes then sit for one hour. Complete the cycle.
3. Wipe down the entire inside and outside of the machine with 1 cup hot water and 1 cup vinegar mixture. Don’t forget to wipe the blades of the agitator inside the drum. If your detergent and fabric softeners have gunk built up like mine did and they are removable soak in hot water with vinegar for ten minutes then wipe down. If they aren’t removable pour a cup of white vinegar (warmed in microwave) in them and then wipe clean after a few moments.
And there you have it-a sparkly, clean washing machine, free of build up and grime!
So spill it-when is the last time you cleaned your washing machine? Did you know you’re supposed to do this at least twice a year, more if you have hard water?? Learn something new everyday!
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You could have taken your pictures in my washing machine – but soon, mine will look all pretty and shiny like yours! Great tutorial – pinned!
keri @ shaken together recently posted..{taste this} key lime pie cookie cups
Thanks Keri!
I have never cleaned my washing machine! Well, I wipe down the dust off of the edges, but that’s about it. Mine’s still fairly new and I’ve been waiting for it to start stinking or something to tell me it’s time. Since I’m on well water though, I probably shouldn’t wait that long. Thanks for the tip!
Courtenay recently posted..A few caulking tips that I discovered through trial and error
I did not want to post the pics of how grimy mine had gotten but it had to be done. You’re a good friend for not making fun!
Great tips Melissa!
Heather recently posted..Bedroom Decor Inspiration // Curated Collection for Crane & Canopy
Thanks Heather!!
I totally need to get in my laundry room and clean up my machine! I try to do it every so often, but it’s gotten kinda yucky!
Great tips, Melissa!
Gwen recently posted..A Chalkboard Desk Makeover, baby!
Thanks Gwen!
The washing machines for our apartment building are shared, and they’re super icky! I wish I had my own, at least right now I feel like having to clean the thing is a small price to pay for being able to do my own laundry in my home whenever I want! Probably will change my mind pretty quick once I actually have one and have to do maintenance like this on it though.
Jessi @ Practically Functional recently posted..Fix Flash Spots In Your Photos!
It’s the first time I’d cleaned it in three years! I definitely won’t wait that long next time though-it was super easy!
This is amazing. I was just scraping at that gunk in my washer today and went searching on pinterest for info on how to clean it! I will definitely be trying this. Pinning now!
Great timing! I’m glad it could help!
Great Information! I’m hosting a new linky party at http://hickorytrailblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/efforts-and-assets-linky-party-1.html
I would love to have you!
Angela
Angela recently posted..Efforts and Assets Linky Party #1
Thanks Angela I’ll try to stop by and link up!
Love this – thank you!
Thanks!
Question – it looks like I have the exact same washer as you – but my detergent and fabric softener holders seem pretty well in place. Did yours come our easily? I don’t want to yank mine out and break them
Oh mine don’t come out! I had to use the warm vinegar method I mentioned. Sorry, I should have clarified that!