By Professional Appliance Repair – Serving Dallas & Surrounding Areas
Keeping your washing machine and dryer clean is crucial for ensuring they continue to operate at their best and extend their lifespan. Regular maintenance also helps eliminate unpleasant odors, mold, and even improves your clothes’ cleanliness. If you’ve noticed your washing machine or dryer isn’t performing as efficiently as before, it might be time for a good cleaning. But how often should you clean them, and what’s the best way to do it?
At Professional Appliance Repair, we’ve got you covered with expert advice on how to properly clean your washing machine and dryer. Here’s everything you need to know.
🧼 How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
Washing Machine (Top Loader)
You should clean your top-loading washing machine at least once a month to prevent detergent buildup, mold, and mildew growth. This also helps maintain optimal performance, ensuring your clothes get properly cleaned.
However, if you notice any signs of odors, grime buildup, or reduced performance, cleaning more often may be necessary.
Washing Machine (Front Loader)
Front-loading washing machines tend to develop mildew and mold more easily due to their airtight design. It’s recommended to clean your front-loader at least once every three months to keep the drum fresh and free of mold.
🧳 How to Clean Your Washing Machine: Step-by-Step
1. Clean the Washing Machine Drum
- Top Loader: Add two cups of washing machine cleaner or vinegar directly into the drum and run a hot water cycle. This will help eliminate any buildup of detergent and fabric softener residue, which can cause odors and stains.
- Front Loader: Add a washing machine cleaner specifically designed for front-loaders or use vinegar in the detergent compartment. Run a cleaning cycle with hot water.
2. Clean the Gasket & Seals
For front-loading washers, the rubber gasket around the door is a hotspot for mold and mildew. Wipe it down thoroughly with a damp cloth and a bit of vinegar to kill mold spores. Don’t forget the door rim, as grime can build up there too.
For top-load washers, check around the rim of the tub for any dirt or debris that could cause unpleasant odors.
3. Clean the Filter
Washing machines usually come with a filter to trap lint, hair, and debris. Check your owner’s manual to locate the filter and clean it every few months. It can become clogged and affect the performance of your washer.
For LG washers, they often have a specific LG washer clean filter that needs to be cleaned. Be sure to check your manufacturer’s guidelines.
4. Run a Rinse Cycle
After cleaning, run a final rinse cycle with hot water to clear away any remaining cleaning solution, vinegar, or debris.
🌀 How Often Should You Clean Your Dryer?
Dryer Drum
You should clean your dryer at least once a year. This includes cleaning out the lint trap and the venting system to ensure proper airflow. Over time, lint can accumulate, which not only makes your dryer less efficient but also presents a fire hazard.
Dryer Vent Cleaning
It’s essential to clean your dryer vent every 6 to 12 months to prevent a buildup of lint. If you notice your clothes are taking longer to dry, or the exterior of your dryer feels hot, this could indicate that your vent is clogged. It’s crucial to hire a professional for this cleaning if you’re unsure how to safely remove the lint from the ducting.
🧺 How to Clean Your Dryer: Step-by-Step
1. Clean the Lint Trap
Start by removing the lint from the lint trap before or after each load. This will improve drying efficiency and reduce the risk of fire. Clean the trap with soap and warm water to remove built-up residue from dryer sheets or fabric softener.
2. Vacuum the Dryer Drum
Every few months, unplug your dryer and use a vacuum with a hose attachment to clean the inside of the dryer drum. This will help remove any residual lint, dust, or debris that may have accumulated.
3. Inspect the Dryer Vents
If you notice any signs of restricted airflow, take the time to check your dryer vent for lint buildup. You can do this with a long vent cleaning brush. If you’re unsure about how to clean it properly, Professional Appliance Repair offers dryer vent cleaning services.
🚿 Extra Tips for Cleaner Appliances
- Use the Right Detergents: Using too much detergent can cause buildup inside the washer, leading to a smelly, inefficient appliance. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for detergent use.
- Leave Doors Open: After each wash, leave the washing machine door open for a few hours to let moisture escape. This helps prevent mold and mildew buildup.
- Use Dryer Balls: Use wool or rubber dryer balls to help reduce lint and maintain airflow in your dryer.
🔧 Professional Help for Washing Machine & Dryer Cleaning
While regular maintenance and cleaning are essential, sometimes washing machines and dryers need professional attention. If you notice any of the following, it might be time to call in the experts:
- Unusual odors that don’t go away after cleaning
- Poor performance such as clothes not getting clean or dryers taking too long to dry
- Leaks or any signs of malfunction
At Professional Appliance Repair, we offer both washing machine repair and dryer repair services across Dallas and Fort Worth. Our expert technicians can clean and inspect your appliances to ensure they continue to work at their best.
📞 Need Help? Call Professional Appliance Repair Today!
Keeping your washing machine and dryer clean and well-maintained will save you time, money, and hassle in the long run. If you need help with deep cleaning, repairs, or maintenance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Professional Appliance Repair.
👉 Call us today or schedule an appointment online to keep your appliances in tip-top shape! Meanwhile if you need help with appliance repair and installation, contact our expert team at Professional Appliance Repairs for appliance repair and maintenance services. Serving Dallas / Fort Worth areas like Plano, Frisco, McKinney and beyond, we’re here to ensure your appliance runs efficiently for years to come.
