There are few things more comforting than a clean set of clothes and sheets.
But what happens when your dirty laundry starts coming out of the dryer not so fresh and clean? When that starts happening, it is time to clean your washer and dryer, something most assume just happens on its own.
Listed below are a few helpful steps to keep your favorite appliances as clean as they were the day you first purchased them.
When cleaning your washer, take some time to wash the entire outside surfaces with a damp sponge.
Make sure to lift the top or door on your washer and run the sponge underneath the entire lid.
Next, most washers come with a lint trap hidden inside of the machine - find the trap, empty its contents, and be sure to run it under warm water.
This clears even the smallest particles that you may not be able to see.
Repeat this with the bleach, soap, and fabric softener dispensers.
If you cannot remove these dispensers, you can use a cotton swab to remove excess grime and residue.
Finally, in order to get rid of any mildew odors and excess soap sitting in the bottom of the machine, run the machine once with hot water mixed with two cups of white vinegar.
The vinegar dissolves mineral deposits and kills any mold residue.
If you want to thoroughly clean your dryer you are going to have to do more than just carelessly empty the lint trap.
Lint often builds up below the filter, so find a vacuum with a narrow attachment and attempt to clear below it.
Next, open the door to your dryer and vacuum the entire inside, as lint may also be caught in the air tunnel.
Be sure to check the dryer lint duct (and its opening to the outside of your home) and vacuum these parts as well.
Finally, if you notice any stains, ink, or dyes on the drum of the dryer, use an all-purpose cleaning spray to remove these substances and then run the dryer with a few old towels.
In general, it is best to keep your washer and dryer door open when not in use so that mildew and mold do not have the opportunity to grow.
When your laundry is extra dirty, immediately wipe down the machine to remove any excess grime so that it will not get on your next load.
This will also make less work for you down the line as you make washer and dryer maintenance a regular household chore.
Keeping up with this routine should give you a sense of relief in knowing that it also helps your energy bill, as the machines are able to run more efficiently.
Clean appliances will also decrease any chances of dryer-caused fires, which should give you a greater sense of security as well.
And the final significant benefit is that the life of your washer and dryer will be extended because of your care.