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How to clean washing machines and dishwashers
While they do all the heavy lifting for us when it comes to keeping our homes neat, tidy, dust and dirt free, our cleaning equipment becomes pretty grubby and chock full of nasties, unsurprisingly.
That lint and grime in your washing machine, the food scraps clogging your dishwasher filter, that gross sponge sitting drenched at the bottom of the kitchen sink - there's actually a lot to be said for cleaning your household cleaning appliances and tools!
To help you do a thorough job, here's how to clean washing machines, dishwashers and other cleaning equipment to keep them well maintained and germ-free.
How to clean dishwashers
An icky dishwasher smell is one we could do without (especially when it gets into the crockery - urgh). The first step to a cleaner dishwasher is to always rinse your dishes before loading them so food waste can't clog up the machine.
What should I run through my dishwasher to clean it?
White vinegar is an efficient cleaner for dishwashers. Once a month, pour it into the bottom of the machine and into the dispensers, then run the machine through a full cleaning cycle on the hottest setting. Wipe the exterior clean using a soft microfibre cloth soaked in vinegar.
What is the best way to clean a washing machine?
One of the more essential household items, washing machines are also an ideal breeding ground for mould and mildew, which can mean smelly and unhygienic clothing. To keep your washing machine in tip top shape and cleaning effectively, a regular clean - every four to eight weeks, is essential.
Should I clean my washing machine with vinegar?
For regular maintenance, use bicarbonate soda in the washing liquid drawer and white vinegar for the rinse cycle and put onto the hottest wash setting. Give the dispensers a wipe out with vinegar, and use a cloth and spray bottle of vinegar to clean out the seal thoroughly if you have a front loader (the more regularly you do this, the easier it will become.) Always open the washer lid or door between loads – closed lids allow damp to fester and mould to flourish.
- For a deep clean, fill your laundry detergent drawer with one cup of bleach or 2 cups of white vinegar (depending on your preferences) and run on the hottest cycle.
- Put the dispenser drawer in a sink of hot water and bleach to soak, then wipe out - or scrub with a tooth brush if things have gotten dire, then dry thoroughly before replacing.
- Those with a front loader need to check thoroughly in the rubber seal around the door as it's a great collection point for grime and mould.
- You can spray it out with a mould killer if it is especially bad, or with vinegar and water if it all looks relatively normal.
- Take the time to explore the nooks and crannies of the seal as it has a lot of hiding places.
- Take out the filter and give that a thorough wash before drying and replacing.
Can I use dishwasher tablets to clean a washing machine?
This is a hotly debated topic. The method, which went viral a couple of years ago, proports that you can achieve a sparkling clean washing machine with the help of dishwashing tablets - with some mothers on Facebook claiming they use up to four!
However, household appliance heavy hitter, Bosch, advises that it is not safe to use dishwashing tablets or detergent to clean your washing machine, and doing so could seriously harm the efficiency and performance of the appliance.
How to clean mops, brooms and scrubbing brushes
Step one is to ensure you get all the debris out. A good bang on the ground will dislodge a lot, then remove any remaining hair and other "sticky" bits by hand.
Now soak your mops, brooms and scrubbing brushes in a solution of oxy-bleach and leave to dry thoroughly. If you use microfibre cloths to dust, they can go through a hot washing cycle – but be careful not to use fabric softener as it destroys their ability to attract dust.
How to clean a vacuum cleaner
To clean your vacuum cleaner, emptying of the bags will need to be done regularly, or those with a bagless should follow the manufactures directions (to the letter, it is electrical after all)!
The filter should be changed at least every three months, and the heads and attachments every month – an easy job of soaking them in a dishwashing liquid and water solution – drying thoroughly.
How to clean kitchen sponges
While some swear by a quick microwaving (be careful to ensure they are very wet, or you risk a fire), a much safer method is to soak them in oxy-bleach and allow to thoroughly dry. Don't be shy about replacing sponges regularly – they do get up close and personal with a range of nasties.
- https://www.msn.com/en-au/lifestyle/smart-living/how-to-clean-washing-machines-and-dishwashers/ar-AA1d4YVm?ocid=00000000
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