To get the laundry properly cleaned, it is necessary to clean the washing machine itself from time to time. Otherwise it may happen that the device starts to smell and the laundry does not become cleaner, but dirtier. Check out our tips.
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In combination with bacteria, leftover detergent can cause a musty smell in the washing machine. Grease lice can also develop. This is not literally a louse, but a greasy substance that remains in the machine after washing. It is caused by skin fat and flakes clumping together with insoluble substances from the detergent. Then when washing takes place, part of that layer comes off and it spreads over the wash. Below you will find tips to prevent or solve this.
Alternate with detergent
Alternate with detergent first. All types of detergents have their own advantages and disadvantages and by alternating them, you benefit from all the favorable properties. For example, by washing the towels and bedding with washing powder at a higher temperature, the laundry is cleaned better and the washing machine is also cleaned immediately. Delicate laundry can then be washed with a liquid detergent at a lower temperature. You can alternate the detergents now and then with 2 dishwasher tablets, which you put in the soap dish. Then leave the drum empty and wash at 90 degrees. Due to the degreasing effect of the dishwasher tablets, the inside of the washing machine is effectively cleaned.
Also make sure that you do not use too much detergent. That does not ensure that the laundry becomes cleaner, on the contrary. It can also cause unpleasant odors. It is therefore preferable to use the dosing cap or the measuring cup to determine how much detergent you need. If you use washing pods, make sure that the drum is full enough, because this is a very concentrated detergent.
Wash at a higher temperature
If you usually wash your laundry at low temperatures, it works well to wash at a higher temperature at least once a month. At least at 60 degrees, but 90 degrees is even better. This rinses the pipes clean, where all kinds of dirt and limescale can remain. You don’t need to run any laundry when you do this. But by washing laundry, the drum is also wiped clean. What also works is washing with a cup of soda (not baking soda) or natural vinegar. Do this in the drum and not in the soap drawer. Never use cleaning vinegar for this and use it sparingly, so not every month. Because it can damage the rubbers. Also read the article Vinegar in the washing machine, it has these advantages and disadvantages.
The Consumers’ Association also recommends occasionally using a little washing powder for white laundry. This contains oxygen bleach and counteracts micro-organisms. If the laundry still smells bad after 1 wash, repeat this process (several times).
Read also: Does your washing machine make a lot of noise? These 7 things could be the cause
Clean parts
Various parts in the washing machine can harbor dirt and are easily forgotten during a cleaning session. Therefore, remember to regularly wipe the soap tray and rubbers with a cleaning cloth. The soap dish can often go in the dishwasher. Also take the cavity in which the tray is located; there is also often dirt left behind. Always leave the drawer (just like the door) open after use, this prevents odors and moisture accumulation. Also check the sieves and filters. Don’t forget the cover on the front of the washing machine. The filter behind it must be cleaned at least once every 6 months.
Additional rinse
Many washing machines offer the option of an extra rinse. By doing this once in a while, any detergent residue will rinse away better. This is especially recommended if you often run a short program. This can cause insufficient rinsing, leaving soap residue behind.
Consult the user manual
The manual of the washing machine often also contains good tips about cleaning. Most machines also have the option to run a special cleaning program. You can also use a special washing machine cleaner. By doing this once in a while, you maintain your machine well and you can enjoy a really clean wash.
(Source: Archive, Consumer Association, RTL Nieuws, VT Wonen, Cleanipedia, AEG, Expert, HG. Photo: Shutterstock)
2023-08-31 04:00:45
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