It sounds odd, but your washing machine needs to be cleaned regularly. Limescale deposits, detergent residue, fluff, and lint build up over time, creating conditions where mould, fungi, and bacteria thrive. All of that ends up on your laundry, causes bad odours inside the drum, and gradually damages the appliance.
That's why routine maintenance matters: drum, porthole, filter, door seals, and detergent drawer all need attention.
Cleaning vs. Disinfecting: What's the Difference?
The two terms get used interchangeably, but they mean different things.
- Cleaning means removing dirt, dust, and unwanted residue from surfaces.
- Disinfecting means destroying or inactivating pathogenic micro-organisms.
In short: cleaning removes visible dirt; disinfecting kills bacteria, mould, viruses, and fungi. You need both.
How to Clean Your Washing Machine
Running an empty cycle with vinegar is not enough. Vinegar is not a disinfectant, and stubborn grime won't shift without physical scrubbing. Work through these steps:
- Pull out the detergent drawer and scrub every surface with a sponge and a household cleaner, including hard-to-reach corners. An old toothbrush makes short work of deposits and scale.
- Remove the filter, clear it of any hair, lint, and debris, then rinse under running water and clean thoroughly with a sponge.
- Open the porthole and clean the glass and drum with a suitable cleaner. Scrub carefully.
- Pay particular attention to the door seals. Mould, bacteria, and the toughest grime tend to hide there.
- Wipe down the exterior surfaces to remove dust, detergent splashes, and limescale marks.
Once done, you can run a hot empty cycle (60, 90 °C). Adding vinegar and baking soda works well together: the vinegar tackles bad smells, the baking soda provides mild abrasive action. Neither one disinfects, but the combination is useful for everyday maintenance.
How to Disinfect Your Washing Machine
Disinfection means destroying pathogens. Household remedies won't cut it here.
You need a dedicated disinfectant product that can kill at least 99% of pathogens. Look for specific wording on the label: approval from the Ministry of Health or the EU, or a designation as a medical device.
If that wording isn't there, the product has no disinfecting power.
Spraying alone isn't enough. The product must remain on the surface for at least ten minutes before you wipe it off. Treat the same areas you just cleaned.
You don't need to disinfect daily. A few times a month is sufficient.
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