How to properly clean a washing machine, an overview of methods. How to clean a washing machine from dirt and odors How to clean a washing machine at home

Do you want to extend the trouble-free operation of your washing machine by cleaning its main elements? Agree, it’s great when the washing machine works like a clock: load the laundry, pour in the powder, press start. To do this, it is worth remembering the most important thing: any equipment needs care.

But the range of detergents is very rich and you don’t know which of them can cope with the task? We will help you figure out how and how to clean your washing machine from a variety of contaminants - from scale to banal dirt and the ubiquitous fungus.

The article discusses effective methods of cleaning the heating element with an overview of the most effective means. To avoid breakdowns of expensive appliances, floods and other consequences of oversight, we offer step-by-step instructions on how to perform comprehensive cleaning of all important components and elements of the washing machine.

We have selected photos depicting important stages of the process, as well as useful videos demonstrating the prevention and maintenance of the unit on our own.

Although the purpose of the machine is to “give” us clean things, the condition of the device itself may be far from sterile.

Dirt removed from clothing during washing accumulates on the internal elements. The rubber seal and the edges of the drum can often be replaced, because heat and moisture are ideal conditions for the development of fungal organisms.

And the heating element and other parts are gradually covered with a coating of salts that are in the water.

If you do not carry out preventive cleaning, an unpleasant odor will appear in the machine, which it will “transfer” to clean things, and in the worst case, the device will stop working altogether and will require expensive repairs.

Main sources of pollution:

  • high mineralization of water;
  • use of aggressive chemicals and low-quality detergents;
  • improper operation of the device;
  • washing heavily soiled items - overalls with residues of mortar or machine oil, clothes after gardening work, etc.

So, in order to bring your assistant into a perfectly clean appearance, it’s time to do some general cleaning, starting from the body itself and ending with the internal parts.

To wash away obvious external contaminants (stains of gel, conditioner, traces of powder), warm water and a sponge are enough. But you will have to work hard with the parts hidden in the depths of the unit.

We remove scale from the heating element and internal elements

One of the most serious accidents that can easily happen if you do not properly care for your washing machine is the failure of a tubular electric heater.

A failed heating element can block the operation of the machine both at the initial stage (the selected mode simply cannot be started) and stop the washing process in full swing

Since the heating element is in contact with running water, scale forms on it after each wash - deposits of calcium and magnesium salts.

Therefore, if a softening filter is not installed in the drain, it is recommended to add special agents to the powder (for example, Calgon) and arrange preventive maintenance at least once a month.

Method #1 - improvised means from stocks

One of the simplest and most effective ways to combat lime deposits is to pour tribasic carbon or powder into the powder compartment and turn it on to any high temperature setting.

This recipe works simply: when heated, the acid actively corrodes not only light deposits, but also caked limestone, as a result of which it cleans both the heating element and the steel of the drum.

Never combine the cleaning process with washing things - even home remedies like baking soda or vinegar solution (not to mention citric acid) can cause irreparable damage to fabrics

Calculation of the required amount of powder must be done based on the degree of contamination of the machine and its container. On average, for every kilogram of loading there is about 25-30 grams of acid.

If the unit has not been cleaned for a long time, you can take note of the following advice: pour acid into the powder container, run any long washing mode with a temperature of 90°C and above and turn off the power from the network halfway through the process. Leave it overnight and start the machine again in the morning.

Other home remedies and their uses:

  1. Table vinegar– pour 1-2 cups of a 9 percent acetic acid solution into the detergent cuvette, select a high-temperature mode with long washing and pre-soaking. To get rid of the specific sour smell, you can then turn on an additional rinse.
  2. Baking Soda and Vinegar– to enhance the effect of acid on limescale, a special solution is useful. It is prepared like this: half a glass of soda is mixed with the same amount of water and placed in a container for powder, and 1 glass of 9% vinegar is poured into the drum. Then the machine starts in any long-term mode at maximum temperature.
  3. Bleach and other chlorine-containing products– in the old fashioned way, they are used by many housewives for comprehensive cleaning and disinfection of the washing machine.

But in fact, the effectiveness of caustic preparations is very doubtful: they will not save you from scale, but some elements (for example, the rubber drum seal and various sealing gaskets) can cause great damage. And chlorine vapors are harmful to health.

But we looked at the most reliable, cheap, safe and practice-tested methods for getting rid of scale using improvised means.

Method #2 - special chemicals

The cleaning agent for washing machine elements must be safe for humans, fabrics and all internal surfaces of the device, and also effectively remove lime deposits and other contaminants.

Specialized preparations have an important advantage over “folk” ones - their composition is developed taking into account the design features of the device and does not harm some elements while cleaning others.

To buy the right “chemistry” to solve the desired problem, always study the composition and purpose of the drug - there are both universal products for complex cleaning, and narrow-profile ones that only work to remove plaque or fight mold

  1. Topper 3004(Germany) – descaling cleaner, suitable for dishwashers and washing machines. It removes scale of varying degrees well, recommended by Bosh manufacturers.
  2. Schnell Entkalker– powder for quick cleaning of internal elements from stubborn lime deposits. Produced in Germany, available in 200g packs.
  3. Antikalk for Washing Machines from Sano(Israel) – a universal gel for the prevention and elimination of small plaque with an antibacterial effect.
  4. Magic Power(Germany) – one of the best specialized products for washing machines. Available in the form of gel and powder, which effectively removes plaque from heating elements, tanks, and drums.
  5. Beckmann(Germany) - a universal preparation that will protect against scale and get rid of unpleasant odors caused by various contaminants. But, like any multi-purpose product, it is good for regular care, but will be ineffective against heavy dirt.
  6. Filtero 601(Germany) – works well to remove old scale from the heater and other elements; it is recommended to use 3-4 times a year for intensive cleaning of the machine. Available in 200 g bags for one use.
  7. Doctor TEN(Russia) and Antiscale(Belarus) - analogue powder preparations intended only for removing scale, but from any equipment. An inexpensive and convenient solution to the problem of lime deposits on the heating elements of both washing machines and dishwashers.

Please note that many products that, judging by the advertising, are guaranteed to protect our machine from problems with plaque, will not get rid of existing scale, but will simply reduce the concentration of salts in the water, for example, the same Calgon.

Method #3 - manual cleaning

If you have never thought about how to clean your washing machine and all its key elements before, and the assistant has served you for more than one year, it is recommended that you first carry out a visual inspection of the heating element.

Most likely, a multi-layered limestone has already formed on the heating element, which will be easier to remove manually - with standard cleaning methods, broken-off solid plaque particles may remain inside the unit.

Step #2 - clean the filter and drain hose

The cause of an unpleasant odor can also be debris invisible to the eye - hair, particles of soil or building materials, lint, feathers and various small objects that were not removed from clothing pockets in time.

All this accumulates in the filter and hose through which the machine releases waste water. It is recommended to clean the washing machine at least once every 3 months, and with active use it can be done more often.

To do this, you need to remove the protective panel, place a small container for draining water or place a rag on the floor. Then unscrew counterclockwise and remove the filter. Rinse it under high pressure water and remove accumulated debris from the hole.


Typically the filter is located in one of the lower corners of the front of the panel and is covered with a small round or rectangular plate that can be easily pryed off with a flathead screwdriver

To rinse the hose, you need to drain the remaining water in the machine through the drain filter and then disconnect it from the entrance to the sewer pipe or siphon. After this, you can remove the part, but exactly how to do this depends on the design of the device itself.

For example, in machines , , , , , you can only get to the hose connection through the bottom.

To do this, you need to lay the device on its side, remove the bottom panel and filter, and loosen the clamp with pliers. All that remains is to disconnect the pump and remove the hose itself.

Before disconnecting the hose, be sure to disconnect the device from the electrical network and turn off the water supply tap (if there is no separate one for the machine, then the apartment one)

In machines you need to look for the drain mount behind the rear panel, and with Siemens - behind the front when it comes to front-loading machines.

But for vertical models, you can only get to the hose through the side cover. Therefore, it will not be superfluous to check the instructions, which describe the device diagram.

To clean the drainage hose from dirt and powder deposits, equip yourself with a thin non-metallic cable with a mini brush attached to one end.

We run this brush inside, scroll it and gradually move it to the end of the hose. Then rinse under pressure of warm water. For severe contamination, several passes can be made.

Step #3 - wash the powder container

A rough coating from hard water appears on the walls of the detergent compartment, and traces of powder and various rinse aids remain. All this needs to be removed.

We act in stages:

  1. We remove the cuvette from the compartment and remove the container for the conditioner.
  2. We rinse under running water, wipe off mold stains with soda or any chlorine-containing product (there are no rubber elements here, so chlorine will not harm).
  3. Pour a packet of citric acid into a small bowl.
  4. Place the disassembled cuvette, fill it with hot water and leave for an hour (if it is heavily soiled, it can be overnight).
  5. Then we remove the remaining plaque with a sponge and thoroughly clean all joints with a toothbrush.
  6. Dry the container, assemble and place in place.

Another option for dealing with plaque is to fill the removed cuvette with soda and add table vinegar. As a result of the reaction, the soda will foam and soften the lime deposits so that they are easier to remove.

To get rid of dirt and plaque in the container compartment, you can use the same soda paste and toothbrush, and pre-treating the tray with a spray cleaner will help speed up the process.

Rules for caring for your washing machine

If you regularly take care of your assistant, you can do without disassembling the structure and unscheduled replacement of its elements. And to do this you just need to follow a few simple rules.

To prevent an unpleasant musty smell and mold from appearing in the washing machine, try to keep the drum open, and close it when taking a bath or shower.

  1. After washing, always wipe the door glass, drum and rubber band dry, and rinse the powder container under good pressure with warm water and dry.
  2. If you have hard water in your area, you can equip the water supply hose to the machine with a magnetic filter. The flow will pass through a magnetic field and change the crystalline structure of the water, as a result of which scale simply does not form.
  3. Wash blankets, sweaters and other fleecy items in a special fine-mesh bag.
  4. Do not leave wet clothes in the washing machine even for a couple of hours - in addition to the unpleasant smell, the consequences of such forgetfulness will soon appear as black mold spots.
  5. Promptly remove powder stains, water drips and grease splashes (applies to appliances installed in the kitchen) from the appliance body.

Depending on the time the stain appears, the options for getting rid of it will differ. To remove fresh dirt, simply wipe the plastic with a cloth soaked in water or a solution of dishwashing liquid. And baking soda paste will help deal with old yellow spots and stains.

The frequency of preventative cleaning with home or professional products depends on the quality of the water in your system, the use of softeners and how often you use the washing machine.

On average, the procedure for disinfestation and descaling should be carried out once every 2-3 months. And do not forget to rinse the filter and drum cuff to remove lime particles after all cleaning compounds.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Dirt and scale threaten not only the breakdown of the device. They cause problems that are initially unnoticeable, for example, they increase the operating time of the machine, the consumption of electricity and detergents.

How to remove and wash the filter from dirt and other debris accumulations:

Caring for the washing machine is quite simple. However, if you neglect the operating recommendations, your assistant may soon need professional “reanimation”, replacement of the heating element and other elements. To prevent this from happening, carry out timely prevention on your own or entrust it to specialists.

Do you have anything to add or have questions about cleaning and maintaining your washing machine? You can leave comments on the publication, participate in discussions and share your own experience of caring for a home assistant. The contact form is located in the lower block.

Reading time: 1 minute

Today, an automatic washing machine is a faithful assistant to almost every housewife or owner. The trouble-free device is capable of washing mountains of various products in a couple of hours, sometimes in such a deplorable state that we would not be able to cope with such a task in a day by hand. But how reliable is it? The washing machine needs cleaning, and so seriously that without it, one day the device will simply fail. And this is not only wiping off dust, but a number of other equally complex procedures. We will tell you further how to rinse a washing machine correctly.

Each part of the machine needs a special type of cleaning. Which one - see the continuation of the article.

Drum

The most convenient way to clean the drum is when this function is already provided by the manufacturer of your washing machine. You add detergent, turn on the desired program (it’s called “ auto drum cleaning") - and voila!

For those whose washing machines"are not equipped with such an excellent opportunity, we can recommend the following to get rid of scale and dirt on the drum:

  1. Pour 100 ml of any bleach into the drum itself.
  2. How to rinse " washing machine"? Without adding laundry, activate the washing mode with a temperature of at least 60 degrees.
  3. You can clean the drum in a similar way using citric acid and soda - scroll through our tips further.

Advice! Make it a rule to leave the machine door open after each wash until it dries completely.” entrails" This way you will also get rid of the unpleasant musty smell from the drum.

Powder compartment

Many of us also neglect the department for detergents - they poured in powder, poured in liquid substance and that’s it. But if we bypass it by cleaning, we will get powdery build-ups, accumulations of dirt and even mold, which will happily be washed together with the laundry in the drum.

And cleaning the washing powder compartment is very simple:

  1. In accordance with the instructions, remove this container from the " nests».
  2. Arm yourself with a sponge or, better yet, an old toothbrush. Lather your tool with laundry soap and, section by section, remove all dirt.
  3. Difficult to erase plaque? A toilet bowl cleaner or any cleaning liquid containing chlorine will help. Pour 20-30 ml into a container and let it brew for several hours. Mold and pieces of plaque will come off on their own; all you have to do is rinse the compartment under running water.

This simple preventive cleaning is best done every 3-5 wash cycles.

Advice! To clean the compartment as little as possible, use neutral detergents for washing.

heating element

The most problematic element in a washing machine is the heating element. Especially if your water supply flows with water of increased hardness - the impurities in it of salts, rust, and metals are much more than normal. With each wash, this element under such conditions becomes overgrown with a layer of scale. When the heating element is too covered with it, the machine will not turn on or will sadly fall silent in the middle of operation.

The heating element is usually cleaned in the following way:

  1. Buy several packets of citric acid. For example, a machine with an average load of 5 kg will require 5 packages of powder.
  2. Pour 4/5 of the bags into the detergent container, and 1/5 into the drum.
  3. Turn on any washing mode for which you can activate the highest temperature - up to 90-95 degrees.
  4. The scale will come out through the drain hose. The main thing is to make sure that its large pieces do not clog this element.

Advice! This cleaning can be done up to 2 times a month.

Cuff

You should not neglect the rubber seal between the drum and the door. Dirt accumulates on it, and sometimes mold grows.

What to wash with " washing machine" this time? You can clean it in two ways:

  • Light contamination: soda, Pemolux, etc.
  • Mold, unpleasant smell: “Duckling”, “Komet”, “Domestos”, whiteness.

The cleaning instructions are simple:

  1. Apply a little product to a rag or napkin. Wipe the rubber.
  2. Pull the cuff towards you and clean the metal lining underneath.
  3. In this way, clean the rubber folds inside the cuff itself - it is better to use an old toothbrush for this.
  4. Finally, rinse the product off the element by wiping it with a cloth soaked in clean water.

Advice! Do not use vinegar essence or chlorine-containing products - they can damage the gum.

Drain pump filter

Few people know where this element is located, much less how to clean it. But it is precisely because of this that the machine may one day stop working, and you will pay a considerable amount of cash to the technician for a procedure that you could easily perform yourself.

So let's find it first. Usually the filter is “hidden” on the front side of the device behind a round, rectangular cover. Found it? Now let's move on - how to wash the “washing machine” in this part of it:

  1. Open the cover ( The instructions for the car should tell you how to do this specifically for your model). There will be a cork in front of you, which means you have opened the right hole.
  2. Place a container under the plug first - if the filter is clogged, water will flow out.
  3. Now it's time to pop the cork. Behind it you will see hair, strings and other debris. If the filter has not been cleaned for a long time, then the smell may not be very pleasant.
  4. With your gloved hands, carefully remove all this “wealth” and wipe the inside of the filter dry with a dry soft cloth.
  5. Now all that remains is to put the plug and lid back in place.

Advice! Thus, it is best to clean the filter after each wash. As a last resort, remember to do this 1-2 times a month.

Inlet hose filter

It would also be very useful to clean the filter of the inlet hose - the one through which fresh water enters the machine. Again, due to the poor quality of tap water, over time it becomes clogged with sand and rust. As a result, the machine refuses to work.

We will clean it like this:

  1. Arm yourself with pliers ( pliers) and an old toothbrush.
  2. Be sure to turn off the water supply valve to the machine!
  3. Turn the back of the machine towards you. Find the place where the inlet hose goes into it.
  4. Unscrew the nut securing the hose counterclockwise.
  5. When you look inside the hose, you will notice a small mesh filter. Pull it out with a tool.
  6. Clean the part from dirt with a toothbrush.
  7. Insert the filter into place and tighten the hose.
  8. You can also wipe the back wall from dust.
  9. Turn on the water supply tap to the machine, and screw the device into its usual place.

At the end of the cleaning, all that remains is to wipe off dust from the glass door and the body of the washing machine. That's all! The video in this article will show you more tips.

Folk remedies

We will share with you folk methods of cleaning a washing machine, which are aimed at combating scale. Its harm to the washing machine is obvious:

  • Increased electricity consumption. Scale gradually covers the heating element and the element requires more and more energy to heat up.
  • The direct cause of machine breakdown is the heating element covered with scale, it works, as they say, “ on one's last legs" By the way, if such “ tortured» The heating element cannot be replaced in time; the problem can lead to a more expensive breakdown of the device’s software module.
  • Scale is an excellent environment for mold to form.

Acetic acid

Many housewives trust these methods.

Cleaning the drum and cuff from dirt and unpleasant odors Wear gloves when handling vinegar:

1. Pour ½ cup of 9% acetic acid into the detergent compartment.

2. Select the longest program at high temperature.

3. When the machine warms up, pause the cycle. Let the solution act for 1.5-2 hours.

4. Resume the cycle.

5. Clean the drain filter from the cleaned scale.

6. Mix 50 ml of acetic acid with 1 liter of water. Wipe the cuff, drum, and door manually.

7. To eliminate the unpleasant vinegar smell, it is advisable to include a short washing program without laundry.

How to wash laundry detergent from detergent containers? Choose a container in which you can soak the entire container. Dilute a glass of 9% vinegar in warm water. Leave the container to soak for a day. At the end, it will be enough to rinse it under running water and dry it.

Advice! If you have 70% vinegar essence, then it must be diluted with water 1:7 to obtain a solution equal in concentration to 9% vinegar.

Soda Ash

To clean the inside of the machine from scale and unpleasant odors, we need soda ash, not baking soda - Na2CO3. It is better to carry out the procedure with her participation at least once a month. We have placed the instructions in the table.

Cleaning the drum and cuff We will proceed as follows:

1. Prepare the required amount of soda solution: 1 part powder to 1 part water.

2. Wearing rubber gloves, apply the mixture thickly to the inside of the drum, onto the cuff, not forgetting its internal folds.

3. Leave the solution for half an hour.

4. Rinse off with a damp cloth, cleaning it periodically with water.

5. Set a short wash program without laundry.

Cleaning the detergent container Also prepare a solution of soda ash with water ( one to one). Coat the container thickly with it, paying special attention to dirty, boiled, and moldy areas. After 30 minutes, rinse under running water and dry.

Advice! Soda ash is an excellent remedy for scale formation on the internal elements of the machine. Therefore, make it a rule to add 2 tablespoons of it with each wash. An exception should be made only when loading woolen or silk products into the drum.

Copper sulfate

A less common, but quite effective remedy that specifically helps against mold that has settled in the “washing machine”.

Cleaning with it is simple:

  1. Prepare the following solution: 30 g of powder per 1 liter of water.
  2. Using this mixture, carefully treat the internal surfaces - the drum, the detergent compartment, all the folds of the cuff.
  3. Leave it for a day.
  4. After time has passed, wash the treated areas with a clean cloth soaked in water.
  5. Pour the powder into the compartment and run the wash program without laundry. After this, it is advisable to run another one, but without detergent.

Professional products

Antiscale Five Plus
Dr.Beckmann AntiKal
Frau Schmidt Electrolux remedy

  • "Antiscale";
  • Five Plus;
  • Filtero;
  • Beckmann;
  • AntiKal;
  • Descaler;
  • Frau Schmidt;
  • line of cleaning products from Candy, Electrolux, Bosch, etc.

Prevention measures

To keep your car clean longer and serve you faithfully for a long time, you just need to follow a few easy-to-remember tips:

  • Use as much detergent and conditioner as the manufacturer recommends. Excess will not lead to things stretching better - the product will settle in the “insides” of the machine, accumulating growths on them.
  • Manually collect small debris from things and pockets so that it does not clog the drain filter.
  • It is better not to languish washed items in the drum for a long time after washing, but to immediately take them out and send them to dry. This is the best prevention of mold and unpleasant smell from the car.
  • Make it a habit to keep the machine door slightly open when not using the washing machine.
  • Scale on the internal elements crystallizes if you set washing programs with heating to 70-75 degrees. To prevent this from happening, wash at lower temperatures. And if you choose programs with heating only up to 40-50 degrees, then the heating element will not heat up at all, which means scale will not form on it.

The key to cleanliness and long service life of the automatic machine is also detergents for washing. They must contain elements that prevent scale formation. It is also important not to forget about preventive measures and regular cleaning of all components of the washing machine.

Regular cleaning of your washing machine not only helps keep it looking its best, but also helps it run efficiently. The fact is that washing machines tend to accumulate:

  • Fungus and mold in the sealing gum and, accordingly, the appearance of unpleasant odors;
  • Scale on the heating element;
  • Residues of powder, rinse aid and other additives inside the machine;
  • Dirt and small things in the drain pump filter;
  • Rust and sand in the inlet hose filter.

Therefore, over time, you may notice that your clothes (especially light ones) after washing are no longer sparkling clean as they were before. And external dirt that quickly covers the door, countertop and protruding parts of the machine spoils the appearance of the room.

How often do you need to clean your washing machine from scale and dirt? Optimally – once every 2-3 months. If you have a pet at home or you often wash woolen items in a machine, then major cleaning needs to be done more often.

From this material you will learn how to properly clean a washing machine as a whole, namely:

  • How to clean the drum of a washing machine, and most importantly, the heating element;
  • How to clean the pump in a washing machine (drain filter);
  • How to clean the tray and powder receiving compartment;
  • How to clean the inlet hose filter;
  • How to remove external dirt on the car body and door.

And at the end of the article you will find some tips on prevention and care for your assistant.

Step-by-step instruction

Well, shall we begin? To make the instructions clear, we decided to try the theory in practice and cleaned a Bosch automatic washing machine. Looking ahead, we present you with a photo of the result.



Step 1. Cleaning the drum and heating element of the washing machine from scale

At the first stage, we need to clean the machine from the inside, namely, remove mineral deposits on the heating element and drum. How to descale a washing machine? The secret of all methods is simple and uniform:

Since scale consists of magnesium and calcium salts, it must be treated with organic or inorganic acids. What acids are in every home and cost mere pennies? That's right, ordinary vinegar or citric acid.

Method 1. How to clean a washing machine with vinegar and soda

You will need:

  • 2 cups of spirit white vinegar (preferably) or regular table vinegar 9%;
  • 1/4 cup baking soda;
  • 1/4 cup water;
  • A sponge with a hard side.

To get a 9% bite, we diluted 70% acetic acid essence with water in a ratio of 7:1

What should be done:

Mix baking soda and water in a small bowl, add the soda mixture to your machine's detergent drawer, and pour the vinegar into the drum. Idle the car at the highest temperature for the longest time possible.


Method 2. How to clean a washing machine with citric acid

Cleaning a washing machine with citric acid is even easier.

You will need:

  • 1-6 packs of citric acid. Exactly how much citric acid to sprinkle depends on the volume of the washing machine and the degree of contamination.

What should be done:

Add citric acid powder to the laundry detergent compartment. Start the machine at maximum temperature and operating time.

How much citric acid to pour in - 1, 2 or 6 packs at once, depends on the volume of the washing machine and the degree of contamination

Step 2. Clean the cuff (sealing rubber)

Hooray! The machine has finished washing and self-cleaning and we can start washing the rubber seal. This dark and damp place is where dirt and mold like to accumulate, so it needs to be cleaned especially carefully. This can be done using any cleaning product, for example Pemolux or soda. If you see too much mold, which also emits a strong unpleasant odor, then take a more powerful product, for example, Domestos, Utenok, Komet (pictured) or Whiteness. But keep in mind that it is not advisable to use chlorine-containing products too often, otherwise it risks deforming the rubber.

What should be done:

Apply a little of the selected product to a damp cloth or sponge, gently pull the rubber towards you and wipe the metal part of the case.

Also be sure to clean the rubber seal itself in the same way.

The bulk of the dirt accumulates in the lower part of the hatch, but it is worth cleaning its entire circumference.

Be careful not to pull the rubber too hard to avoid damaging it. Finally, wipe the entire cuff clean with a damp cloth.

Step 3. Clean the tray (container/bath/dispenser)

Find your machine's owner's manual at home or online for instructions on how to remove the laundry detergent tray. Most often you can do this like this:

  • Pull the tray out until it stops. If you see that there is a blue part built into its middle compartment (in modern machines from Bosch, Samsung, Veko, etc.), then you need to press it and pull it forcefully towards you, while simultaneously supporting the container itself.

  • If there is no blue part in the tray of your machine (the trays in Indesit machines are often designed this way), then you just need to pull the tray towards you and down, then slowly moving it left and right and pull it out completely.

As soon as you take out the tray, most likely, the following picture will appear before you - powder residues have accumulated in its compartment. Get rid of this buildup using any cleaning product and wipe the compartment clean. Keep in mind that this must be done carefully so as not to damage the rubber pipe.


Cleaning the powder receiver compartment was not easy, as there were a lot of hard-to-reach places, small protruding parts and grooves covered with rust. We deliberately did not bring the result to the ideal; it was too labor-intensive work. But you can do something more cunning: generously spray all the walls of the compartment with a cleaning agent from a spray bottle, leave the plaque to soak for a couple of hours, and only then start cleaning by hand.

  • A mixture of vinegar and soda;
  • Pemolux and other household chemicals;
  • A mixture of hot water, vinegar and soda.

Cover the container with your chosen product and leave/soak it for 30 minutes, or preferably a couple of hours.

Next, start cleaning it with a sponge and a toothbrush (especially needed for cleaning hard-to-reach places). Finally, remove any remaining product, wipe the tray dry, and insert it back (most often you just need to insert it into the compartment and slam it shut).

  • If you have a dishwasher, you can wash the tray in it. The rust may not completely disappear, but cleaning it in the dishwasher will make it much easier to remove.

Step 4. Cleaning the washing machine filter (drain pump)

It's time to clean the drain pump filter. If you run the filter too hard, the machine will sooner or later refuse to drain the water, which is why it will go up and may break out. Luckily, cleaning your washing machine filter is very easy.

You will need:

  • A container of suitable height, for example, an oven tray, will do.
  • Towel or rag.
  • Flathead screwdriver or any hard flat tool (if necessary).

What should be done:

  1. Open access to the filter, which is usually located at the bottom of the case.
  • In some washing machine models, the filter is simply covered with a small panel. If this is your case, then you can open it, if necessary, prying it with a flat-head screwdriver as shown in one of the following photos.


  1. So you see a closed filter. Before unscrewing the lid, lay a towel on the floor and place a container under the drain to collect water (in our case it seemed unnecessary). Please note that up to half a liter can spill out!

In our case, the pan turned out to be superfluous, since the water flowed completely past it. Therefore, we released the liquid directly onto the towel, periodically turning it over, while opening and closing the lid

  1. Unscrew the cap counterclockwise and remove all accumulated debris and dirt from the hole: these could be coins, hair, wool, toothpicks and other small items.

As you can see in the photo, in our case there was very little debris in the filter

  1. Clean the hole, close it, and replace the trim panel.

Step 5: Clean the water inlet filter

In addition to the drain pump filter, every washing machine has another filter - the inlet hose filter. Over time, this filter becomes clogged with rust and sand, then a malfunction occurs - the machine refuses to wash and reports that water collection is not possible.

  • If all previous procedures need to be carried out regularly, then the stage of cleaning the inlet hose filter can be carried out less frequently, for example, once every six months.

You will need:

  • Old toothbrush;
  • Pliers or pliers.

What should be done:

  1. Turn off the cold water tap to the washing machine (required!).
  2. Turn the machine around to expose the rear of the machine. On the right side of the top of the housing you will see the inlet hose.
  3. Unscrew the hose nut counterclockwise. Look inside the hole, do you see a small filter with a mesh? Remove it with pliers or pliers.
  4. Clean the filter in water using a toothbrush;
  5. Insert the filter into place and screw the inlet hose tightly in a clockwise direction.
  6. Open access to cold water to the machine by turning the appropriate tap.

When you're done, you can also wipe down the back of the machine, and then unfold it and put it back in its usual place.

Step 6. Clean the body and door

Well, that's all, the inside of the car is clean and ready for work! All you have to do is restore its external beauty: wipe the control panel (especially the protruding buttons), wash the door inside and out, wipe the top and side panels.

And a little about prevention

  • Use only as much powder, bleach and conditioner as you actually need (see product manufacturer's instructions). After all, excess detergents do not enhance the result, but simply settle and accumulate inside the washing machine.
  • Always remove small items from pockets to prevent them from clogging the drain filter.
  • Try not to delay starting the machine if you have already thrown dirty things into the drum. Well, take out clean clothes immediately after washing and send them to dry.
  • Try to always keep the car open to prevent mold from growing in it due to high humidity.

Today, almost every apartment has an automatic washing machine. This is a very convenient technique, thanks to which we got rid of hard manual labor. This technique has become so familiar that we simply forget that it needs to be serviced periodically. The question of how to clean an automatic washing machine worries all housewives.

In order for the automatic machine to always look like new and work the same, it cannot be brought to a state where dirt, limescale and scale must be cleaned off in pieces. The washing machine must be cleaned periodically using special cleaning agents.

Folk cleaning products: their purpose

If you are interested in the question of how to clean a washing machine, then first of all you need to familiarize yourself with the cleaning products that are on the market. Modern industry produces a large number of substances that can be used to wash equipment both inside and outside. You can use a simple household cleaner. Professional products are also produced, using which you can solve such a problem as quickly cleaning an automatic washing machine.

The most important thing is to use cleaning products correctly. You cannot demand from a substance what it cannot do. For example, Calgon will never get rid of scale; this product only softens the water in your automatic washing machine.

Let's talk about folk remedies and their purposes that women use when cleaning their washing machines. Let's start with the most affordable cleaning agents.

Descaling

The water that flows through water pipes contains many impurities and has high hardness. Therefore, in order to use it, it must be passed through a filter. Almost everyone does this for drinking water, but only a few do it for washing.

Therefore, when unprepared water enters the tank of the machine and heats up there, impurities and salts are released from it, which settle on the internal parts of the washing machine and form the so-called “scale”, and the problem immediately arises of how to clean the washing machine.

Limescale in a washing machine gradually accumulates inside the machine and especially on the heating element. If you do not periodically clean the heating element, it may burn out. Experts advise installing a filter in the water pipe leading to the washing machine. This will reduce scale in the washing machine. If this is not done, then periodic maintenance of the washing machine should be carried out by washing it with a solution of citric acid. This is done simply. 200 grams of citric acid are poured into the powder compartment and the wash is started at a temperature of 60 degrees.

After finishing the washing, it is necessary to rinse the drain filter of the machine and remove pieces of dirt from the drum cuff. The heating element can be cleaned mechanically, as well as with special chemicals for cleaning heating elements.

Preventing the washing machine from dirt, mold and odors from the inside

If there is a lot of mold on the rubber parts in the machine, then you should use copper sulfate. Prepare the solution, wipe the rubber cuff with it and leave it for a day. Take a rag and wipe off the mold from the rubber part. Pour the powder into the machine and turn on the test wash. Everything should dry out well.

You can use baking soda to... Make a solution in a ratio of 1 to 1. The mixture is applied to the cuff and drum and left for 6-8 hours. The wash starts. After finishing, all parts are thoroughly wiped to get rid of any remaining mold.

The powder bin is where mold likes to grow. Chemicals used in washing may remain in the pan as slime. It is on this fertile soil that mold bacteria begin to develop. To prevent this from happening, after each wash you need to remove and dry the cuvette. But if mold does appear, then you need to take out the cuvette, put it in a basin and fill it with powder. Leave overnight and then scrub using a small brush. After this, rinse with clean water and wipe until no water remains. You should also wash the tray under the cuvette.

To prevent dirt from accumulating in the filter and drain hose, they should also be periodically washed and cleaned.

  1. Below, on the right, the machine has a technological door, open it.
  2. Take a rag and put it under the door.
  3. By turning the guide fittings counterclockwise, we unscrew the filter.
  4. Then you should remove the debris, wash the filter and install it back.
  5. This operation must be carried out periodically to prevent dirt from accumulating and causing an unpleasant odor.

Adding shine to the outside

After the insides of the machine are cleaned, it’s worth working on its body. If you regularly prevent the washing machine from scale, and wipe it off dust and dirt at least once a week, then the procedure for making it shiny will not take much time.

Remember, before cleaning your washing machine, be sure to unplug the cord from the electrical outlet!

To do this, you need to take dishwashing detergent, dissolve it in water and rinse the machine thoroughly. Then we rinse it with clean water and wipe it dry with special microfiber cloths. If there is severely ingrained dirt, you can apply a paste of soda, treating the dirty area and then wiping it thoroughly.

To clean the transparent hatch in the door, use a glass cleaner. Spray on the glass and wipe thoroughly with a dry cloth. We repeat the procedure several times until there is a mirror shine. After this the door will look like new

Perform regular preventative measures and keep the inside and outside of the equipment clean. This will save you time, nerves and money. We hope this article helped you, and now you know how to clean your washing machine and which cleaning product to choose.