We aren’t pretending to be Mrs Hinch, but we do love a clean washing machine! After all, we all want our clothes to come out nice and clean so best make sure to give your machine some TLC now and again.
Like many you perhaps don’t know where to start when it comes to cleaning your washing machine so we thought we would share some top tips for you, but first we wanted to share some useful facts about washing machines.
Useful Facts about Washing Machines
History Fact – Most people simply put their clothes into the machine, add liquid/powder and then let the machine work its magic and hopefully the clothes come out clean! But like everything Washing Machines have a little bit of a story behind them. Washing Machines albeit a very different look and feel were invented back in the 1760’s, the machines we see today that are automatic were first introduced back in 1937!
Environment Fact – Did you know that washing machines are responsible for over 22% of water usage in the average household! To save on water, try and use full loads of washing where possible. Use cotton wash instead of synthetic wash as synthetic wash use up to more than 50% more water. When buying a new washing machine check the water icon on the energy label – after all #EveryLittleHelps.
Water Fact – In the Highlands we are lucky as we live in a soft water area this means that are water is not affected by lots of calcium and other minerals. In other parts of the UK some locations have hard water where this is the case you may need to use more detergent and softener to break up the water.
Now that the fun facts are out of the way – here are some top tips for washing you washing machine!
What you’ll need: White Cleaning Vinegar, Spray Bottle, Microfibre cloth and Baking Soda
Step by Step:
- Before cleaning the washer drum, clean the gasket by spraying it with white vinegar and wiping with a damp microfiber cloth. The rubber gasket at the front of the washer, especially in a high-efficiency (HE) washer, accumulates water, hair, scum and mildew.
- Set the washer to the highest level and the hottest water temperature.
- Add two cups of white cleaning vinegar to detergent dispenser.
- Run it through a complete cycle.
- Run another cycle on the highest level and at the hottest water temperature, this time adding one-half cup of baking soda to the drum.
- When cycle is done, wipe inside drum of washer with a damp microfiber cloth.
- While you’re there finish by wiping down the front of the machine, too.
If you are looking to buy a new or refurbished washing machine why not visit out retail shop – we have online and a physical store you can visit in Alness. Don’t forget to ask us about our Electrical recycling service for your old machine.
