How To – Washing machine cleaning: HOW TO FRIDAY

It's that time of the week again, and time for another (eagerly awaited I'm sure) HOW TO FRIDAY!  Today we will be focusing on washing machine cleaning, yes I know it should already be clean as it is a 'machine for cleaning' but just as you would clean your shower, you need to clean your washing machine, so deal with it!… without further ado, here is my 'how to clean a washing machine' guide.

Clean the fabric softener drawer by removing it completely (if possible, which is should be on most machines) and soaking it in a sink of hot water and soap. Pay special attention to the compartment used for the fabric softener.

Clean the water jets – these are located inside and above the fabric softener dispenser, so when you remove this for cleaning, get an old toothbrush and gently clean them with soap and water to remove any mould.

Run the machine empty on a hot wash with either clear vinegar or lemon juice (a couple of cups should do the trick) to really give your machine a good spring clean.

Clean the pump filter. This is usually located at the front, bottom of the machine – an obvious flap should be present to indicate where it is and how to access it (if you are not sure where yours is, check the machines instruction manual). The point of this filter is to stop things like coins, buttons and other obstructions from clogging up the pump, so open it up every now and again and remove whatever has accumulated.

In future...

To ensure your machine stays spick and span for as long as possible, follow these steps for a clean washing machine always:

Make sure you use the right amount of detergent appropriate for the level of soiling and size of the load, as if too little is used then dirt is not dealt with properly and this can affect the efficiency of your machine.

Leave the door of your washing machine slightly ajar when not in use to prevent any unpleasant odours.