Brilio.net - Household appliances require good maintenance so that they can be used for a long time. One of the simplest ways of maintenance is to keep them clean. Washing machines are one of the electronic devices that must be cleaned regularly.
If not properly maintained, dirt, mold, detergent residue, and mineral deposits can build up, causing yellowish crust to appear on the inside of the washing machine. This condition can also make the washed clothes smell musty due to contamination from the dirty machine.
To prevent such problems, a thorough cleaning of the washing machine (deep cleaning) needs to be done regularly. According to thespruce.com, ideally the washing machine should be cleaned at least twice a year or once every three months.
For those who have limited time, there is a practical way to clean the washing machine with simple ingredients available in the kitchen. A YouTube user, myversionofzen, once shared this method in a video he uploaded. With an easy and effective technique, the washing machine can be clean again without the need for excessive effort.
At the beginning of the video, he shows the appearance of his washing machine. The mouth of the washing machine looks filled with yellowish crust.
photo: YouTube/myversionofzen
To clean it, he first opened the drain and the bottom cover of the drum. Then, he applied a cleaning fluid consisting of two kitchen ingredients, namely vinegar and dish soap, to the entire surface of the washing machine.
"We use this to clean the mouth of the tube and the lid, and the outside of the washing machine," he said, quoted by brilio.net from YouTube myversionofzen on Friday (28/3).
photo: YouTube/myversionofzen
Reported from healthline.com, the acidic nature of vinegar is believed to be effective in removing all dirt or stubborn stains. It is no wonder that this one ingredient is used to clean scale in washing machines.
Since it has been smeared with cleaning fluid, rub all parts of the washing machine using a sponge. Without the need to exert extra energy, the yellow crust will fade by itself. If so, rinse the washing machine with water and then drain it using a dry cloth.
photo: YouTube/myversionofzen
It doesn't stop there, he also cleans the inside of the washing machine. Add enough hot water, then add two kitchen ingredients consisting of 5 tablespoons of vinegar and 5 tablespoons of baking soda. That way, there are three kitchen ingredients used, namely dish soap, vinegar, and baking soda. Finally, add plain water until the washing machine drum is full.
"After the water is full, let it sit for 1 hour," he said.
photo: YouTube/myversionofzen
After letting it sit for 1 hour, turn on the washing machine as usual. Once done, drain the wash water. For maximum cleaning, wipe the inside of the washing machine with a microfiber cloth.
"Wrap it to remove any remaining dirt," he said.
photo: YouTube/myversionofzen
Both the inside and outside of the washing machine are clean and shiny again. If it is like this, the washed clothes will be maximally clean and free from musty odors.
Try to remember when was the last time you cleaned your washing machine at home? If not, try this method right away.
photo: YouTube/myversionofzen
Why can washing machines make laundry smell bad?
An unclean washing machine can be the main cause of laundry not smelling good after washing. Detergent residue, softener, dirt, and mineral deposits from the water can build up inside the washing machine, especially on the drum, door rubber, and detergent dispenser. This buildup can be a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, which eventually causes a musty odor in clothes.
In addition, moisture trapped inside the washing machine, especially if the door is often closed after use, can also cause unpleasant odors. Excessive use of detergent can also be another factor, because the residue that is not completely dissolved can stick to clothes and cause unpleasant odors.
To overcome this problem, cleaning the washing machine regularly is an important step. Deep cleaning every three months and leaving the machine door open after washing can help prevent musty odors and keep the laundry clean optimally.
(brl/lut)
