How to sanitize washing machine

Why sanitize the washing machine? You know the cleanliness of the laundry depends on the condition of the washing machine. Though, you do the normal cleaning like washing the machine every time after use or perhaps once in a week but do you know there are some situations whereby you need to do some extensive cleaning (sanitize washing machine) so as to be sure every laundry appliances are free from germs and safe to put on.

For instance, when you use your washing machine to wash the clothes of a person who is ill (you don’t know some of these germs that cause disease can actually survive normal washings) or when you use your washing machine to wash a cloth that has already been contaminated with poison ivy, bodily fluids, pesticide or other chemicals and even an accumulating of soap residents, chemicals and minerals from your detergent that was left inside your washing machine can create an environment for bacteria to thrive. And if you don’t sanitize your machine, your machine could turn into a breeding environment for the bacteria and start giving your machine some kind of unpleasant odor. Thus making your clothes to have an unpleasant odor as well. To make sure your washing machine and laundry are safe, you need to sanitize the washing machine.

What you need

  1. Rubber gloves
  2. Scrub brush
  3. Cleaning cloths
  4. Towels
  5. Bucket for mixing
  6. Chlorine bleach
  7. Water

Note: Chlorine bleach is one of the most effective chemical to get rid of germs in the market. When you sanitize washing machines with chlorine bleach you need to be very careful. Wear gloves because the chlorine beach in its undiluted form, it can burn your skin if care is not taken and put on a face mask if the area you are working is not well-ventilated to avoid its fumes when diluting the chlorine bleach.

Why sanitize washing machine

Instructions on how to sanitize washing machine

Step 1: Set the Washer Water Temperature

Set the water temperature for the washer to the hottest setting. Be sure the washer is empty.

Step 2: Set the washing machine temperature

Make sure the machine is empty and set the water temperature for the machine to the hottest.

Step 3: Add Chlorine Bleach

Add a cup of chlorine bleach instead of water to the empty machine drum. And do not put any clothes inside.

Step 4: Set the machine cycle

Set the washing machine to a full cycle. Allow it to complete the entire cycle and add hot water to rinse.

Step 5: Sanitize the interior components

When the cycle has completed, check the inside of the washing machine. Carefully inspect the gaskets, rubber seals, and the interior of the door or cover if there is any sign of mold or residue buildup. Check thoroughly for fabric softener and detergent dispensers as well. Mix a solution of chlorine bleach and a small amount of water to dilute it. Dip a scrub brush or cloth in the solution, and scrub if there is any sign of mold or residue buildup.

Step 6: For final rinse

Set the washing machine to the spin cycle and let it run to remove all the residue of the chlorine bleach.

Final step: Clean the outside of the washing machine

Lastly, clean the exterior part of the washing machine by cleaning it with a solution of chlorine bleach and hot water. And rinse with clean water then dry it with a soft towel.

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