How to : Clean your washing machine

BECAUSE IT NEEDS CLEANING TOO!

Here at Letterbox, we believe in helping you with those nitty gritty cleaning jobs, like cleaning your mattress. This month we ask you to look at something that usually does the cleaning for you.

Your washing machines. And in a twist of fate, your washing machine can get pretty grubby. But how do you clean it? Make sure it doesn’t smell? And can do the best job for you and your clothes?

Here's how...

CLEAN YOUR DRAW

Your detergent draw can harbor lots of germs, grime and even mold. This gets way dirtier than you would expect and will need regularly cleaning if possible. To completely clean, remove the entire draw. Use a old toothbrush and domestic cleaner to get rid of grime. Cleaning the draw regularly will ensure your clothes feel fresh and clean.

CLEAN THE FILTER

Your filter is there to catch those pesky tissues, stray coins and general dirt. Just like your drawer, it can harbor lots of germs, as well as dodgy smells. Its wise to empty it regularly to remove dirt and fluff that has gathered.

Your washing machine filter can usually be found along the lower edge of the machine behind a hinged cover. Trapped water will drain off, so make sure you have a bowl or pan on the floor below the drain before uplugging.

Carefully unscrew / release the filet cover. Now, any trapped debris will run out with the water. Be sure to check the cavity too. Wipe around with a cloth, clean all components and replace the cover.

CLEAN YOUR DRUM

Even inside your washing machine, which often looks clean, its probably not. With lots of nooks, there are plenty of places that germs can gather. Regularly run an empty, hot wash every couple of months. Use soda crystals to kill germs, remove odors and stop soap sum and limescale building up from within.

DON’T FORGET THE SEAL

The rubber seal is another dirt trap, often hiding excess dirt, mold and grime. It’s advisable to use a damp cloth after every wash to keep on top of build-up and stops your washing picking up dirt on it’s way out of the machine.