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The accumulation of dust, mold, and residual detergents can compromise your washing machine's efficiency, leading to faded clothing colors...
1. How often should you clean your washing machine?
The build-up of dust, mold, and leftover detergent can impact your washing machine's performance and result in faded clothing colors.
Washing machines are designed to clean clothes, but many people mistakenly believe that after a wash cycle, the drain pipes will flush out dirt from dirty clothes. However, this is not the case. The accumulation of dust, mold, residual detergents, and minerals from hard water can cause clothes to fade or leave white streaks on dark garments.
Image: NBC News.
According to experts, it is recommended to clean a washing machine at least twice a year. For those using natural water, the fluctuating water hardness leads to increased soap consumption due to the presence of Ca2+ ions, causing acid roots in soap to precipitate and preventing lathering. This, over time, results in residue buildup, reducing water flow through pipes. Therefore, in a natural water environment, cleaning the washing machine four times a year, approximately once every three months, is advised.
Washing Machine Cleaning Procedure
To clean, users should ensure there are no clothes in the drum and no detergent or fabric softener in any compartment. Prepare necessary supplies, including bleach, white vinegar, and a soft cloth. Note: do not use bleach and white vinegar simultaneously, as it can produce harmful chlorine gas, posing risks to users.
First, users run a long wash cycle without dirty clothes with hot water. Add a small amount of bleach to the drum, avoiding fabric softener. This action aims to eliminate residue and leftover detergent.
Image: Bright Cove.
After this cycle, users continue with another long wash cycle without dirty clothes using similar hot water settings and adding 1 liter of distilled white vinegar. The vinegar will be distributed into the water and effectively eliminate odors from the drum. After two cycles, the drain system and any remaining dust, mold, and residual detergents will be flushed out, enhancing the washing machine's performance. Use a soft cloth to wipe the drum, exterior of the machine, and detergent compartments.
Additionally, users should regularly wipe the washing machine door and clean the compartments for detergent storage.
Source: vnexpress.net
