Proper Use of Washing Drum Hygiene Mode, Incredibly Simple

The washing machine is a crucial appliance in households today, saving us significant time and effort in laundry. The drum, in direct contact with dirt on clothes, requires regular cleaning for optimal washing drum hygiene. So, how to clean the washing machine drum properly? Mytour suggests some simple, safe, and effective ways to clean the washing machine drum at home!

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What is the washing machine drum hygiene mode? 

Washing machines are always designed with additional smart features to cater optimally to users' needs. One noteworthy aspect is the hygienic drum mode. 

The drum consists of two layers, inner and outer. The inner layer is usually made of stainless steel or rust-resistant steel, with small drainage holes, connected to a rotating axis. The outer layer is typically made of plastic to contain water during the washing process and is linked to spring bars to reduce vibrations during washing.

The hygienic drum mode entails an automatic self-cleaning process, with the drum rotating at a faster speed than usual. Activating this mode dislodges dirt, fabric residues, and even types of mold or bacteria that may have accumulated in the drum, flushing them away with forceful water flow through the machine's drainage pipe.

In cases where the washing machine lacks this feature, we can effectively perform hygienic drum maintenance through the soaking wash cycle. This cycle can serve as a substitute for the hygienic drum mode, as when activated, water is set at its highest level with adjustable temperature and soaked for an extended period. This facilitates the easy removal of long-standing dirt, ensuring machine hygiene.

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Failure to regularly clean the washing drum can lead to potential damage to the washing machine. Accumulated dirt and fabric residues inside the drum can clog the filter and drainage system, causing leaks and structural damage. Moreover, if the drum is not kept clean, the lingering dirt may adhere to clothes in subsequent washes, resulting in incomplete cleaning and the unpleasant smell of moisture and mold on garments. In the long run, the accumulation of mold and bacteria can contribute to skin allergies and dermatitis.

Maintaining the washing drum not only enhances the durability and lifespan of the washing machine but also ensures that clothes remain clean, fresh, and dry. Therefore, regularly perform washing drum maintenance to minimize these potential issues!

Clean the washing drum at home using vinegar and baking soda

Many people wonder how to effectively, safely, and economically clean the washing drum. Here, Mytour will reveal a super simple method for you to clean the washing drum at home using vinegar and baking soda.

• Use vinegar to clean the washing drum

Vinegar, with its mildly acidic composition, is produced through fermentation, possessing excellent odor-neutralizing and cleaning properties. Choosing vinegar for washing drum maintenance is not only effective and safe but also budget-friendly.

• Start by draining the washing drum with warm water at around 50 degrees Celsius, or activate the soak wash mode with a temperature ranging from 40-70 degrees Celsius. If your machine lacks a washing drum maintenance or warm soak function, prepare a sufficient amount of warm water equivalent to the drum's volume. 
• Next, add approximately 2-3 bowls of vinegar into the washing drum, close the lid, and let it soak for 2-5 hours. If time allows, you can soak overnight for optimal cleaning results.
• After soaking with vinegar, proceed to activate the washing drum maintenance mode or regular wash mode (if your machine lacks a washing drum maintenance mode) to remove dirt, mold, and bacteria.
• Finally, dry the washing drum with a cotton or soft cloth, ensuring it is completely dry. Don't forget to leave the washing machine lid open after drum maintenance to facilitate quick drying and prevent mold formation due to humidity.

Following these steps, your washing machine is as good as new, ensuring your clothes always smell fresh and stay clean. 

• Use baking soda for washing drum maintenance

Baking soda is a white crystalline solid, alkaline in nature, similar to salt but with cleansing properties. It is considered a natural, effective, and safe cleaner with deodorizing and disinfecting capabilities, suitable for maintaining appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, and household items.

Washing drum maintenance with baking soda is a widely adopted method among households, known for its simplicity. 

• Start by mixing an adequate amount of baking soda with water to create a slightly thick paste. 
• Then, use a clean cloth dipped in the prepared baking soda mixture to wipe the entire washing drum. 
• Allow it to sit for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, giving baking soda time to clean stubborn stains, dirt, and long-standing bacteria. 
• After the designated time, use a clean scrubbing cloth to scrub the entire washing drum, especially focusing on areas with yellow stains and stubborn dirt. 
• Finally, activate the washing drum maintenance mode or run a regular wash cycle to flush out the loosened dirt. 

For enhanced cleaning effectiveness, combine vinegar and baking soda by using 80-140 grams of baking soda + 2-3 cups of vinegar. Soak in warm water around 40-70 degrees Celsius to dissolve baking soda better and release dirt more quickly. Follow the same steps as mentioned for cleaning the washing drum with vinegar above. Utilizing this vinegar and baking soda combination method is sure to deliver surprising results.

These cleaning methods are applicable for both top-loading and front-loading washing machines. To ensure prolonged usage of the washing machine, remember to clean the detergent tray, lint filter, drainage pipe, and also clean the external surface of the machine.

Effectively using the washing drum maintenance mode on the washing machine

For washing machines equipped with a built-in washing drum maintenance mode, using it is not overly complicated. This mode is pre-set on the machine with clearly labeled control buttons, and all you need to do is follow the correct steps. But if you're still not familiar with using the washing drum maintenance mode, don't worry. Mytour will provide you with detailed instructions right here!

Step 1: Activate the washing drum maintenance mode

To activate the washing drum maintenance mode, the first step is to turn on the machine. Afterward, press and select the Tub Clean function on the control panel. Depending on the brand, manufacturer, and type of machine, the name of this function button may vary. However, the majority of function names are similar. To be sure, consult your washing machine's user manual. Next, press the start button to initiate the maintenance process.

Step 2: Perform washing machine maintenance with a specialized solution

After successfully activating the washing drum maintenance mode and seeing the drum start its operation, press the pause button. This allows you to initiate and check if the machine's maintenance mode is still functional, preventing the situation where detergent is dispensed without proper washing machine maintenance.

Then, introduce the specialized solution for washing drum maintenance. Specialized cleaning agents can include baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, or you can even use laundry detergent directly. Using these cleaning agents enhances the ability to clean dirt, residues, mold, and bacteria that have accumulated in the drum over time.

Finally, press the start button to resume the machine's operation for drum maintenance. After the machine completes the maintenance process, check if the drum is completely clean. If not, repeat the above steps once more.

Key Points for Using Washing Drum Maintenance Mode

While washing drum maintenance is crucial, it's essential to remember key points when using this mode to ensure the washing machine's longevity. Here are some tips:

• Perform regular washing drum maintenance to optimize the washing machine's efficiency, depending on your household's usage. If your household washing machine is used frequently, perform drum maintenance once a month. If you only use the washing machine for personal daily clothes, clean the drum every 2-3 months. Note that professional laundry service providers should conduct washing drum maintenance regularly to provide quality and fragrance for customers and enhance the store's reputation.
• After washing drum maintenance, leave the washing machine lid open to air-dry naturally. Avoid leaving the drum damp, preventing conditions that promote bacterial and mold growth.
• Do not load clothes into the machine immediately after washing drum maintenance. Instead, wait for about 1 hour and run the regular washing cycle to thoroughly remove any remaining dirt and residue after machine maintenance.
• When performing maintenance, limit the use of harsh cleaning agents like Javen bleach, as it can be harmful to the skin, damage the machine, and affect clothes in subsequent washes. Prioritize safe and effective cleaning agents such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, etc.
• The maintenance process typically takes from 3-10 hours, so you can run the washing drum maintenance mode in the evening or during leisure days.
• During drum maintenance, clean other parts of the machine, such as the drainage pipe, detergent tray, fabric softener compartment, and filter, to ensure the highest efficiency.
• Another important note is to ensure that the machine is free of clothes or any items that may obstruct the maintenance process when using the washing drum maintenance mode.
• Wear gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with cleaning agents during maintenance.
• Do not immerse the specialized washing drum maintenance solution in water that is too hot or boiling, as it may damage the machine.

To make it easier to clean the nooks and crannies in your home, consider placing miscellaneous items on a wall-mounted shelf for space-saving and easy access. Alternatively, use movable items like folding chairs or rolling devices for convenience.

Here are some tips from Mytour Blog on how to clean your washing machine drum super easily, safely, and effectively at home. We hope that through this article, you will gain more knowledge and practical experience to apply in cleaning your washing machine, keeping it clean and your clothes smelling fresh. If you find it helpful, share it with friends and family for them to apply too!

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In addition to keeping the washing machine drum clean to prevent clothes from getting dirty after washing, you can also minimize clothes getting dusty and wrinkled by neatly folding or hanging them in the wardrobe or bedside cabinet.