Always consult your manual. If you don’t have your manual, find the model number on the edge of your door and find it online at http://laundry.manualsonline.com/manuals/device/washer.html.
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Wipe down the interior and exterior of your washing machine.
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Carefully combine ¾ cup (177ml) of liquid chlorine bleach with 1 gal (3.8 L) of warm tap water.
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With a soft, damp cloth, microfiber cloth or sponge, wipe the entire exterior with the diluted solution. You can also use an all-purpose cleaner.
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You will also want to wipe down the lip of the drum, the fabric softener cup, the agitator, and the bleach dispenser with the diluted solution.
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Let stand 5 minutes.
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Wipe down the entire exterior with a dry, soft cloth.
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Run a cleaning cycle. This should be done monthly. Consult your manual for best practices. A cleaning cycle may consist of:
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A dedicated cleaning cycle with an Affresh or Tide machine cleaning tablet.
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A dedicated cleaning cycle with 1 cup of bleach.
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The longest, heaviest, and hottest cycle available on your machine with a cleaning product or bleach.
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Let the washer interior air dry with the lid open.
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Additional Tips
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Clean your washing machine thoroughly once a month. Your washer and clothes will thank you!
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If possible, leave the lid open to allow air to circulate and prevent mildew in between loads.
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Do not wipe the washing machine interior or exterior with abrasive cleaners
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It is best to use warm/hot water with bleach for the diluted solution. While hot water does cause bleach to break down faster, it is active long enough to give your washer the cleaning it needs.
By Amanda Perez