How to clean a washing machine yourself? How to clean dirt from an automatic washing machine?
You can clean your washing machine yourself; you don’t need to call a specialist for this. Moreover, the parts themselves also do not need to be removed, with the exception of the drain pump filter. To work, you will need available tools - baking soda, vinegar, a screwdriver, a rag and others. This material describes how to proceed.
The content of the article
How to clean heating element and drum
If you are wondering how to clean a washing machine from dirt, it is better to start with the drum and heating element. Moreover, the principle is the same. Since these parts are constantly in contact with water, calcium and magnesium salts settle on them, which form scale.
This plaque can be destroyed using acids, which are quite affordable. You can use improvised means - citric acid and food vinegar. One of the common ways to clean a washing machine from dirt is to prepare a solution of soda and vinegar. To do this, take the following ingredients:
- alcohol or table vinegar 9% concentration 2 cups;
- baking soda 1/4 cup;
- the same volume of water.
You need to do this:
- Dissolve baking soda in water and pour this liquid into a tray intended for powder.
- Pour vinegar directly into the drum.
- Run the washer at idle speed at maximum temperature and for a long period of time.
There is another way to clean a washing machine from dirt. For processing, you will need several packs of citric acid, 10-20 g each. The specific amount depends on the degree of contamination. If the heating element and drum have not been washed for a long time, it is better to take 5-6 packages. They act in exactly the same way - pour the product into the powder tray and run it at the maximum temperature and maximum operating time.
How to clean a cuff
The cuff is the rubber seal that is located directly in front of the door. To figure out how to clean the washing machine, you should bend the rubber band and carefully inspect it. Remnants of lint, dust particles and other dirt constantly accumulate here. In rare cases, mold may even grow.
During operation they act like this:
- Bend the cuff completely inside out.
- Remove dirt with a damp cloth.
- Then apply baking soda powder or a special product - Pemolux.
- Leave for a few minutes, then rub over the surface and rinse with water.
Sometimes it is necessary to clean the washing machine from dirt and odors. Then, along with soda powder, you should use a special product, for example, “Domestos”. It is used at the last stage of processing.
Cleaning the tray
The tray also periodically becomes clogged with powder. This is not dirt as such, but simply an accumulation of detergent, which is also best removed. In addition, rust and plaque may form around the container. To clean the tray, pull it out all the way. If it is equipped with a blue plastic insert, as in the photo, you need to press it and pull it towards you with force.
If there is no such element, as, for example, in the Indesit models, you can simply pull out the entire tray and press it down a little, push it from side to side and pull it out completely. Next, the following picture may emerge.
You need to understand how to clean the inside of a washing machine from dirt. In the case of a tray, this is especially difficult, since certain places are difficult to reach. The overall job is labor intensive, but can be made easier by spraying all surfaces with detergent. After this, leave it for several hours and wash it off, wipe it dry, and put the tray back.
Cleaning the filter
Each model has a filter that protects the drain pump from clogging. Therefore, it is important to understand how to clean a washing machine so that water flows freely through all elements. To work, you need to take available tools and materials:
- baking sheet with high sides;
- rag;
- a regular flat screwdriver.
Cleaning instructions are as follows:
- Open the filter by removing the panel at the bottom of the housing (pictured on the bottom right).
- Lay a towel on the floor and place a baking sheet or flat bowl.
- Unscrew the lid, let the water drain (sometimes up to half a liter can appear) and remove all the dirt, and possibly foreign objects.
- Next, it is clear how to clean the washing machine from dirt inside. You need to wipe all surfaces and put the filter in place.
How to clean the inlet hose filter
If you carry out general cleaning, you also need to inspect the filter of the hose that supplies water for washing. It is advisable to do this work 2 times a year. You will need to take an old toothbrush, pliers or pliers.
The instructions are:
- Close the cold water tap.
- Move the car with the back towards you.
- Unscrew the hose nut and carefully remove the small filter with mesh.For this purpose, for example, pliers are used.
- Remove dirt from it with a toothbrush.
- Place the filter and tighten the nut again.
- Return the car to its place and turn on the tap.
Thus, all cleaning procedures, even the most complex ones, are performed at home. Moreover, if the washing is quite intense, they should be performed at least once a year. If a breakdown occurs due to contamination, it is recommended to contact a specialist for an accurate diagnosis.