Keeping your washer and dryer clean is crucial for ensuring sanitary laundry and preventing the spread of germs in your home. Proper cleaning and disinfecting removes residue, prevents mold growth, eliminates odors, and kills harmful bacteria and viruses. Follow these comprehensive steps to thoroughly sanitize and disinfect your washer and dryer.
Supplies Needed
Before getting started, gather the following cleaning supplies:
- White vinegar or bleach – Disinfects and removes odors
- Baking soda – Cleans and deodorizes
- Liquid detergent or laundry pods – Lifts and removes dirt
- Microfiber cloths – For wiping down surfaces
- Toothbrush or other small brush – For scrubbing crevices
- Bucket – For mixing cleaning solutions
- Rubber gloves – To protect your hands
Cleaning the Washer
Follow these steps to sanitize and disinfect your washing machine:
1. Remove Visible Debris and Residue
Start by clearing out any visible dirt, lint, or debris from the washer drum, door seal, and dispenser drawer. Remove any stray items in pockets before washing.
2. Run a Hot Cycle with Vinegar or Bleach
Run an empty hot water cycle (with the highest temperature setting) with either white vinegar or bleach to naturally disinfect and remove stains and odors.
- For vinegar, use 1-2 cups in the drum or detergent dispenser. The acidic vinegar kills bacteria and removes soap scum.
- For bleach, use 1/4-1/2 cup in the drum or dispenser. Check clothing care labels first, as bleach may discolor fabrics.
3. Scrub the Door Seal and Gasket
Use a toothbrush to thoroughly scrub the rubber door seal and gasket, getting into crevices to remove dirt and mold buildup. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. Leave the door open after cycles to let moisture evaporate.
4. Clean the Soap Dispenser and Tray
Remove the detergent dispenser drawer completely and rinse under hot water to remove residue. Scrub with an old toothbrush if needed. Wipe out the dispenser cavity with a microfiber cloth.
5. Destink the Drum
Eliminate lingering odors inside the drum with a scrub brush and baking soda paste. Mix 1-2 cups of baking soda with just enough water to form a spreadable paste. Coat the drum interior and let sit for 30-60 minutes before wiping clean.
6. Remove Hard Water Buildup
For stubborn hard water stains or mineral deposits, fill the detergent dispenser with white vinegar and run an empty hot water cycle. Alternatively, run a tub cleaning cycle if your machine has this setting.
7. Dry the Gaskets and Seals
Wipe the washer door, gasket, and dispenser drawer dry with a clean cloth. Leave the door open slightly until fully dried to prevent moisture and mildew.
Disinfecting the Dryer
Follow these steps to fully sanitize your clothes dryer:
1. Wipe the Drum Interior
Wipe down the dryer drum with a microfiber cloth dampened with hot, soapy water or an all-purpose cleaner. Pay attention to the crevices where lint collects.
2. Disinfect the Drum
Mix 1/4 cup of liquid bleach with 1 gallon of warm water. Wet a clean cloth in the solution and thoroughly wipe down the dryer drum, door seal, and interior walls. Let sit 5 minutes before wiping dry.
3. Clean the Lint Filter
Remove the lint filter and brush it clean with a dry brush over a trash can outside. Rinse under warm water if needed. Allow to fully air dry before replacing.
4. Scrub the Exhaust Vent
Disconnect the dryer vent hose from the back and use a vent brush to scrub out any accumulated lint inside the vent opening. Reattach the vent hose securely.
5. Vacuum the Vent Hose
Unplug the dryer and pull it away from the wall. Use a vacuum hose attachment to suction out any lint trapped inside the vent hose.
6. Sanitize Knobs and Controls
Wipe down all knobs, dials, buttons, and the control panel with disinfecting wipes or a cloth sprayed with disinfectant. Avoid excessive moisture near electronics.
7. Clean Around and Under Dryer
Use a vacuum attachment and microfiber cloth to remove accumulated dust and lint from around and underneath the dryer exterior.
Monthly Maintenance
To keep your washer and dryer clean long-term:
- Leave washing machine door open after use to allow moisture to evaporate.
- Immediately remove wet clothes after cycles to avoid mildew smells.
- Clean the lint filter before each dryer load.
- Monthly, pour 1 cup vinegar into the washer drum and run an empty hot cycle.
- Every 3 months, scrub the washer gaskets, drum, and dispenser.
- Vacuum dryer vents seasonal to remove built up lint.
- Annually, arrange professional duct cleaning if needed.
With regular cleaning and disinfecting, your washer and dryer will run more efficiently and keep laundry sanitary. Be sure to refer to your appliance manual for any specific maintenance recommendations.
FAQs About Sanitizing Washers and Dryers
How do you clean a smelly washing machine?
To eliminate odors in the washing machine, run a hot empty cycle with either white vinegar or baking soda. For more stubborn smells, scrub the drum with a baking soda paste using an old toothbrush, then run a rinse cycle. Leaving the door open after washes can also help prevent mildew smells.
What is the best way to disinfect a washing machine?
The best way to disinfect a washing machine is to run a hot, empty cycle with either bleach or vinegar. About 1/4 to 1/2 cup of regular bleach or 1-2 cups of white vinegar will naturally sanitize the drum. Check for colorfastness first when using bleach.
How do you clean mold in a washing machine?
To clean mold in a washer, first run an empty hot cycle with bleach or vinegar to kill mold. Then use a toothbrush to scrub the rubber gasket and dispenser drawer with baking soda and hot water. Wipe clean and leave the door open to prevent moisture buildup when not in use.
Why does my washing machine smell bad?
Bad odors in a washer are typically caused by buildup of dirt, bacteria, soap scum, and mold in the drum, gaskets, and dispenser. Leaving wet clothes sitting promotes mildew smells. Regular cleaning cycles and leaving the door open between washes can prevent smelly washers.
How do you clean the inside of a dryer?
To clean a dryer interior, wipe the drum with a microfiber cloth dampened in hot, soapy water. For tougher buildup, use a mix of 1/4 cup bleach diluted in 1 gallon water. Let solution sit 5 minutes before wiping dry. Remember to clean the lint filter before each load.
How do you sanitize a dryer?
To fully sanitize a dryer, mix 1/4 cup bleach with 1 gallon warm water. Wet a clean cloth in the solution and wipe down the dryer drum, seal, and interior. Let sit 5 minutes before wiping dry. Also vacuum the vent hose and brush out the lint filter.
Why does my dryer have a bad smell?
Bad smells in a dryer are often due to built-up lint and residue inside the drum, vent hose, and lint trap. Mildew on damp clothing left sitting can also cause odors. Clean inside the drum with bleach or vinegar solution. Vacuum the vent hose and scrub the lint filter regularly.
How often should you clean your washing machine?
Ideally, you should do a deep clean of your washing machine about once a month. Quick cleaning steps like wiping the door gasket and leaving the door open should be done after each use. Every month, run a hot wash cycle with vinegar to disinfect and remove residue in the drum.
What is the best way to clean a clothes dryer?
The best way to clean a dryer is to wipe down the drum with hot, soapy water or a mild bleach solution. Vacuum out the vent hose and use a dryer vent brush inside the vent opening. Clean the lint filter before each load. Disinfect knobs and surfaces with wipes.
Key Takeaways for Sanitizing Washers and Dryers
- Use hot water, vinegar or bleach to disinfect washer and dryer interiors.
- Scrub seals, gaskets, drums and dispensers to remove residue buildup.
- Leave washing machine doors open after cycles to allow moisture to evaporate.
- Vacuum dryer vents and scrub lint filters every month.
- Wipe down control panels and exteriors to disinfect surfaces.
- Allow all parts to fully dry before reassembling washers and dryers.
- Refer to appliance manuals for additional cleaning recommendations.
- Regular maintenance prevents odors, mold growth and machine damage.
Keeping your washer and dryer well-maintained ensures clean, germ-free laundry for your household. Follow these comprehensive cleaning and sanitizing tips to maximize efficiency and lifespan of your laundry appliances. With routine cleaning, your washer and dryer will run smoother while stopping the spread of dirt, bacteria and viruses on your family’s clothing.