The best way to kill bacteria in your washing machine is to use a combination of high temperature, bleach and detergent. High temperatures will kill the majority of bacteria in your wash and using a laundry detergent with bleach can help even further. For extra disinfection, you may also want to run an additional hot cycle with just bleach added – this will kill any lingering bacteria that remain after the original wash cycle.
It’s important to remember that it is not enough to simply add bleach – if you don’t use enough or the correct type of detergent, you won’t be able to effectively get rid of all the bacteria in your washing machine. Make sure you read labels carefully and always follow instructions for maximum effectiveness.
Regular maintenance should also be done on your washing machine, such as cleaning the rubber seals and housing around it at least once per month. This will help prevent bacterial growth from occurring inside of your washer in the future.
Overview of what bacteria is & why it can cause an issue with your washing machine
Understanding the source of bacteria in washing machines is important for eliminating it quickly and easily. Bacteria can come from all sorts of sources, but most commonly it’s transferred through your clothes.
Bacteria can cause issues in your washing machine by lingering on fabrics and growing on moist spaces inside the washer, like the rubber gasket that helps protect from leakage. The increase in bacteria leads to a malodor that doesn’t just stay on your clothes, but also fumes throughout your living environment.
Not only is this smell unpleasant and unhygienic, it can also lead to mold growth in or around your washing machine. It’s important to proactively eliminate the presence of bacteria with regular deep cleaning. After all, prevention is better than cure!
Steps to Completely Kill Bacteria in Your Washing Machine
If you want to completely eliminate the possibility of bacteria growing in your washing machine, here are some steps to take:
1. Disinfect all parts using a 1:99 ratio of bleach and water. Use a cloth or brush to scrub all inner surfaces, including the drum, door seals, and detergent dispenser. Leave the solution on for at least 10 minutes before rinsing clean.
2. Add 3/4 cup of white vinegar and run serresto collar a hot cycle without any clothes inside the machine. Once it is complete, thoroughly wipe down all parts again with a wet cloth or sponge.
3. For an extra layer of protection against bacteria, you can use a commercial laundry sanitizer like Lysol Laundry Sanitizer after completing each cycle. It helps kill 99% of common bacteria found in clothing loads.
By taking these steps, you can rest assured that your washing machine is free from bacteria and other harmful germs!
Run a cycle on the hottest setting with bleach
One way to kill bacteria in your washing machine is to run a cycle with bleach. Bleach is an antiseptic solution and can easily disinfect the interior of the machine.
Start by measuring ½ cup of regular bleach and adding it directly into the empty drum of the machine. Put your washing machine on its hottest setting and let it run through a full cycle before unloading. Always wear gloves when handling bleach since it can be irritating to your skin and eyes.
As soon as your wash cycle has finished, open up all windows for proper ventilation. You might even want to put in another load with just white towels to ensure that any leftover bleach fumes are eliminated from the wash area. Running this extra cycle may help you get rid of lingering aromas and keep your washing machine free of dangerous germs.
Use vinegar or baking soda to disinfect and remove minerals from the tub
Vinegar and baking soda are both great natural cleaners to help eliminate bacteria in your washing machine. When combined, they create a powerful combination that can break down mineral deposits in the tub, disinfect and deodorize it.
To use them together, start by filling the drum of your machine with hot water, then add 1 cup of white vinegar. Allow this mixture to soak for 30 minutes before running a normal wash cycle. The water helps dissolve any stubborn minerals that may have built up over time while the vinegar eliminates bacteria.
If you notice any grimy build-up after running the initial cycle, add ½ cup baking soda to the same warm water bath during a second cycle. Baking soda is an excellent scourer and disinfectant so it will help remove any last traces of dirt and grime without scratching or damaging the tub surface. After running this cycle, you can also run one with just hot water to rinse away all the debris from both cleaning agents.
Clean the gasket in and around the rubber washer door
One of the most important steps in killing bacteria in your washing machine is to regularly clean the rubber washer door gasket. This rubber seal forms a watertight seal that prevents water from leaking out of the drum when your machine is running.
Over time, lint and dust accumulates on this gasket, along with built up soap residue and minerals in hard water. All these elements combine to create a warm, moisture-filled environment for bacteria to grow. So cleaning the gasket is essential for prevention.
You should use a small brush or damp cloth to clean inside and around the rubber washer door gasket once a month. Make sure any areas where mold or mildew has formed are cleaned thoroughly before rinsing with warm water. Finally, dry the surface completely before closing your washer door again.
Tips on Preventing Bacteria Growth in Your Washing Machine
One of the most important steps you can take to prevent bacteria from growing in your washing machine is to make sure you regularly clean and sanitize it. Clean all the build up inside and around the rubber gasket, lint screens, detergent compartments and other areas around the washing machine that may have accumulated dirt over time. Also, be sure to clean any exposed hoses or pipes so as not to collect any water than can grow bacteria.
You should also consider running an empty load with a disinfecting solution like white vinegar or bleach once a month to kill off any bacteria that has already built up in your machine. If you run this type of cycle throughout each Spring and Fall season with some frequency, your machine will remain germ-free throughout the year.
Finally, try to avoid leaving wet clothes in the washing machine for extended periods of time after running the cycle finishes; take them out promptly instead. This will help prevent mold spores and other bacteria from accumulating on damp fabrics inside of your appliance.