What is Sanitization?
Sanitization is the process of eliminating or reducing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that could cause diseases. Washing machines tend to accumulate bacteria and mold from the clothes, towels, and other textiles, especially when left damp for long periods. These bacteria can be harmful to your health, producing foul odors, making clothes dirty and reduce the efficiency of the machine. Regular sanitizing of your washing machine eliminates the bacteria and helps keep your machine functioning efficiently.
Steps to Sanitize Your Washing Machine
1. Clean the Drum and Door
Before sanitizing your washing machine, it’s essential to clean the drum and door, to ensure the sanitizing agents reach all corners of your machine. Wipe the inside of the drum with a clean microfiber cloth, ensuring all the dirt, lint, and other debris have been cleared away. Then, use a damp cloth or cleaning sponge to wipe the rubber gasket around the door. Remove any residue or debris that might have accumulated on them during the cleaning.
2. Use Vinegar and Baking Soda
White vinegar and baking soda are natural and inexpensive ingredients that are useful for cleaning your washing machine. Add two cups of white vinegar and a half cup of baking soda to the drum and run a hot cycle without clothes. The vinegar will dissolve the detergent buildup, dissolve the hard water deposits, and kill most of the bacteria. Baking soda, on the other hand, removes any bad smells and leaves the machine smelling fresh and clean.
3. Use Bleach
If your washing machine is heavily soiled or has a lingering odor, you can use bleach to sanitize it. Add a cup of bleach directly to the drum and run a hot cycle without clothes. The bleach will kill off all germs and bacteria, leaving your machine odorless and sparkling clean. However, if you have a septic system, it is not recommended to use bleach to sanitize your washing machine, as it can harm the beneficial bacteria in your septic tank.
4. Use Detergent
Using a detergent to clean your washing machine is another effective way to sanitize it. Pour in two cups of detergent into the drum and run a hot cycle without clothes. The detergent has cleaning agents that dissolve the dirt and grime, rendering the machine sterile.
5. Dry the Drum and Gasket
After cleaning and sanitizing the washing machine, it’s crucial to dry the drum and the rubber gasket around the door. Use a clean, dry cloth, or towel to dry off any leftover moisture. This will help prevent bacteria and mold from growing again.
In conclusion, sanitizing your washing machine is a necessary step in ensuring its longevity, efficiency, and your family’s overall health. The process of sanitizing is straightforward, and the steps mentioned above will help you keep your washing machine clean and efficient. Whether you choose to use vinegar, baking soda, bleach, or detergent, regularly cleaning and sanitizing your washing machine is the key to reducing odors, stains, and bacteria buildup.