Washing machines regularly deal with water, detergent, fabric softener, and dirt from clothes. Some residue can gradually accumulate in the dispenser drawer, rubber seal, filter, and internal parts of the appliance. A damp environment then encourages the development of unpleasant odors.
Regular maintenance takes only a few minutes and helps keep your washing machine in good condition. However, every now and then, it's a good idea to supplement routine wiping with a thorough cleaning of the empty appliance.
How to tell if your washing machine needs cleaning
Pay attention if:
- there's a musty smell from the drum or dispenser drawer,
- water and dirt remain in the rubber seal,
- the detergent drawer is covered in residue,
- small particles of dirt or odors remain on your laundry,
- the washing machine has only been cleaned at low temperatures for a long time,
- you have hard water at home and limescale builds up quickly.
Don't wait until the problem becomes significant. Ongoing maintenance is easier than removing heavy deposits.
What to prepare
You will need a soft cloth, a small soft brush, a container or an absorbent rag for the filter, and a specialized washing machine cleaner.
For deep cleaning, you can use Scala Curalavatrice — 3in1 washing machine cleaner. It is designed to remove dirt, detergent residues, limescale, and unpleasant odors inside the appliance.
Pulirapid Tabs descaling tablets are designed for ongoing protection during washing. They can be used for all types of washing machines and laundry; the package contains 16 tablets.
How to clean your washing machine step-by-step
1. Clean the detergent drawer
First, turn off the washing machine and, for manual cleaning, unplug it. If the design allows, remove the drawer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Rinse it with warm water and remove any gel, powder, or fabric softener residue with a soft brush. Don't forget to wipe the compartment where the drawer slides in.
2. Wipe the rubber seal
Carefully pull back the folds of the seal around the door. Hairs, small objects, water, and dirt residues often get trapped in them. Remove everything with a damp cloth and then dry the seal thoroughly. Do not use sharp tools that could damage the rubber.
3. Check the filter
Follow the instructions for your washing machine precisely. Prepare a shallow container and an absorbent rag, as water may leak out when you open the filter. Remove any trapped debris, rinse the filter, and return it to its proper place. If you are unsure about its location or handling, consult the appliance manual.
4. Perform a deep clean of the empty washing machine
Use Scala Curalavatrice 3in1 exactly as instructed on the packaging. The washing machine must be empty. Follow the recommended dosage, program, and temperature, and do not add detergent, fabric softener, or other chemicals during the cleaning cycle.
A specialized cleaner is more suitable than random homemade experiments. Do not put dishwasher tablets in the washing machine, and do not clean the inside of the appliance with bathroom limescale remover. The materials, seals, and internal components of a washing machine require a product specifically designed for this purpose.
5. Wipe the door and exterior surfaces
After the cycle finishes, wipe the inside of the door, the seal, and accessible parts of the drum. Clean the outer surface with a damp cloth and then dry it. Leave the door and dispenser drawer slightly ajar so the interior can dry properly.
How to use descaling tablets
Pulirapid Tabs are designed to reduce limescale formation during regular washing. Use the tablets according to the dosage on the packaging and considering water hardness. They do not replace manual cleaning of the dispenser drawer, seal, and filter, but complement regular appliance care.
Scala cleaner and descaling tablets are not intended to be arbitrarily combined in one cycle. Use each product separately and strictly according to its label.
Common mistakes when using a washing machine
Closed door after washing
If you close the washing machine immediately after removing the laundry, moisture will remain inside. Leave the door and dispenser drawer slightly open after washing so the appliance can dry out.
Too much detergent
A higher dose doesn't mean cleaner laundry. Excess gel or powder can accumulate in the washing machine. Dose according to the amount of laundry, degree of soiling, water hardness, and the detergent manufacturer's recommendations. A detailed recalculation of the dose according to the amount of laundry can be found in the article how to properly dose fabric softener.
Washing only at low temperatures
Economical programs are practical, but with long-term use of only low temperatures, residues can accumulate. Occasionally choose a program with a higher temperature, if permitted by the washing machine's manual and the laundry you are washing.
Laundry stays in the drum for too long
Remove washed clothes as soon as possible. Wet laundry left in a closed washing machine quickly develops a musty smell.
How often to clean your washing machine
It depends on the frequency of washing, water hardness, and the detergents used. Check the dispenser drawer and seal continuously, clean the filter at the interval recommended by the manufacturer, and perform deep cleaning when there's an odor, visible deposits, or according to product instructions. In households with frequent washing, it's worth incorporating maintenance regularly into monthly cleaning.
Two levels of washing machine care
For thorough cleaning of an empty appliance, use Scala Curalavatrice 3in1. For ongoing protection against limescale during regular washing, choose Pulirapid Tabs.
Regular cleaning of the dispenser drawer, seal, and filter, along with proper ventilation of the washing machine, will help reduce odors and residue buildup and keep laundry fresh.
