A washing machine is generally used for cleaning clothes.
It is constantly submerged in water and soap, so people generally think that a washing machine doesn’t need to be drained or cleaned out.
However, even with water inside it, a washing machine can be a breeding ground for germs, or worse, Salmonella.
Why You Need To Clean Your Washer
Whenever you use detergent, it leaves behind residue and chemicals. Unfortunately, germs and bacteria can get trapped within the thin film that it creates. Not only does the bacteria pose a danger to people using the machine, but it can also affect the mechanism inside.
Since washing machines are constantly wet or hot, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. If that isn’t enough of a reason, the residue can also trap door particles.
So even if you use your washing machine, your clothes can still end up smelling stinky. This means one of the best ways to protect your family is by keeping your machine clean.
How Often Should You Drain Your Washing Machine
Since wet and humid environments are the breeding ground for bacteria, it’s important to drain your washing machine and let it get dry, too.
Generally, the washing machine should be cleaned once every month. However, this can be made difficult due to the built-up residue.
Aside from attracting germs into the washer, it also prevents the machine from draining effectively. So how do you clean and drain the washer properly so that you don’t break the machine?
Tools And Materials For Draining Your Washing Machine
Following the proper steps in draining and cleaning your machine can save you from future troubles.
However, once you answer the question of how often should you drain your washing machine, the next step will be to assemble the tools and materials you’ll need to clean out the washer.
Below, we’ve created a checklist for you that should be easy to follow.
• Bucket of water
• Duct tape
• Pliers
• Screwdriver
• Plumber’s snake
• Towel
• Baking dish
These might be more than your average list of materials whenever you prepare to clean your washing machine. Still, they come in handy, especially when the water won’t drain properly anymore.
Steps In Cleaning Your Washing Machine
Now that you know how often should you drain your washing machine and have your tools with you, you can get started on draining and cleaning it.
Just follow out an easy, step-by-step guide, and you shouldn’t have any problems
1. Turn off the power
It’s essential to make sure that the machine is turned off before getting started with cleaning your machine. If there is no power button, you can unplug the appliance from the source itself.
You can then use duct tape to secure the power cord to the top of the machine. This helps you avoid getting it wet during the draining process.
2. Find the Drain Hose and Water Hose
Sometimes, it’s necessary to move the machine when draining it. This is another reason why it is better to unplug the machine.
The machine needs to be moved so that you can find the drain hose at the back. The drain hose is responsible for carrying the water out of the machine.
3. Start draining the machine
The drained water can lead to a standpipe, drainpipe, or utility sink. You can disconnect the hose from the pipe.
Once you are ready, you can lower the hose into a bucket so that the water will start leaving the machine. Gravity will help with the rest!
4. Clean out the filter
If your machine comes with a filter, you should also clean out the filter before considering yourself done. Remove the residue or buildup on the filter using your hands.
Once that’s done, you can clean out the filter with a brush and warm water. Then you can place the filter back on the panel.
Draining and cleaning your machine is a complex but fundamental process. It’s wise to always stay on top of cleaning your appliances so that they don’t get broken or damaged.
While it may be a tedious task, it’s better to maintain your appliance rather than buy a new one.
Now that you know about how often should you drain your washing machine, you really need to plan it and stick to your schedule.
