Laundry Room Cleaning Tips

Cleaning Tips · AngeleSelegna Cleaning Services

A washer and dryer clean everything else in the house, but they need cleaning too. A few simple steps prevent odors and help your machines work well.

The washing machine

• Leave the door open. After each load, leave a front-loader door or top-loader lid open so the drum can dry.
• Wipe the gasket. The rubber seal on front-loaders holds water and lint. Wipe it dry every week.
• Run a cleaning cycle monthly. Use the machine’s cleaning cycle or a hot empty cycle with a washer cleaner, following the manual.
• Clean the dispenser. Remove the detergent drawer if possible and rinse out built-up soap.

The dryer

• Clean the lint trap every load. A clear screen helps clothes dry faster and lowers the risk of fire.
• Check the vent once a year. Lint builds up in the vent hose and duct. If drying takes longer than it used to, the vent may need cleaning.
• Wipe the drum. Wipe it with a damp cloth to remove residue from dryer sheets or ink.

The room itself

• Keep supplies on a shelf. Store detergent and stain removers off the floor and away from children.
• Use separate baskets. Sort darks, lights and towels as you go so loads are ready to start.
• Sweep behind the machines. Lint and lost socks collect there. Pull the machines out carefully once or twice a year.