How To Clean A Washing Machine That’s Been In Storage

If you have a washing machine that’s been in storage for some time it will need to be thoroughly cleaned before using it. This is because failure to clean the machine could lead to your laundry coming out of the machine covered in black spots. It might also not smell too good either. 

If you have just taken your washing machine out of storage, keep reading. In this article I take you through the whole process of thoroughly cleaning your appliance. Ensuring your laundry gets clean and smells fresh.

How To Clean A Front Loader Washing Machine

The cleaning process is different depending on the type of washer you own. Let’s start with a front loader as they are the most common type in the UK. To thoroughly clean a front loader washing machine that’s been in storage, all you need to do is;

1. Ensure The Machine Is Empty
   Check inside the drum and detergent dispenser drawer for any unwelcome surprises. Ensure all areas are completely empty and free from any items however small.
2. Clean The Drum
   The drum could have developed a problem with mould, mildew or bacteria build up. This could cause foul smells coming from the drum which would transfer onto your laundry if left unchecked. Mix up a paste of bicarbonate of soda and warm water and apply it to the drum using a soft cloth. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes then rinse off using a soft cloth soaked in clean warm water.
3. Clean The Door Seal (gasket)
   The door seal on a front loader washing machine is another area where mould and bacteria can grow. This will lead to foul smells and black patches that can transfer onto your laundry. Make a solution of white vinegar and hot water (50/50 mix) and wipe all around the door seal. Ensure you get under the folds of the seal and all around every part of the rubber seal.
4. Clean The Detergent Dispenser Drawer
   Remove the detergent dispenser from the washer (consult your user manual for model specific instructions). Soak the dispenser drawer in a hot water, white vinegar solution (50/50 mix). Use a toothbrush or similar to scrub all parts of the drawer including the housing where the drawer fits. Don’t forget to clean the jets at the top of the housing where the water squirts into the drawer.
5. Run A Hot Service Wash
   After replacing the drawer, pour 1 to 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser drawer and run an empty wash cycle at the hottest temperature your machine allows (90^o C is best if available).
6. Give The Exterior A Clean
   Wipe the outside of the appliance down using a soft cloth dipped in a white vinegar, hot water solution (50/50 mix).
7. Dry The Machine
   After the service wash has completed, open the door and wipe the glass door and rubber door seal with a dry cloth. Open the detergent dispenser drawer to allow a free flow of air to dry the washer naturally.

How To Clean A Top Loader Washing Machine

The process for cleaning a top loader washing machine is similar. You should;

1. Ensure The Washer Is Empty
   Open the lid and check that there’s nothing in the tub. Open the detergent dispenser drawer and check that it is empty.
2. Clean The Tub
   Fill the tub with hot water and add 2 pints (950 ml) of chlorine bleach or 4 cups of bicarbonate of soda. Then close the lid and allow the washer to agitate for about 1 minute to mix the solution. Then stop the cycle and allow the solution to sit in the tub for 1 hour. After the hour has passed, turn the washer on and allow it to complete the wash cycle.
3. Run A Second Wash Cycle
   Once the first cycle has completed, fill the tub with hot water and add 2 pints (950 ml) of white vinegar. Shut the lid and allow the washer to agitate for around 1 minute to mix the solution. Then stop the cycle and allow the solution to stay for 1 hour. After the hour has passed, turn on the machine and run the second wash cycle.
4. Clean The Detergent Dispenser
   The detergent and fabric softener dispenser drawer is a breeding ground for mould, mildew and bacteria. Which is why it is essential to give this area a good clean out. If your washer has a removable dispenser, remove it and soak the tray in a solution of white vinegar and hot water (50/50 mix). If the dispenser cannot be removed (consult your user manual for specific instructions) wipe the tray using a soft cloth dipped in the white vinegar and hot water solution. For any stubborn stains use a soft bristled brush (like a toothbrush) to scrub away the black mould, limescale or detergent residue.
5. Clean The Tub Rim
   Using the solution that is soaking in the tub, wipe around the tub rim with a cloth dipped in the solution. Clean all around the opening of the appliance including the top edges and between the tub rims. You need to clean every part that the water will reach during a normal cycle.
6. Clean The Exterior
   Using the same solution of white vinegar and hot water that’s soaking in the tub, wipe the exterior of the appliance using a soft cloth. If there is any detergent residue caught around the buttons, you can remove this using a soft bristled brush or toothbrush dipped in the white vinegar and hot water solution.
7. Dry The Washer
   Once the second wash cycle has completed, leave the washer lid open to allow it to dry naturally.

Things To Look Out For After Using A Washer That’s Been In Storage

If your washer has been in storage for any length of time, you need to check for any faults that might have developed. You should never simply assume that because it was working properly before going into storage, that it will be OK afterwards.

Unfortunately, certain parts could become so dried out that they perish or some parts could have corroded or become rotten due to damp etc. You should check the hoses for example to ensure they have not cracked, rotted or split.

When Using A Stored Washing Machine For The First Time You Should:

• Put the machine onto a short wash and spin cycle and check it drains correctly
• Listen for the pump and check it sounds normal
• Check that the washer doesn’t overfill or leak
• Check the floor for any water leaks etc

SEE ALSO: Washing Machine Been In Storage? (do this before using it)

Frequently Asked Questions