How to properly disinfect a washing machine and review of the best products
If you take care of household appliances correctly and in a timely manner, no problems should arise. If you ignore the disinfection procedure, microbes will begin to multiply both inside and outside the washing machine, mold and fungal formations will appear. Due to this, the machine will begin to smell unpleasant, which, of course, will affect the quality of washing. Knowing how to properly sanitize your washing machine can help you avoid all of this.
Why disinfection is necessary
In a washing machine, germs appear due to the fact that there is always a small volume of water inside. Detergent residues, dirt particles, fabric fibers are considered favorable to microorganisms.The usual washing temperature (about 50 degrees) does not lead to the destruction of harmful microbes, but, on the contrary, accelerates their reproduction. Disinfection, on the other hand, makes it possible to get rid of germs and mold, to eliminate unpleasant odors coming from the machine.
Coaching
Before starting disinfection, prepare a cleaning product and disconnect the washing machine from the mains. Drain all the water from it, make sure there are no things or other objects inside.
Main steps
The washing machine disinfection procedure includes the following steps:
- exterior cleaning;
- washing of filter elements;
- descaling;
- mold and odor removal;
- cleaning of microorganisms.
Wash and remove dirt from the exterior
Dry the machine with a soft cloth that absorbs water well. You can use liquid soap as a cleaning agent. Remove residual soap solution with clean water. Wipe the device with a dry cloth after cleaning.
Rinse the filter
Unscrew the drain filter by placing a thick cloth under it. Wash it off with hot water. If the dirt does not come off, place the filter in a glass/plastic container for 3-4 minutes and pour in Domestos.
Descaling
You can remove limescale as follows:
- Pour 150 grams of citric acid into the powder compartment.
- Put the longest wash cycle at a temperature of about 92 degrees.
- Start the cycle.
Cleaning mold and odors
Boiling is a quick and easy method to kill mold and eliminate unpleasant odors. When the water is heated to a temperature close to 100 degrees, the machine will be cleaned of mold. Activate boiling mode and start the cycle.
Germ disinfection
It is possible to disinfect the device from germs by one of the following methods:
- Pour 200 grams of citric acid into the powder compartment.
- Pour 350 milliliters of vinegar into the drum.
- Mix equal proportions of acetic acid with bleach, pour into the powder compartment.
- Mix 50 grams of soda with 50 milliliters of water, pour the solution into a basin. Pour a few glasses of vinegar into the drum.
Presentation of professional tools
Among the professional disinfectants, the most effective are:
- Dr. Teng Antibacterial;
- Dr. Beckman;
- SANDOKKAEBI;
- Multidez-Teflex.
Dr. Teng Antibacterial
This product descales the washing machine and disinfects it. Promotes fast and effective descaling of the drum and heating element. There are no acids in the composition of the product, therefore the parts of the machine, which are made of metal/plastic/rubber, will not break.
Dr. Beckman
Dr. Beckman liquid agent has a bluish color, has a specific smell. He understands:
- surfactant neitones;
- aroma;
- hexylcinnamal.
The powder cleanser has a slightly different composition:
- zeolites;
- oxygen-based bleach;
- aroma;
- limonene;
- hexylcinnamal.
Dr. Beckman provides:
- protection of metal parts of the machine against corrosive effects;
- elimination of large pollution;
- elimination of mold formations in the drum, heating element, pipeline;
- extension of the operating period.
SANDOKKAEBI
This Korean cleaner cleans the drums of top-loading/front-loading washing machines. The product removes hard water plaque well. It is sold in half-kilogram packs.
Multidez-Teflex
This disinfectant is made in the Russian Federation. It has an antimicrobial effect and also destroys viruses. On the surfaces treated with it, an almost invisible film is formed, which provides a residual antimicrobial effect. Multidez-Teflex does not corrode metal parts.
What modes will help in the washing process
Washing at high temperatures in itself already sanitizes the machine.Most microbes die at temperatures above 60 degrees.
So, for disinfection, you can activate the "synthetic 60" or "cotton 60" mode. This will eliminate dust mites and other microorganisms.
The "antibacterial" mode is provided in modern typewriters. With him, the water heats up to 80 degrees, the set temperature is maintained for at least 20 minutes.
Rules of operation of a washing machine
When using a washing machine such as an automatic one, you should remember the following recommendations:
- Leave the lid slightly open at the end of the wash. This will help prevent the appearance of mold and odors.
- The water supply valve must be closed each time after washing.
- When preparing the appliance for cleaning, unplug it from the outlet.
- Monitor the condition of the hose. This element of the device is subjected to significant loads and is therefore prone to breakdowns.
- Things must be pledged, having already been unveiled. This will improve the quality of washing.
- Make sure to sort things out. So you can set your own washing mode for each group of things and use the minimum amount of powder.
- Follow the powder manufacturer's recommendations. For example, on a package of baby powder, it is often possible to read a recommendation to fill it in the drum of the machine, and not in a special compartment.
- If you use conditioner, pour it diluted. The thick product is not very effective.
- When loading objects into the drum, inspect them. They must not contain elements that could damage the device (coins in the pockets, pins, metal fittings).
- The volume of items loaded into the drum should not exceed the standards set by the equipment manufacturer.In addition, things should not be too few, because then the machine will not be able to wash and spin them effectively.
Follow the instructions above to avoid problems with your washing machine. Also, do not forget to disinfect the drum and other parts of the device in time. So you can operate the washing machine for a long time without any breakdowns.