How to Clean a Washer and Dryer

Washers and dryers both need to be cleaned and maintained in order for them to work properly and efficiently. Although they do completely different things, they can be cleaned with the same cleaner with the same cleaning tools. By following the steps below you will be ensured of your appliances being in good working order for the cleanest clothes that dry the fastest.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar and water
• Lemon juice concentrated
• Baking soda
• Old toothbrush
• Micro fiber cloths
• Borax
• Vacuum cleaner
• Screwdriver

Instructions

The Washer

1. Prepare the area for cleaning. Remove all unwanted debris from filter, rinse filter and set aside. Make sure to dust your washer and vacuum around the area.

2. Adding 1/2-cup of lemon juice to a 1/2-cup of vinegar. In those hard to reach areas a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice will help loosen the dirt. Sprinkle baking soda then add lemon juice on top. It will fizz, then scrub with a hard toothbrush or power brushes. Wipe out the entire tub with this solution.

3. After cleaning, run your washer through a cycle with vinegar and borax in the tub. If your machine has a dispenser for bleach and softener, a good rinse with hot water will help keep them clean.

The Dryer

1. Clean the lint filter in a soapy dishwater solution. Wip the area that the lint filter came from and dispose of all excess lint.

2. Pull out the dryer and remove the dryer hose from the back. On most modern dryers, the hose is attached by a plastic flange that merely pushes inside of the dryer. Those can be just pulled out. However, some hoses are screwed on with a clamp. The clamp needs to be loosened with a screwdriver. Once loosened, the hose can be pulled off.

3. Remove the hose from the outside vent connection. Again, they can usually be pulled off, but if there is a clamp, remove it with a screwdriver.

4. Run a rag mop through the vent hose to clean out all of the built up lint. Be careful not to push the mop too hard and damage the hose. Once cleaned, remount the hose onto the dryer in exactly the same way that it came off.

Tips & Warnings

• Small items such as money, clips pens, lighters can get stuck in the dryers mechanism make sure to remove items from pockets and such.

• If you notice your clothes are taking a long time to dry, check the above filters and vents.