Washing Machine woes? Give it a new lease of life!

Washing machines can really attract dirt and grime, both inside and outWe recently posted about the top five items that really make your house look grubby. Top of the list was the frequently-used washing machine. Very few items attract dirt as quickly as the washing machine, and since it - along with your fridge - is the centrepiece of your kitchen, a dirty washing machine can seriously impact upon the overall feel of the room. Not only that, but internally your washing machine might be loaded with grime.

That's why giving your washing machine a spring clean can really make a difference. Here's how:

• Clean the outside: The top of your washing machine - where all the buttons are - can really get ingrained with dirt. Scrub it with a good bactericidal cleaner to kill germs and freshen it up. If dirt is stuck down the side of the buttons, use either a toothpick or an old toothbrush to get it out.
• Check the bottom to see if there's a removable segment: If there is, it's likely to be filthy! Take it off, disinfect it and scrub it to remove all traces of grime, then refit it.
• Clean the door: Open the door and clean it with your bactericidal cleaner. Remember that washing machines rely on a watertight seal to prevent your kitchen flooding, so check the rubber seal on the door and give it a wipe. There may be bits of dirt inside the lining - these can loosen the seal so make sure you remove these.
• Clean the detergent drawer: The drawer is likely to need cleaning, particularly if you use solid blocks rather than liquids. Open it up and wipe away the residue you can, then scrub the rest until it disappears. For hard to reach areas use a toothbrush.
• Clean the inside: Run your washing machine empty on a hot wash. Pour a capful of clear vinegar into the detergent drawer. This will disinfect and clean your washing machine. Repeat the process every six weeks or so to keep it in good condition.

Enjoy your newly-sparkling washing machine! If you'd like to view our comprehensive guide to how to clean a washing machine, go ahead - it contains a few more tips and tricks for achieving incredible results! For more advice and tips, please check out the rest of the blog, or give Click Cleaning a call on 0845 680 1955 for a free consultation!