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Use These Tips To Safely And Effectively Clean Your Washing Machine
By BRENDA LETELLIER
Mold Removal
First, find an effective cleaning solution to remove mold. PuroClean suggests mixing 2 cups of water with ¼ cup lemon juice, then adding ½ cup distilled white vinegar.
Protection
When exposing yourself to mold, protect yourself by wearing rubber, water-resistant gloves, a face mask, and goggles. Also, make sure the area is well-ventilated.
Rubber Gasket
The rubber gasket is generally the best place to begin cleaning. Wipe the seal with cleaner and a lint-free cloth, and make sure to get in between the rubber folds.
Thoroughly spray the gasket with a vinegar-water solution, let it sit for several minutes, and then wipe it clean. If you have trouble with black spots, scrub with a toothbrush.
Front-Load
To clean a front-load washing machine, detoxify the drum by pouring a mix of 1 cup of chlorine bleach and 1 cup of baking soda into the detergent drawer.
Afterward, wipe down any visible film on the door using a glass cleaner or vinegar-water solution and clean off visible dirt and soap residue throughout the exterior.
Top-Load
To thoroughly clean a top-loading machine, fill it up on the hottest water setting. Pour 1 quart of bleach into the drum, then close the lid and let it mix for a minute.
Stop it and let it sit for up to an hour, then close the lid again and run the cycle in its entirety. For an additional cleanse, repeat the same steps but add 1 quart of vinegar.