It’s been a while since I have done this –since some of you (some..) have Daylight Savings tonight, it’s a great time to clean the washer and change the batteries in the Smoke Alarm.
Cleaning your washer with Vinegar is the easiest thing you could every do, & believe it or not, your washing machine NEEDS to be cleaned.
The dirt that is washed out of your clothes (and in my case, cloth diapers) will produce bacteria in the machine, even with a stainless steel drum – bacteria can accumulate in the hoses also, which also need to be taken off and cleaned regularly too. Cleaning your washer will lengthen the life of your machine… and save you money later on.
It’s as easy as grabbing a few cups of Vinegar from your pantry:
- Pour 2 C. Vinegar into the machine, add a drop or two of Tea Tree Oil as well (if you have some)
- Run it for 3 minutes on hot
- Then stop the machine – however you do that – I have to push the button in.
- Let it sit over night
- The next morning, pull out the knob, let it finish, and then run a rinse cycle on cold
By doing it at the same time every month, you will remember a little easier. End of month in our house reminds us to check the smoke detectors, clean the washer, and usually the burner pans on the stove as well. And other oddities around the house.
(You’re not required to use Tea Tree Oil – should you have it, you can.. if not, Vinegar works just fine by itself)
See also – Round Up of Inexpensive DIY Tips for Home, Garden, Beauty + More
Did both of these on Thursday, also put a reminder on the washer, so I don’t forget next month! I will miss my hour of sleep tonight:(