In the scorching heat of summer, with the sun blazing down, we find ourselves changing our clothes more frequently. Whenever we take off sweaty garments, we instinctively toss them into the washing machine, expecting it to deliver cleanliness and comfort.
However, have you ever had the experience of putting on clothes just washed in the machine, only to feel something off, or even sometimes experiencing an itchy sensation on your skin? Or perhaps your clothes never seem to get completely clean, sometimes even picking up mysterious little specks? These seemingly minor discomforts might actually point to an important issue we tend to overlook in our daily lives - the cleanliness and hygiene of our washing machines.
The washing machine, an indispensable appliance in our daily lives, if not cleaned regularly, could become a breeding ground for bacteria and dirt, posing a potential threat to our skin health.
Imagine this - those seemingly clean clothes might actually face "secondary pollution" inside the washing machine. The drum, lint trap, filter, base, and other areas within the machine could all become breeding grounds for bacteria.
In particular, the outer wall of the drum, due to its complex and hard-to-reach structure, is a "bacterial hotspot" where germs can hide. If the washing machine is not cleaned for a long time, the total number of bacteria inside could significantly exceed safety limits. Clothes may not get thoroughly cleaned during the washing process, but instead could end up "dirtier after washing," leading to skin itching, allergies, and other health issues.
The "Secret" of Washing Machines: Where the Invisible Bacteria Paradise Lies
So, where do the dirt and bacteria in washing machines actually come from? In fact, every time we wash clothes, dust, impurities, fibers, and other substances from the clothes flow into the interior of the washing machine along with the water. Over time, these dirt particles not only adhere to the drum walls and lint collector, but also hide in hard-to-clean corners like the space between the inner and outer drums, and the base.
First, let's take a look at the inner drum of the washing machine. The inner drum is the part of the washing machine that directly contacts the clothes, making it the easiest place for dirt and bacteria to accumulate. With each wash, impurities flow into the washing machine and stick to the inner drum walls. If the inner drum is not cleaned regularly, stubborn stains can form, fostering bacteria growth.
Although detergents clean clothes, they only provide limited cleaning inside the washing machine. Over time, limescale and bacteria will gradually accumulate inside the machine. If the washing machine is not cleaned regularly, the total bacteria count inside may exceed safe levels.
Next, the lint collector in top-loading washing machines is often overlooked. Its purpose is to collect lint and impurities generated during the washing process to prevent re-soiling of clothes. However, if not cleaned regularly, the lint collector can accumulate a large amount of dirt and bacteria, becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.
Furthermore, the detergent drawer is another area prone to dirt buildup. Residual detergent and water stains in the drawer can breed bacteria. If not cleaned promptly, bacteria can enter the washing machine along with the detergent, contaminating the clothes.
Apart from these common areas, the outer wall of the inner drum also requires special attention. There is a 2-3 cm gap between the inner and outer drums of the washing machine, where the strong water flow during washing does not reach.
As a result, dirt from washing accumulates here. Failure to clean the outer wall of the inner drum for an extended period can lead to a significant buildup of dirt and bacteria, severely affecting the cleanliness and lifespan of the washing machine.
To ensure the health of ourselves and our families, regular cleaning of the washing machine is crucial. So, how can we clean the washing machine?
"Washing Machine 'Spa Treatment': Cleaning Tips to Revitalize Your Washing Machine
One way to clean your washing machine is to use the machine's self-cleaning function. Many brands now offer self-cleaning or dirt-free wash functions, which work by using high temperatures and fast spinning water flow to clean the inner and outer drums, removing dirt and bacteria.
The biggest advantage of this method is its simplicity, low cost, and decent cleaning results. According to most washing machine manuals, you just need to activate the self-cleaning mode and let the machine do its job.
Typically, the high-speed spinning of the self-cleaning mode can effectively remove residue from the drum walls, while the high temperature can kill most bacteria and microorganisms. However, this method may not completely remove limescale buildup, especially in areas with hard water.
Moreover, the high-speed spinning and heat can cause excessive foam from cleaning agents. Since there are no clothes in the machine during self-cleaning, the foam can accumulate excessively. Therefore, do not add laundry detergent or cleaning agents during the self-cleaning cycle.
If your washing machine does not have a self-cleaning function, you can manually clean it using common household materials. For the inner drum, you can use specialized washing machine cleaners, white vinegar, or baking soda for cleaning. Here are the steps:
Pour 200ml of white vinegar into a towel, place it in the washing machine, select the spin function to evenly distribute the vinegar in the machine.
Wait for 1 hour to allow the vinegar to soften stains.
Set the machine to the highest water level and add dissolved baking soda.
Let the machine run for 5 minutes, then soak for two hours before rinsing twice.
In addition to white vinegar and baking soda, there are many specialized washing machine cleaners available. These cleaners contain powerful stain removal and antibacterial ingredients for a thorough cleaning. Simply follow the instructions on the product label for best results.
Apart from cleaning the inner drum, there are other areas that require regular maintenance. Firstly, clean the detergent drawer by removing it, rinsing it with water, and drying it. Secondly, clean the lint filter in the drum of the washing machine.
Remove the lint filter, discard any lint and debris, and rinse it with water. Lastly, clean the rubber seal and drainage outlet by wiping them with a cloth dampened with diluted cleaning solution.
The drainage outlet is usually located behind a small door at the bottom right of the washing machine. Regularly open the outlet to drain any accumulated water. Additionally, after each use, remove and clean the filter to remove any trapped debris.
While these methods help maintain a clean washing machine at home, there may still be areas that are hard to reach without disassembling the machine. Gaps between the inner and outer drums, for example, are difficult to clean thoroughly without disassembly.
For most households, fully disassembling the washing machine for cleaning is impractical. In such cases, it's advisable to seek professional repair services or contact the manufacturer for a full machine cleaning service.
Professional cleaning involves specialized tools and skills to disassemble components like the drum, gasket, and base for thorough cleaning. Professional cleaners have the expertise and tools to ensure a comprehensive cleaning of the washing machine, ensuring its cleanliness and safety, while also checking its operational status for normal use.
Therefore, if possible, it's recommended to schedule a thorough machine cleaning every 3-6 months. While this may incur some cost, it ensures the cleanliness and longevity of the washing machine, prevents safety risks from improper handling, and acknowledges that professional matters are best left to professionals."
"Washing Machine 'Health Soup': Good Habits for a Clean Washing Machine
In addition to regular cleaning, it's important to cultivate good habits when using our washing machines on a daily basis. Firstly, it's best to hand wash underwear, as they may contain a higher amount of bacteria such as feces and secretions, which could contaminate the interior of the washing machine if washed directly in it.
Secondly, clothes should be promptly removed and air-dried after washing to prevent bacteria from breeding in the washing machine if left inside for a long time. Finally, after washing clothes, it's advisable to leave the door open to allow the interior to air dry naturally and reduce the chance of bacterial growth.
The washing machine is an indispensable appliance in our daily lives, providing convenience but also posing a potential hidden health threat. Therefore, it's crucial to recognize the importance of washing machine cleanliness and take appropriate measures for cleaning and maintenance.
Only by doing so can we ensure that the washing machine serves us without posing a threat to our health. Let's take action now to give our washing machines a 'refreshing' summer!"
