| Is cleaning your washing machine important? | | | | receptacle and soak it in hot water and |
| It certainly is! The inside of your washing | | | | detergent. Clean the bleach dispenser with a |
| machine is constantly being subjected to | | | | spray cleaner and paper towels and Q-tips. |
| dirty water, mineral deposits, detergent | | | | Don't forget to clean the top rim of the wash |
| deposits, and if you launder cloth diapers it | | | | bucket as it is up and under where it can't |
| is especially important to keep your machine | | | | usually be seen easily and becomes dirty. Run |
| clean and in tip-top condition. Much like | | | | the washer empty on a hot cycle one more |
| dishwashers, sinks and bathtubs get dirty | | | | time. |
| even though they are meant to clean things, | | | | |
| your washing machine can become a mess in no | | | | While this is going on you check all your |
| time. Though, most dirt and soil is washed | | | | hoses for leaks. Over time, the water hoses |
| out with the water, dirt, soap residue and | | | | that came with your washing machine may leak |
| other unidentifiable grungy objects can be | | | | or burst. It's a good preventive maintenance |
| left behind and you actually have to get rid | | | | practice to check these hoses from time to |
| of this dirt yourself. Every time you wash | | | | time for any sign of wear or weakness. Most |
| your clothes, hard water and detergents cause | | | | manufacturers recommend replacing the hoses |
| build up to accumulate also, inside the tub, | | | | every 5 years. Make sure your hoses are not a |
| pump and hoses. This build-up reduces the | | | | disaster waiting to occur! |
| ability of your washing machine to perform | | | | |
| and mineral build-up can be abrasive to your | | | | Once you've soaked the fabric softener |
| cloths and diapers you are washing, causing | | | | receptacle, replace it and polish up the |
| them to wear faster. Cleaning your washing | | | | outside of your washing machine with vinegar |
| machine eliminates these problems. | | | | and a cloth towel. Your washing machine now |
| | | | looks better and will run better as well! |
| First, run a cycle of hot water along with | | | | |
| two cups of vinegar or lemon juice to loosen | | | | Happy washing! |
| up soap and grime. Remove the fabric softener | | | | |