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