Clothes washer technology developed as a way to reduce the backbreaking task of beating, scrubbing and rubbing clothes on an aged old washboard. The earliest machines were hand-operated, as electricity was not commonly available until at least 1930. Thanks to great advances in technology – fully electric washing machines soared and can now be found in most homes these days. It simply makes life so much easier! However, in order for a washing machine to continue to keep getting our clothes clean, it needs to be kept clean itself. It’s important that you keep your washer in top shape. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

When a cycle’s finished, remove the load promptly. This will prevent a musty smell from developing in the washtub and then being transferred to your clothes and linens. It’s no use putting in a load only to leave it there for hours.

After each use, lift the lid or keep the door slightly ajar to allow air to circulate and dry out any remaining moisture. Don’t forget to remove any water or fabric softener gunk from the dispenser areas. For help on how to clean them out, refer to your washer’s manual.

Running a monthly cleaning cycle can eliminate any odours that do develop. Many newer models have a special washer cleaning cycle. If yours doesn’t, add liquid chlorine bleach to the dispenser and run a normal cycle with hot water. A little vinegar is good too. If you have a front-loader, be sure to wipe the rubber cap.

If you have a pet that sheds in the house, there’s no way around it. You’re going to find pet hair in your washer after running several loads. The easiest way to remove it is to leave the washer door open until the pet hair and drum are thoroughly dry. Use a vacuum to pull out the pet hair.

There is a hidden spot in your washing machine that you may have never thought to clean before — the inlet hose filters. You’ll find them inside the water inlet connections. Their purpose is to keep minerals and debris in your water from getting inside the washer. And when they’re clogged, water won’t flow adequately into the machine for a wash cycle.

Don’t forget to clean the exterior of your washer too. Use a soft damp cloth to wipe up spills and never use an abrasive cleanser or solvent that can scratch and damage the surface.