Don't you clean your washing machine regularly? There's a good reason to start -- CNET

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You probably wash your clothes, towels, and linens regularly, if not weekly. But how often do you clean the washing machine? If your answer is never, then I'm here to tell you there's a very good reason to start.

Your washing machine could harbor mold, making your machine dirty and leaving your clothes smelling fresh. Your washing machine needs a thorough cleaning on a regular basis, especially if your clothes smell like sulphur. The good news is that if you already have mold in your washing machine, you can remove it and prevent it from appearing again.

I'll tell you how to make your laundry and washing machine smell fresh and clean again and how to keep bad smells away in the future. I'll also show you how to spot nasty dirt, get rid of it, and keep bacteria away forever. (We also have plenty of other tips on how to remove pet stains from carpets , how to remove makeup stains from bedding, and how to clean your mattress .)

Also Read: Wash Your Clothes This Way and Save Money on Your Energy Bill

Leave the lid open when not doing laundry

Mold thrives in dark, damp areas, which is what your washing machine turns into after you unload your clothes. Leaving the lid closed traps moisture, which can lead to bacterial growth and odor. Instead, leave the door open to ventilate the washing machine and prevent mold from forming in the first place.

Remove contaminated clothing immediately

If you're planning on throwing out a load of laundry, make sure you're home to remove the laundry when the timer goes off. That means not turning on the washing machine before going to work or going to bed. This not only prevents mold from forming in the washing machine, but also mold on clean clothes.

Dry stamps and wet parts after each use

When you are done with the washing machine for the day, wipe down all wet parts of the washing machine. This includes the lid, drum, door, rubber seals and detergent drawer (if your machine has this feature). Keep an old towel handy for this purpose.

Be sure to dry the seams with the rest of your washing machine to avoid leaving moisture behind. And while mold growth can occur in any washing machine, it's particularly common in high-efficiency (or HE) front-load washing machines. Therefore, you should wash the seals around the door regularly and keep them dry. The seals keep water from leaking around the door and also seal out moisture that can encourage mold growth. You should also immediately remove any pet hair, crumpled paper, or other debris from the washing machine.

Read more : How to buy a washing machine

Need to hand wash your clothes? Here's how to do it right

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Use only HE powder detergent in an HE machine

Liquid detergents can leave residue in your washing machine and provide a source of food for mold. So if you have an HE washing machine, the first thing you need to make sure is that you are using a detergent that is specially made for this type of washing machine and produces less foam. (Look for the letters HE on the soap container.) Better yet, skip the liquid detergent and switch to powder detergent or capsules. And whatever you choose, make sure you only use the amount needed to wash your clothes. If you use too much, your clothes may have odors and residue.

If you are using an HE washing machine, it is best to use a detergent suitable for HE washing machines.

Taylor Martin/CNET

The best way to kill mold and bacteria.

If you have mold in your washing machine, do the following:

1 . Start by putting on gloves and grab an old towel you don't mind.

2 . Mix a solution of bleach and hot water OR vinegar and hot water. Never mix bleach and vinegar as this creates chlorine gas which can be harmful to you.

3 . Dip the towel in the mixture and begin scrubbing off any visible mold. Be careful to hit the detergent drawer and around the seals.

4 . If there is a seal around the door (front-loading washers do), thoroughly clean and dry it, including any creases.

5 . Run a wash on the hottest setting on your machine with a cup of bleach or vinegar. (Not both!) If you use bleach, pour it into the bleach compartment. If using vinegar, pour it into the detergent slot. If your machine has a self-clean cycle, you can use this setting. This should remove any hidden mold that you may have overlooked.

6 Then use another old towel and wipe all the moisture out of your washing machine. This includes the drum, manifolds, seals and any other area you can get to.

7 . Finally, leave the door of your washing machine open to allow air to circulate and any forgotten items to dry. Doing this monthly will prevent mold growth.

Once you've cleaned your washing machine, it's time to move on to the rest of your home. Start in the bathroom: Here's a simple, science-backed, hour-long trick to unclog your showerhead , and here's how to unclog a toilet without a plunger .

More cleaning tips and tricks for your home

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