Clean washing machine - top tips for getting rid of bacteria
WASHING machines should leave clothes clean and smelling fresh but could leave them in a more unpleasant state without regular maintenance. Express.co.uk has compiled top tips for getting rid of washing machine bacteria.
Mrs Hinch demonstrates how to clean washing machine draw
Washing machines have attained a greater importance in the age of Covid-19, as those still out and about need to extract potential tracees of the virus from their clothing. Many people will need to ensure they wash clothes worn outside at the right temperature and cycle to eradicate the virus. But they will also want to make sure they keep the machine itself clean.
How to get rid of washing machine bacteria
Washing machines treated improperly will stop producing clean and fresh smelling clothes.
The primary cause of this is moisture left to build up inside, which produces bacteria.
People will encounter bacteria more often with energy-efficient washing machine units.
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They wash clothes at a lower temperature and allow the organisms to thrive.
Traditional washing machines destroy bacteria with higher heat, which makes the inside of the drum inhospitable.
While the bacteria often produce a foul odour, this doesn't commonly cause severe illness.
Dealing with it, thankfully, is a relatively straightforward task.
Several companies make purpose-built washing machine cleaners, which experts suggest they use at least once every two months.
Some washers also have a "sanitise" setting which raises temperatures to cleanse bacteria between cycles.
Otherwise, people can choose to wipe down the interior themselves.
Washing machines have several crevices where bacteria like to grow.
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Experts have identified the following locations as bacteria breeding grounds:
- Detergent drawers
- Rubber seals
- The washing drum
Experts recommend washing the washer or seals with a 10 percent bleach solution.
According to Hilary Metcalf, an infection preventionist at Mission Hospital in Orange County, California, choosing the right washing cycle can also reduce germ exposure.
She told Healthline: “It might seem counterintuitive, but washing your washing machine once a month can significantly reduce you and your family’s exposure to germs and infections.
Dr Metcalf added: “Normal home laundering will adequately remove normal levels of soil.
"However, if contaminated with blood or bodily fluids, the laundering process should be enhanced with disinfecting solutions such as hydrogen peroxide, bleach, or Borax, and in water that’s at least 160F (71C)."