How to Flush Your Washing Machine for Improved Performance

Your washing machine works hard to keep your clothes clean, but it also needs regular cleaning to perform its best. Over time, detergent residue, hard water minerals, dirt, mold, and mildew can build up inside the machine. This buildup can lead to bad smells, reduced cleaning performance, and extra wear on important parts.

Learning how to clean a washing machine is a simple way to help it run more efficiently, stay cleaner, and last longer. Along with cleaning the machine itself, it’s also important to keep an eye on the plumbing connections that support it, including the washing machine hose, washing machine valve, and washing machine drain.

How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?

Most manufacturers recommend cleaning your washing machine about once a month. Regular cleaning helps remove detergent residue, mineral deposits, and moisture that can lead to mold and mildew.

If you wash several loads each week, have a large family, or use your washer frequently for heavily soiled clothing, cleaning it every few weeks may be even better. Sticking to a routine can help keep your washer working efficiently and prevent buildup from becoming a bigger problem.

Why Regular Washing Machine Cleaning Matters

Cleaning your washing machine does more than make it smell better. It can also help it work more efficiently and last longer.

Regular cleaning can help:

• Prevent bad odors caused by mold, mildew, and detergent buildup.
• Help your clothes come out cleaner.
• Reduce wear on important parts inside the machine.
• Help you spot plumbing problems before they cause leaks or water damage.

Cleaning the washer is important, but checking the plumbing around it matters too. Catching small problems early can help you avoid bigger repairs later.

How to Clean a Washing Machine

Cleaning your washing machine doesn’t take long and can help keep it working properly.

Empty the Machine

Take out all clothing and remove any detergent pods or laundry products. Check inside the drum for lint, coins, or other small items before you start.

Run a Hot Cleaning Cycle

Use a washing machine cleaner or a cleaning product recommended by the manufacturer. Run the hottest and longest cycle available to help remove buildup inside the machine. Newer washing machines have a clean cycle available.

Clean the Drum, Dispenser, and Door Seal

After the cycle is finished, wipe down the inside of the drum, the detergent dispenser, and other areas where residue tends to collect. If you have a front-loading washer, clean the rubber door seal carefully, as mold and mildew often build up there.

Rinse Remaining Residue

If needed, run another rinse cycle to wash away any cleaner or leftover buildup. This helps leave the washer clean and ready for your next load of laundry.

Professional Plumbing Maintenance for Your Washing Machine

Cleaning your washer is only part of keeping it in good shape. A plumber can also inspect the plumbing that supplies water to the machine and carries wastewater away.

Inspect the Washing Machine Hose

A plumber will check each washing machine hose for cracks, bulges, loose connections, corrosion, or signs of wear. A damaged hose can burst without warning and cause major water damage.

Check the Washing Machine Valve

The washing machine valve controls the water going into your washer. A plumber will ensure the shut-off valves open and close properly and check for leaks, corrosion, or worn parts.

Examine the Washing Machine Drain

The washing machine drain should carry wastewater away quickly. A plumber can check for slow drains, clogs, or standing water that may point to a blockage. Fixing these problems early can help prevent backups and keep your washer working properly.

If you notice slow draining, leaks, or water backing up around your washer, it’s a good idea to have the plumbing inspected. Apex Pros help identify the cause of the issue and provide drain repair before the problem becomes more expensive.

Sign Up for the Care Bear Club

Regular maintenance helps protect both your washing machine and the plumbing connected to it. Apex Pros offers the Care Bear Club to help homeowners catch small plumbing problems before they turn into costly repairs.

As part of the program, technicians inspect washing machine connections, supply lines, shut-off valves, drains, and other important plumbing components.

Members also receive additional preventative plumbing maintenance, including:

• Main water line inspection
• Faucet, shower, and toilet inspections
• Garbage disposal inspection
• Dishwasher connection inspection
• Water heater flushes

These tasks help keep their home’s plumbing system working properly throughout the year.

Trust Apex Pros for Plumbing Maintenance in Dayton and Columbus, OH

Apex Pros is built on trust, service, and community. With flat-rate pricing, a 5-star satisfaction guarantee, and more than 10,000 five-star Google reviews, you can count on our skilled team for dependable plumbing service.

If you need your washing machine plumbing checked and want ongoing maintenance through the Care Bear Club, Apex Pros is ready to help protect your home from plumbing problems and water damage.

Join the Care Bear Club today to help keep your washing machine and your home’s plumbing working their best.