Top 5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Washing Machine.
Your washing machine is one of the hardest working appliances in your home. But here’s the truth: most people clean it the wrong way. The internet is full of quick fixes and “hacks” that promise results—but if you blindly follow them, you could be doing more damage than good. Don’t risk shortening the life of your washer or dealing with constant odors. Here are the top 5 costly washing machine cleaning mistakes you must avoid.
1. Relying Only on Vinegar or Baking Soda
The internet is full of cleaning hacks with vinegar and baking soda. Many people even swear by it as the “best and natural” way to clean a washing machine. And yes—it sounds cheap, simple, and safe. But here’s the reality:
- Vinegar is acidic and over time, it can dry out rubber seals and gaskets, causing leaks.
- Baking soda doesn’t fully dissolve and often leaves behind chalky residue that builds up instead of washing away.
- Neither option is strong enough to handle tough detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, or hidden bacteria in hoses and filters.
What feels like a “natural clean” may actually be setting your washer up for failure. If you’ve been doing this, it’s time to switch to a solution designed for washers—before you damage the very parts that keep your machine running.
2. Waiting Until It Smells
A common mistake is waiting until the washer develops a strong, musty odor before doing anything. By then, the damage is already underway. The smell is just the symptom—it means mold, bacteria, and detergent sludge have already spread into hidden areas like the hoses, filters, and drum.
Ignoring routine cleaning until the odor hits can lead to expensive repairs or even replacement parts. Remember, by the time you can smell it, it’s too late for a quick fix—you’ll need multiple deep cleans just to recover. Consistent monthly cleaning prevents this snowball effect.
3. Forgetting the Filter and Gasket
Most people proudly say, “I run a drum clean cycle, so my washer is fine.” But here’s the trap: the real culprits are often the filter and gasket. These areas are out of sight, so they’re easy to overlook.
The filter traps lint, pet hair, and leftover detergent that slowly rot inside. The rubber gasket around the door collects water and fabric fibers, creating the perfect damp environment for mold. If these aren’t cleaned regularly, you’ll still experience smelly laundry, slimy buildup, and even water leaks— no matter how often you clean the drum.
Think of it this way: wiping the outside while ignoring the hidden parts is like brushing your teeth but never flossing—you’re leaving bacteria behind where it matters most.
4. Using Too Much Detergent
It feels natural to believe that “more detergent = cleaner clothes.” Unfortunately, this is one of the biggest hidden mistakes that makes washers dirtier faster. Here’s why:
- Excess detergent doesn’t fully rinse out—it clings to the drum, hoses, and filter.
- This sticky layer traps lint and bacteria, turning into a breeding ground for odor.
- It forces your machine to work harder, sometimes leading to longer cycles and poor rinsing.
Over time, too much detergent is like pouring glue into your washer—it piles up silently until you start noticing musty smells and detergent streaks on clothes. The fix is simple: use only the recommended amount and let a proper washer cleaner tablet clear out the residue.
5. Skipping Regular Cleaning Cycles
The biggest mistake of all is assuming your washer can “self-clean” and skipping regular maintenance. The truth? Even the most advanced machines aren’t immune to buildup. Experts recommend running a cleaning cycle every 30 days.
Skipping this schedule means residue compounds faster, and by the time you notice cloudy glass, slimy gaskets, or longer wash times, the buildup is already severe. Waiting months between cleans is like never changing the oil in your car— it will run for a while, but the damage is happening underneath.
Stay ahead of the problem: monthly cleaning ensures your washer runs like new, clothes come out fresh, and you avoid costly service calls.
Final Word: Stop Making These Mistakes
If you’ve been guilty of any of these mistakes, you’re not alone—most people are. But now that you know, you can protect your washer, extend its lifespan, and enjoy truly fresh laundry again. 🚀
✨ Our Recommendation
The easiest way to avoid these mistakes is to use a cleaner made specifically for washing machines. Reliqu Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets are safe for HE front-load and top-load washers, pre-measured for convenience, and tough on residue and odor. Just drop two tablets in the drum, run your longest cycle, and your washer gets a deep clean—without the risks of DIY hacks or overuse of detergent. 🌟
Don’t wait until your washer smells or breaks down. Start today, avoid these costly mistakes, and keep your laundry routine stress-free.
Related Post
- Now that you know what not to do, here’s the simple routine for using washing machine cleaner tablets for best results.