Stop Ruining Your Clothes: How to Deep Clean Your Washer and Dryer

It seems counterintuitive, but the machines we use to clean our clothes are often the dirtiest appliances in the house. A neglected washing machine will breed mold and transfer a foul, mildewy odor to your expensive garments, while a clogged dryer is not only inefficient but is also one of the leading causes of house fires in the United States. Taking an hour to deep clean your laundry appliances will extend their lifespan, lower your energy bills, and keep your clothes smelling incredibly fresh.

[1. The Front-Load Washer: Defeating the "Swamp Smell"] Front-loading washers are famous for developing a terrible smell because water pools in the heavy rubber door gasket.

• The Gasket Clean: Peel back the layers of the thick rubber gasket around the door. You will likely find hair, lint, and black sludge. Spray it heavily with white vinegar and wipe it out with a designated microfiber cloth.

• The Filter Check: Look at the bottom front of your washer for a small access door. This hides the drain pump filter. Place a shallow towel down, open it, drain the stagnant water, and remove the coins, hair pins, and lint trapped in the filter.

• The Tub Clean: Put two cups of white vinegar in the detergent dispenser and run the machine on the hottest, longest cycle (or the "Tub Clean" cycle if it has one). Leave the door wide open afterward to dry.

[2. The Dryer: Preventing a Fire Hazard] Cleaning the lint screen after every load is not enough. Lint bypasses the screen and builds up deep inside the exhaust pipe.

• The Deep Vacuum: Unplug the dryer. Remove the lint screen and use a flexible vacuum crevice tool to suck out the massive clumps of lint trapped in the chute below the screen.

• The Exhaust Vent: Pull the dryer away from the wall and disconnect the foil exhaust pipe. Vacuum inside the pipe and the hole leading to the outside of your house. A clear pipe means your clothes will dry twice as fast, saving you significant money on your electricity bill.

[3. The Detergent Dispenser Drawer] Pull the detergent drawer completely out of the washing machine (there is usually a tab to press down). Take it to the sink and scrub away the crusted, hardened blue detergent and fabric softener residue using a small detailing brush and hot water.