Washing machines are great in that they take the hard work out of washing clothes, but when it comes time to clean them, you may wonder how to flush a washing machine. For those who don’t know, “flushing” a washing machine is the process of removing all that detergent and dirt from your washing machine. This will ensure your washing machine works like new.
Why Flush a Washing Machine?
There are several reasons you may need to flush a washing machine.
First, if your washing machine has begun making noises that it didn’t make before, the fix is flushing and cleaning the washer. This will eliminate any dirt or grime inside and should stop those pesky new sounds coming from your old friend.
Second, every washing machine needs to be flushed and cleaned regularly if you want it to last. Neglecting this important task can lead to a build-up of detergent, dirt, and other nasty things that eventually cause your washer to break down.
Signs Your Washing Machine Needs Flushing
If you have any of the following signs, you may need to flush your washing machine:
- Clothes come out dirty or with a bad smell after washing them
- Sudden appearance of water on the floor around your washer and not from an exterior drain (if it’s in a basement) or next to the machine near other appliances
- ashing machine sounds much louder than before
- Rubber seal around your washer is cracked or broken
If you have any of these signs, it’s time to call a plumber and make sure that everything with your home’s plumbing system is okay. They will be able to help flush the old grime from your washer and get it back to its old self in no time.
Items Needed to Flush a Washing Machine
You will need the following items to flush and clean your washing machine properly:
- Bucket /Hosepipe or container big enough to hold water
- Vinegar
- Liquid soap
- Old toothbrush (or other small brush)
How to Flush a Washing Machine
Now that you know why you should flush a washing machine let’s move on to how.
Step 1
First, you will need a hose that can reach from your washing machine drain into either an exterior drain or floor drain. If you do not have this already set up in your laundry room, now is the time to grab one. Make sure you also buy some sort of liquid cleaner for your washing machine. You can use a product like CLR or some other similar cleaner, but make sure it has no bleach in it. Bleach will damage the rubber seal on your washer and is not good for anyone involved.
Step 2
Second, turn off all water inside your house before you begin this process since you are about to introduce several gallons of water into your home’s plumbing system.
Step 3
Next, connect the hose to the drain in your washing machine and run it outside or down to a floor drain. Next, turn on one hot water faucet inside your house (just not the washer itself) so that you don’t create air pockets when introducing all this new water into your system.
Step 4
Now, slowly pour the cleaner into the washer’s drain opening until it is full. Let the machine run for a few minutes, then turn off the faucet. Allow all this dirty water to flow out and down the hose to your exterior or floor drain. Once everything has drained, disconnect the hose from your washing machine and the exterior drain.
Step 5
Now, it’s time to run a normal cycle with nothing but water in your washer. You can then place clean clothes into this freshly cleaned washing machine or repeat if necessary until all of that nasty soap is flushed out. Once you have achieved success, pat yourself on the back for being proactive with maintaining your appliances.
Is the Flushing Procedure Standard for Both Top-Loaders and Front-Loaders?
Yes, this flushing process is the same for top-loaders and front loaders. Both types of washers use the same plumbing system to introduce water into their inner systems.
How Often Should You Flush a Washing Machine?
Now that you know how to flush a washing machine, it’s important to understand how often you should do this task.
Ideally, it would be best to flush your washing machine every month or two to keep it clean and running like new. However, if you notice that your washer is beginning to smell or isn’t cleaning clothes as it should, try flushing and cleaning the washer every two weeks.
Benefits of Flushing a Washing Machine
Now that you know how and why to flush a washing machine, it’s important to understand the benefits of doing so. Some key benefits of flushing a washing machine include:
Well-Maintained Washer
Your washing machine will be easier to clean in between loads. It will also have a long life span since it is well taken care of.
Clean Clothes and a Clean Washer
Unwashed soap left in or around your washing machine can damage the rubber seal, leading to mold and mildew growth. By regularly flushing your machine, you can avoid this issue and keep your clothes smelling and looking great.
Less Wear and Tear on Your Washing Machine
The more regularly you flush your washing machine, the less work it has to do to clean clothes. This means that your washer won’t have to work as hard, which will lead to less wear and tear.
Improved Washing Machine Performance
Your clothes will begin smelling better and be cleaner overall when washed in a fresh, clean washer. The same goes for the washing machine itself, which will also begin smelling better.
Warranty Eligibility
If you have recently bought or are about to buy new appliances, they likely come with warranties that can be voided if not regularly maintained and flushed out by yourself or an appliance technician. Flushing your washing machine is a key part of regular maintenance and should be done every few months or so to ensure its longevity.
Reducing the Risk of Mold and Mildew Growth
Leftover soap and dirt can create an ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow. By regularly flushing your washing machine, you can help prevent this from happening and keep your home healthy.
Washing machines need regular maintenance, just like every other appliance in our homes. By flushing your washing machine at least once or twice a year, you can help ensure that it lasts for many years and your clothes smell fresh after each wash. Plus, this is a great time to check out your rubber seal for any cracks or damages.
Now that you know how to flush a washing machine, hopefully, this will save you money and frustration down the road. If your machine starts making new noises or smells funky, give our team at Environmental Heating & Air Solutions a call for professional service. We are specialists in heating, cooling and water heater services located in Roseville, CA, serving residents of Northern California. We are your reliable heating and cooling partner. Call us today!
