A washing machine is one of the most important appliances in any household. It is used on a daily basis to keep our clothes clean and fresh. However, as much as we rely on our washing machines, we often neglect to clean them. Over time, the buildup of dirt, detergent, and other debris can cause your washing machine to become less efficient and even leave your clothes smelling bad.
Why is it important to clean your washing machine?
Cleaning your washing machine is crucial in order to maintain its efficiency and prolong its lifespan. A dirty washing machine can lead to a number of issues, such as:
Bad odors: The buildup of dirt and detergent can lead to a musty smell in your washing machine, which can be transferred to your clothes.
Reduced efficiency: The buildup of dirt and debris can clog the hoses and other parts of your washing machine, making it less efficient and causing it to use more energy and water.
Stains on clothes: The buildup of dirt and detergent can cause stains on your clothes, which can be difficult to remove.
How often should you clean your washing machine?
It is recommended to clean your washing machine once a month. This will help prevent the buildup of dirt and debris, and ensure that your washing machine continues to work efficiently.
How to clean your washing machine
Here are a few steps to follow when cleaning your washing machine:
Step 1: Empty the washing machine
Before cleaning your washing machine, make sure to empty it of any dirty laundry and unplug it.
Step 2: Clean the drum
The drum of your washing machine is where the dirt and debris can accumulate. To clean the drum, fill the washing machine with hot water on the highest level and add 2 cups of white vinegar. Allow the washing machine to run for a few minutes before turning it off. Let the solution sit for about an hour. After an hour, run the washing machine on a full cycle.
Step 3: Clean the dispensers
The dispensers for detergent and fabric softener can also become clogged with debris. Remove the dispensers and clean them with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent. Rinse them thoroughly and put them back in place.
Step 4: Clean the hoses
The hoses of your washing machine can also become clogged with debris. To clean the hoses, turn off the water supply and detach the hoses from the washing machine. Clean the hoses with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent. Rinse them thoroughly and reattach them to the washing machine.
Step 5: Clean the exterior
Wipe down the exterior of your washing machine with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent. Be sure to pay attention to the knobs and buttons, as they can also become dirty.
Conclusion
Cleaning your washing machine is an important task that should be done regularly in order to maintain its efficiency and prolong its lifespan. By following these simple steps, you can keep your washing machine clean and ensure that your clothes come out smelling fresh and clean. Remember to schedule this task at least once a month, and don’t forget to pay attention to all the parts of the washing machine, including the drum, dispensers, hoses and exterior. And, most importantly, always make sure to unplug the washing machine before cleaning.
When it comes to your furniture, nothing can be more devastating then watching spill after spill leave stain after stain. Leather furniture can be quite expensive, and the last thing that you’ll ever want is a stubborn stain that just can’t come out. Taking good care of your leather furniture means removing stains quickly, before they have enough time to really settle into the fibers and leave a lasting mark, and here at Long Island Maids, we want to help you learn just how to remove stains from your leather furniture.
Before we begin, remember that spills, marks, and stains are inevitable! We live with – and on – our furniture, and accidents are bound to happen! With that said, knowing the right steps to remove stains from leather furniture will be your saving grace!
Always Keep Leather Primer Handy
It’s important to remember that not all leather is created equally – in that there are different types of leather, and each piece of leather furniture you own might be made up of a different type of leather. For instance, there is semi-aniline leather, or pigmented leather – and there is also aniline leather, too.
Prime your leather furniture for cleaning with a non-ammonia or non-alkaline leather primer to ensure that the fibers are prepped for cleaning. Just a few dabs will do.
Basic Cleaning Supplies
Next, you’ll want to grab some basic cleaning supplies. Make sure that you have a nice-sized container of distilled water, along with some white microfiber cloths – the softer the better, some mild non-detergent soap, and a non-ammonia or non-alkaline leather cleaner. All you really need to remove stains from leather furniture are a few trusty and reliable products – this isn’t about reinventing the wheel, it’s just about having the right tools by your side.
Cleaning Protected & Non-Protected Leather Is A Different Process
Again, not all leather furniture is created equal! Cleaning aniline – or non-protected leather – is a different process than cleaning protected leather like pigmented or semi-aniline leather. Analine leather does not contain a protective layer over its surface, which means it looks and feels much softer – which might appeal to the interior designer in you, but it’s surely not the most durable surface, especially when it comes to stains.
Because of this, you should be able to find some information on how to clean your aniline leather sofa in your manufacturer’s manual, guide, or website. From there, follow their recommendations and be sure to use the right types of products.
On the other hand, cleaning semi-aniline and pigmented leather furniture isn’t nearly as intensive. In fact, it’s quite simple! All you have to do is dampen that white microfiber cloth that you grabbed earlier with some of the distilled water that you have handy. Dab the spot and let it air dry – this is your first course of action.
If the stain remains after it finishes drying, it’s time to take things up a notch. Now, mix a little bit of that mild non-detergent soap with some lukewarm distilled water. Dab the spot with your microfiber cloth again, but then dry it with a different cloth.
That should do the trick! That is, unless the stain that you’re battling is an oil-based stain. In this case, you’ll want to begin with dabbing the stain itself dry with your white microfiber cloth. From there, sprinkle a little bit of baking soda on the area and leave it for a couple of hours. After a few hours go by, return back to it, wipe off the baking soda, and see your stain magically disappear.
And with that, you now know just how to clean stains from leather furniture! And as always, give Long Island Maids a call, and our team can come and pay you a visit to give you a hand.
Keywords: Leather Furniture, Clean Leather, Furniture, Remove Stains From Leather Furniture, How To Remove Stains From Leather Furniture, Long Island, Long Island Maids.
