Sanitizing a washing machine and dryer can also be part of yourdeep cleaning routine.

How Often Should You Sanitize Your Washer and Dryer?

Cleaning your dryer is vital because it’s a safety issue.

person loading a washer

The Spruce / Michele Lee

Set the Washer Water Temperature

Set the water temperature for the washer to the hottest setting.

Be sure the washer is empty.

Do not add any clothes.

materials for disinfecting a washer and dryer

The Spruce / Michele Lee

Set the Washer Cycle

Set the washer to a full cycle with hot water rinse if available.

Allow it to run through the entire cycle.

Scrub the Interior Components

When the cycle is complete, inspect the interior of the washer.

setting the water temperature

The Spruce / Michele Lee

Also, check any detergent or fabric softener dispensers.

Mix a solution of 1/4 cup chlorine bleach and 1 quart of water.

Dip a cloth or soft-bristled brush in thesolution, and scrub these areas to remove any buildup.

adding bleach to the washer

The Spruce / Michele Lee

Rinse with clean water, and dry with a soft cloth.

Choose one method of cleaning and disinfecting a washer and dryer.

Never mix cleaning chemicals.

setting the washer cycle

The Spruce / Michele Lee

If you have a mold issue, chlorine bleach may be better.

Add the bleach directly to the drum or to the water in atop-load washerand the dispensers of afront-load machine.

Appliance and Electrical Fire Safety.U.S.

disinfecting the interior components

The Spruce / Michele Lee

Bockmuhl, Dirk P., et al.Laundry and Textile Hygiene in Healthcare and Beyond.Microbial Cell, vol.

7, July 2019, pp.

  1. doi:10.15698/mic2019.07.682

Selection and Use of Home Cleaning Products.

setting the rinse cycle

The Spruce / Michele Lee

New Mexico State University.

Stanford University Environmental Health & Safety.

Iowa State University Extension.

cleaning the exterior of the washer

The Spruce / Michele Lee