Does your Speed Queen washer need some care? To keep your washing machine in good shape and ensure your clothes come out fresh, it’s important to clean it regularly. Don’t worry, cleaning your Speed Queen washer doesn’t have to be complicated or take up a lot of time. In this easy-to-follow guide, we’ll demonstrate how to clean your Speed Queen washer with simplicity and efficiency.
We will discuss everything from getting your washer ready for cleaning to addressing common issues such as the detergent dispenser and drum. You’ll also learn different ways to clean your washer and helpful tips to keep it running smoothly for a long time. Let’s start by grabbing your cleaning supplies and giving your Speed Queen washer the care it deserves!
How to Clean Speed Queen Washer: Step-by-Step Guide
To clean your Speed Queen washer thoroughly, just follow these simple steps:
1. Materials You Will Need
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Mild detergent
- An old toothbrush or small brush
- Microfiber cloth
- Rubber gloves
- Towel or rag
- Water
2. Safety Measures
When you clean your Speed Queen washer, it’s important to prioritize safety. To avoid electrical accidents, always begin by unplugging the machine. This safety measure helps avoid accidental starts, keeping you safe while you work on the inside and outside of the washer.
This step is important because it reduces the risk of electrical shocks and injuries, ensuring that the cleaning process is safe for you and the appliance. It’s really important to prioritize safety when maintaining and cleaning household appliances. One basic precaution that should never be forgotten is to unplug the washer.
3. Get the Washer Ready
Before you start cleaning, make sure to prepare your Speed Queen washer. Begin by removing all the clothes from the washing machine, making sure that the drum is completely empty of any garments or other objects.
This step helps avoid any disruptions during cleaning and enables you to reach all parts of the machine for a complete clean. Also, make sure to keep the washer door fully open. It’s important to let it air out after use to prevent mold and mildew from growing in the wet, closed space.
4. Clean the Detergent Dispenser
Take out the dispensers: The dispensers in your Speed Queen washer for detergent and fabric softener can gather residue as time goes on. To clean them, carefully remove them from their slots. You can easily remove these dispensers for cleaning.
Take the dispensers that have been removed and wash them in warm water with soap. To remove any leftover residue, simply use a gentle detergent and a sponge or cloth to scrub it away. This includes any buildup from detergent and fabric softener. Make sure you clean every part of the dispensers, including the hard-to-reach areas.
After washing, make sure to rinse the dispensers well to remove any soap or detergent. Then, let them air dry. After cleaning, put them in a well-ventilated place to dry completely. Make sure they are completely dry before putting them back in the washer.
5. Clean the Drum
To clean the drum, you’ll need a vinegar solution. Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of hot water in a cup or container. This natural solution works really well to remove soap scum, mineral deposits, and mildew.
To add the solution, open the detergent dispenser and pour the vinegar solution inside. This will let the solution flow into the drum while washing.
Adjust your washer’s settings to the hottest water temperature and the largest load size. This makes sure that the vinegar solution can effectively clean the drum.
Start a wash cycle, preferably without any clothes. This will spread the vinegar solution all over the drum, effectively cleaning it. If your Speed Queen washer has a cleaning cycle option, you can use it instead.
6. Clean the Gasket and Door Seal
After you finish the first wash cycle with the vinegar solution, make sure to focus on the gasket and door seal of your Speed Queen washer. These places can get dirty and sometimes develop mold and mildew because they are often wet. To clean them, use the vinegar solution you made earlier. Dampen a soft cloth or sponge with the vinegar solution. Vinegar’s acidity helps break down residue and disinfect the area.
While cleaning, carefully examine the gasket and door seal for any visible mold or mildew. If you see any, make sure to pay extra attention to these areas. Use the vinegar solution to gently scrub away the mold or mildew. Don’t use rough materials that could harm the rubber gasket. By taking care of these areas, you can make sure your washer is clean and hygienic, and avoid any lingering unpleasant smells.
7. Clean the Drum Again
Once you’ve cleaned the gasket and door seal, it’s time to run another cleaning cycle to get rid of any leftover smells and residue from the drum. In this step, you will use baking soda, which is a natural deodorizer and cleaner. Put 1/2 cup of baking soda in the detergent dispenser of your washing machine. Baking soda can effectively freshen and clean the drum.
Remember to set your washer to the hottest water temperature and choose the largest load size. Make sure the baking soda is evenly spread and has the best opportunity to effectively clean and remove odors from the drum. Begin the washing cycle without any clothes in the drum. The baking soda will mix with the water and move around, helping to clean the drum really well.
8. Clean the Outside
After you’ve taken care of the inside parts, it’s time to clean the outside of your Speed Queen washer. To clean the outside of the machine, use a wet cloth or sponge with a gentle detergent to wipe it down. Please clean everything carefully, including control panels, knobs, and any other surfaces that might have dust or dirt on them.
By maintaining the outside of your washer, you can enhance its appearance and prevent dirt and dust from getting inside. This helps keep your machine running well and looking its best.
9. Clean the Lint Filter
It’s important to check the lint filter in your Speed Queen washer to keep it working well. The lint filter is usually found close to the drum. Start by finding and taking out the lint filter. It’s usually a small mesh or screen that catches lint and debris from your laundry.
To clean the lint filter, simply rinse it with water. This will help get rid of any lint, dust, or debris that has built up on the filter. After cleaning, ensure that it is completely dry before putting it back in its original position. To make sure your washer works well and to avoid lint on your clothes, it’s important to keep the lint filter clean and dry.
10. Clean the Dispenser Housing
The dispenser housing, where you put detergent and fabric softener, can get dirty over time. To clean this area, use an old toothbrush or a small brush. These tools work well for reaching into the small spaces of the dispenser housing.
Clean the dispenser housing by wiping it with a damp cloth after removing any residue. This step makes sure that your detergent and fabric softener are released properly every time you do laundry. A clean dispenser housing makes your washer work better and keeps your laundry clean.
11. Dry the Washer
Once you finish cleaning, make sure to let your Speed Queen washer air dry completely. To help the washer dry properly, keep the door open for a few hours. Letting the inside air out helps stop mold and mildew from growing in the wet, closed area.
To keep your flooring safe and prevent any problems with moisture, put a towel or rag under the washer’s door seal. This will collect any leftover moisture that might drip from the door seal as it dries. By following these steps, you can keep your washer clean, smelling fresh, and working well.
To keep your Speed Queen washer clean and smelling fresh, just follow these steps and do regular maintenance. This will make sure your washer keeps working well and efficiently for all your laundry needs.
Are there any Alternative Ways to Clean?
Yes, there are other ways and more tips to clean your Speed Queen washer properly.
Commercial Washer Cleaner
Commercial Cleaning products made for washers are designed specifically to clean washing machines. These products usually come in liquid or tablet form and are designed to effectively remove residue, odors, and mold. To use a commercial cleaner, just read and follow the instructions on the label. Usually, you will put the cleaner in your machine and start a designated cleaning cycle. These products are convenient and can be a good choice if you prefer a specialized solution.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice can be used instead of vinegar to clean your washer. Lemons are naturally acidic and have a nice, refreshing smell. To use lemon juice, simply squeeze the juice from one or two lemons and mix it with hot water. You can pour this lemon-water solution into the detergent dispenser instead of vinegar to clean the drum. To make sure everything is cleaned well, run a cycle with hot water. Lemon juice’s natural acidity helps remove soap scum and mineral deposits, making your washer smell fresh.
Bleach
Bleach is a strong cleaner that can kill mold, mildew, and disinfect your washer effectively. To use bleach, simply combine 1/2 cup of bleach with 1 quart of water. Be careful when using bleach because it can be tough on your machine and clothes. So, try to use it in small amounts. Put the bleach solution in the detergent dispenser and run a hot water cycle. To make sure all the bleach is gone, rinse with plain water one or more times. Some washing machine makers say not to use bleach because it might harm rubber parts. Check your user manual for advice.
Cleaning Tablets
Certain washing machine manufacturers provide special cleaning tablets or pods specifically designed for maintaining the washer. These products are usually convenient and simple to use. Please refer to the instructions provided by the manufacturer for the tablets. These instructions usually involve placing the tablet in the drum and running a designated cleaning cycle. These tablets are made to dissolve residue, get rid of odors, and help your washer work its best.
Routine Upkeep
Regular maintenance is important to keep your Speed Queen washer clean and smelling fresh. Try to run a maintenance wash every few weeks. For this cycle, simply use hot water and choose between vinegar, lemon juice, or a commercial washer cleaner to clean the drum and get rid of any buildup. Taking a proactive approach helps keep your machine clean and prevents problems with residue and odors.
Use High-Efficiency Detergent
Using the correct detergent is important for keeping your washing machine clean. Make sure to use high-efficiency (HE) detergent that is specifically made for high-efficiency washers such as Speed Queen. Using the right detergent can help avoid too much soap buildup, which can cause residue and bad smells. Make sure to use the right amount of detergent for your machine and laundry load, as recommended by the manufacturer.
Clean the Drain Pump Filter
Speed Queen washers can get clogged with lint, coins, and other debris in their drain pump filter over time. If the filter gets blocked, it can cause problems with draining and create bad smells. To avoid issues, make sure to regularly inspect and clean the filter. Please refer to your user manual for instructions on how to access and clean the filter. Keeping the filter clean helps water drain properly and keeps the washer clean.
Regular Wipe Downs
After you finish doing laundry, take a few moments to clean the inside of your Speed Queen washer. To clean the drum, door seal, and other surfaces inside the machine, simply use a cloth or sponge. Doing this one simple step helps stop residue from building up and keeps the inside clean and hygienic. It’s a simple task that you can easily add to your regular laundry routine.
When you’re picking a different way to clean your Speed Queen washer, think about what you like, what your machine needs, and any suggestions in the user manual. To keep your washer in great shape and get consistently clean laundry, just make sure to do regular maintenance and cleaning.
