Sunday, May 05, 2013

Keep it simple, make it work #3.1 The washing machine


A step by step project to declutter and organize your home spaces to make every day life easier.

This month we are working on the laundry and this week on the washing machine because as it takes the dirt out of our clothes, a bit stays in the machine itself. Think lint. Yups, lots of fluffy bits.


Day 1: the top of the washing machine. Get everything off the top of the washing machine. Consider each element. Does it belong there? Clean it and place it back. Does it belong somewhere else? Find a new home for it or get rid of it (Throw away or give away).

Day 2: the exterior of the washing machine. Clean it with a cloth and household all purpose cleaner. Keep an eye on nooks and crannies. Don´t forget the knobs.  

Day 3: the door. Check the hinges for washing machine gunk (I like using technical terms, lol!). Scrub around the edge of the lid/door with vinegar to remove mildew and detergent build up.

Day 4: the interior of the washing machine. The best advice I found on this was from Jillee who wrote:

  • If your machine has built-in dispensers, clean those too. I was fairly shocked at how grimy mine were! The fabric softener dispenser was all slimy feeling…and the bleach dispenser was just plain icky! If your dispensers aren’t removable, warm 1 cup of white vinegar in the microwave or in a small saucepan. Pour it into the dispenser and allow it to sit for a few minutes to loosen any build up.
  • After an hour, run the longest wash and spin cycle again.


Day 5: clean the filter. Read your machine´s manual for the instructions on how to find and clean your filter.

Day 6: lists day. Get your To Do list into a schedule. Things in your app diary tend to be done more than those in little scraps of paper.
Day 7: enjoy your day off!

You don´t need to clean your washing machine after each load but taking care of it will make its life span longer and your clothes will be cleaner.
For a full "how to" post you can read this one by Regina Yunghans.


The project´s summary:
9 months to streamline your home spaces and systems
3 months for the practical spaces: kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room
3 months for the shared areas: entry hall, living room, dining room
3 months for the personal spaces: bedrooms, office, hobbies room
1 big task each week illustrated with my own pictures and daily {gentle} reminders, tips and cheering at my Facebook page. Like it to be able to receive them every day and record your progress with a friendly crew!

4 comments:

misteejay said...

One of the reasons I don't use my dispenser is the gunkiness that occurs. I only use liquids that can be placed in the drum with the washing.

Toni xx

Nikki@Wonderfully Women said...

Bicarb Soda and vinegar together makes a great washing machine cleaner, and mine is due now, must do that!

Bonnie Gean said...

Hey Paula,

When you're done cleaning your washing machine and laundry room - would you like to come do mine? :)

surmawala.pk said...

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