We use washing machines on a regular basis but if the inside of your washer is not clean then your clothes won’t come out clean either. Cleaning the washer drum will help keep it running effectively and efficiently.

It’s a misconception that a washing machine doesn’t need to be cleaned because it is regularly filled with soapy water so the appliance “cleans itself”. The warm, damp environment of washing machines is actually the perfect place for mould and mildew growth. This guide will help you keep your Fischer and Paykel front and top loader machines in great condition.

How to Clean a Fisher & Paykel Top Loader Washing Machine

Caring for your top loading washer helps ensure it continues to clean and care for your garments as it should. It’s surprisingly quick and easy to get the washer door, drawer and drum clean. It’s particularly straightforward on Fisher & Paykel machines as they usually have a built-in bowl clean cycle.

Lint Removal

Before you start cleaning the inside of your washer, check the lint disposal system. If your washer is a CleanSmart model then it has a self cleaning lint disposal. This means you don’t need to worry about removing lint as the washer separates lint from water automatically during the wash cycles.

Step 1

When it comes to cleaning your washer on the inside, first use the bowl clean cycle (if your washer has a clean cycle the symbol will light up every 100 uses). Before you start the cycle put 2 scoops of powdered detergent into the centre of the agitator. You can now run this cycle to give the bowl a routine clean.

Step 2

After the bowl cycle is complete, turn the washer power off and turn off the taps to reduce the chance of flooding if there is a hose burst. You can now clean the inside of the washer safely. You can now check the bowl and give it a wipe dry, looking out for any areas requiring an extra wash.

Step 3

With the bowl now clean and dry, you can move on to the rest of the washer. The detergent drawer can simply be opened and wiped clean, removing any gunk or residue. The dispenser compartments are often not fully removable on the top loader models but you can remove the top of the wash boost and fabric softener dispensers for easy cleaning.

Step 4

The outside of your top loader can be wiped with a soft damp cloth. Don’t use harsh chemicals as this can damage the paint and cause staining on the surfaces of your washer.

Step 5 (If Needed)

If this is the first time cleaning your washer in a while then the agitator may need some additional attention. The use of dyes can cause staining in the machine. If you notice the low-profile agitator is stained, you can use a small amount of bleach on a cloth to clean it.

Take care with this as you shouldn’t get bleach on any metal surfaces in the washer. If you do need to bleach the agitator, it’s best to put the bowl clean cycle on afterwards. This will drain away any traces of bleach before the next wash cycle.

How to Clean a Fisher & Paykel Front Loader Washing Machine

Machines loaded from the front have a reputation for mildew and mould build-ups. Cleaning the inside of your washer is important for the efficiency and longevity of your washer.

Step 1

If your washer has a drum clean cycle then the cleaning icon will flash when it needs to be used. If the washer has a smell, the cleaning icon is flashing or you have used it for around 100 cycles then it’s time to give the machine a wash.

To clean the inside of the machine you should first put powdered detergent into the main compartment of the dispenser drawer and then turn it on and select the drum clean option. Press power or start to run this cycle.

Step 2

Once the cycle is finished, turn off the taps so if there is a hose burst there is no chance of flooding and disconnect the washer from the power by unplugging it. Now you can use a damp cloth to wipe the door, the seal around the door and the drum. Look out for any dirt or lint that may be stuck and remove it before wiping.

Some models have a door flush function to help keep the door free from dirt and residue. Even if your washer has this it’s a good idea to give it a wipe every so often too.

Step 3

Monthly filter cleans are essentially when caring for your washer. The filter simply needs to be located, removed and cleaned. A rinse under a tap is all that the filter needs. Once clean the filter can then be replaced.

When you remove the filter, the pump outlet hose should be unhooked and the plug can be removed to allow any water to drain away. The filter can be taken out of the washer by turning anti clockwise. When you replace the filter, ensure it lines up as it should (there are usually lines to help you see when the component is in position).

Step 4

Now the bowl and the filter is clean, you can wash the detergent dispenser drawer. It’s best to wipe it clean regularly with a cloth and remove it every once in a while to rinse the dispenser drawer out with water. This helps to remove any left over residue.

Step 5

Use a soft damp cloth to wipe all of the external surfaces of your washer. It’s best to use a gentle detergent as using chemicals can damage the paint and surfaces of the machine.

When not in use, leave the door open (if safe) to let it dry out and avoid a build-up of unpleasant odours. If you use your washer on cold water cycles, occasionally switching from cold water to hot water can help to keep it clean too.

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