Are you wondering how to clean under washer and dryer? Did you go behind your dryer to retrieve a clothing item to find the gunk and dirt accumulated behind it? You don’t need to panic, in this article, we will guide you through all the steps of cleaning the washer and dryer.
The washer and dryer are the most necessary appliance of every household, it makes your work easier and saves time and energy. Both of these appliances need good care and maintenance. You might clean the front and inside the washer and dryer but, most people forget to clean behind and underneath the appliances.
Usually, dirt, lint, small clothing items like socks, and even detergent can go under your dryer, it is essential to clean those areas. The accumulation of lint is dangerous. The lint is flammable and can cause a fire. If you have never cleaned behind your washer and dryer, you should start cleaning immediately. Collected dust and debris underneath the washer and dryer will surprise you.
Steps To Clean Under Washer And Dryer
To answer your question: how to clean under washer and dryer? We have summarized the entire procedure for you in the steps given below. Read them carefully to clean under washer and dryer and follow each step.
Step #1. Turn off the appliances
The first step is to plug off the appliances. Turn off the appliance, and remove the plug from the switch. Never ignore this step it is for your safety. The use of water in the further steps can increase the risk of electrical shock if the appliances are not turned off.
Turn off the hot and cold water supply valves of the washer. The valves are located on the wall behind the washer. The red valve indicates the hot water supply and the blue valve indicate the cold-water supply. Also, make sure to remove the water supply hose from behind the washer. This will prevent water leakage during cleaning. Simply remove and place the hose inside the washer.
Step #2. Pull the units from the wall
Now pull the unit forward. This step is not as easy as it sounds. You have to pull your washer and dryer from the wall. However, you have to be very careful not to scratch the floor. Scratching the floor while doing this step might leave permanent marks on your flooring. You can use appliances glide to make your work easier. The appliances glide can be found at any store. Simply place the glide beneath your unit and push them forward or backward. This will not cause any harm like scratches or tears on your flooring.
Step #3. Vacuum the surfaces
Once you have managed to pull the unit from the dryer, the cleaning begins. You can either use a broom and dustpan or a vacuum. It is preferred to use vacuum as they are more efficient. The vacuum will get rid of all the debris and all the tiny dust particles. You should begin by vacuuming the floor, walls and the backside of the unit as these areas are the dirtiest of all. Make sure you clean all the lint from behind and underneath the dryer.
Step #4. Use cleaning solution
Next, use a cleaning solution to thoroughly clean the area behind and underneath the appliances. You can use store brought or homemade cleaner to cleaner to clean. You can make cleaner at home using things available in your kitchen. Take two cups of water and add a few drops of dish cleaning soap to it. Use a sponge and the cleaner to scrub the walls, floor, and appliance. Don’t be harsh while scrubbing. Gently clean all the surfaces. Then using a damp towel or old t-shirt wipe off the solution. Do not forget to clean the sides of the appliances. Find out how to clean LG dryer.
Step #5. Clean the lint filter and the vent
The most important part of cleaning the dryer is cleaning the lint filter and the vent pipe. To clean the lint filter, detach it from the dryer. Take it to the sink. Use soap and water to clean it thoroughly. Before placing the lint filter back, use a vacuum cleaner to clean the slot. Take out the vent pipe from the exhaust hood. Gently pull the vent from your laundry room. While withdrawing the dryer vent, be very careful to prevent any damage to the vent.
Vacuum the exhaust hood. If you do not have a portable vacuum cleaner, hand clean the dirt using a brush and microfiber cloth. Vacuum inside the vent pipe to clear away all the debris and lint clogs. After vacuuming, use a stiff brush that can be found in the vent cleaning kit. Connect the brush to the power drill. Then slowly push the end of the brush into the vent. Slide the brush deep into the vent. After cleaning the vent all the dust and debris will fall on the floor. Use a vacuum to clear away all the residuals. Then place the vent pipe back into the exhaust hood. Click on these links to read related articles; know how to remove dryer lint and how often to clean a dryer vent.
Step #6. Reconnect the appliances
Push the appliances back into place. Make sure you leave twelve-inch space between the appliance and the wall. Reconnect all the hoses of the washer and dryer. You can now start washing your laundry.
It’s A Wrap!
At this point, you should know how to clean under washer and dryer. It is not a complicated task. You should give your appliances a good clean at least once in four months. This will increase the efficiency and age of the appliances.