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HOW TO USE AFFRESH® WASHING MACHINE CLEANER
Keeping your washing machine clean is important for a no-fuss laundry day and helping your loads come out smelling great. affresh® Washing Machine Cleaner1 is an effective solution that not only cleans the interior of the machine, but also helps remove grime and odor-causing residues.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to use affresh® Washing Machine Cleaner in both a top and front loading washing machine to help keep your washing machine clean load after load.
WHAT IS AFFRESH® WASHER CLEANER?
Affresh® Washing Machine Cleaner is a specially formulated tablet that cleans the interior of your washer and helps ensure the freshest laundry loads. It contains an active ingredient that effectively breaks down residue and grime.
Affresh® Washing Machine Cleaner uses time-released tablets that are designed to clean inside all machines, including HE (high-efficiency) models. The tablet dissolves slowly throughout the wash cycle to continually send powerful cleansers to help remove buildup. These tablets are intended for use on an empty washing machine, not in tandem with your next load of laundry.
WHY SHOULD I USE AFFRESH® WASHER CLEANER?
- To remove grime and odor-causing residues
- To help remove soap scum, dirt, grease, lint, water minerals and fabric softener soils
- To help prevent moldy or mildew smells
- To avoid grime and buildup getting left behind on your clothing
HOW TO USE AFFRESH® WASHING MACHINE CLEANER
Affresh® Washing Machine Cleaner is easy to use and helps get rid of odors and grime that build up over time. Simply add a tablet to your empty washing machine, start your washer and let the cycle run, then wipe away any remaining residue. Follow the steps below to learn more about how to use affresh® and refer to your owner’s manual for specific cleaning instructions, as well.
1: PREP YOUR WASHER AND ADD AFFRESH®
Take out any clothes or other items from your washer. Open the package of affresh® Washing Machine Cleaner tablets and place one inside your empty top or front load washing machine drum (not inside the dispenser).
2: START YOUR WASHER
Choose the Clean Washer cycle if your washing machine has one. If not, you can choose a Normal or Heavy cycle with hot water temperature. Refer to your model's Use and Care Guide for the proper cycle selection. Finally, start the washer.
3. CHECK THE WASHER AND WIPE AWAY RESIDUE
Wipe off any residue with a clean microfiber cloth. Since the tablets release over time, some may remain in the bottom of the tub, which is perfectly normal. In this case, simply remove any residue with your cloth.
If you notice more than just residue from the cleaning tablets in your washer after running one cycle, you may need to repeat the process.
4: REPEAT IF NEEDED
If you've never cleaned your washer, it has been more than 6 months since the last cleaning or there is heavy residue buildup or a strong odor, repeat the process. In extreme cases, up to three consecutive cleaning cycles may be needed.
Affresh® time release tablets tackle odors left behind by bacteria, soap scum and grime that build up deep inside the washer's pump, valve, drum, basket/tub and filter.
Make sure to keep the door of your front loader or lid of your top loader washing machine open between loads. This encourages ventilation in the drum, helping it properly dry and helping to reduce the risk of mildew growth.
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WASHING MACHINE CLEANER FAQs
Now that you’ve learned how to use affresh® Washing Machine Cleaner, continue reading for answers to your questions about washing machine cleaners and keeping your washer fresh between loads.
It is recommended that you clean your washer approximately once a month to prevent detergent and fabric softener residue from building up. Maintaining the freshness of your washer will help maintain the quality of your clothing with every wash.
There are two main ingredients in affresh®: sodium percarbonate and sodium carbonate.
Sodium percarbonate is often referred to as "oxygen-based bleach" or "oxygen bleach." It does not have any chlorine. When mixed with water, it releases hydrogen peroxide which helps eliminate dirt and odor-causing residues.
Sodium carbonate, also known as washing soda or soda ash, is widely used to make laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents, all-purpose cleaners, sanitizing sprays and soap. It also has the ability to cut through grease and soften hard water.
Affresh® can help clean your agitator and impeller, the gasket of your front loader, the drum, under or around the lid or door and in your dispensers. It can even help clean the parts of your washing machine that you can’t see.
However, some external parts like the gaskets and detergent dispenser may need to be cleaned by hand using a cleaning solution of warm water and dishwashing liquid, vinegar, or bleach. Consult with your owner’s manual for model-specific maintenance instructions.
Affresh® washing machine cleaner is used with hot water with either a Clean Washer, Normal or Heavy cycle. Using hot water allows the tablets to dissolve in the proper time frame.
You can use affresh® in all washing machine makes and models, including front and top load models and HE (high-efficiency) washers.
Once your machine is thoroughly cleaned and all residue has been wiped away, it is ready to tackle your next load of laundry. Be sure to inspect the washer drum thoroughly to ensure all affresh® residue has been properly removed.
Always refer to your Use and Care Guide to determine how to clean your washing machine. In general, you can typically use baking soda to clean your washing machine. Its deodorizing properties can help get your machine back to smelling fresh.
Additionally, liquid chlorine bleach can clean certain washing machines, depending on the model. It is recommended to run a rinse cycle after using chlorine bleach to help ensure that no traces are left behind. However, you should always consult your product manual before using chlorine bleach or any other cleaning solution in your washing machine.
Affresh® products can help keep your appliances smelling fresh and looking clean. Whether you need to clean your dishwasher, the inside of your washing machine or your garbage disposal, affresh® has a product to help you get the job done.
1. affresh® brand products and the recommending brands’ products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
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