How to Remove Sand from the Inside of a Washing Machine
When you spend a lot of time at the beach one thing is inevitable. You’ll end up with sand on your shorts. Unfortunately, that sand on your shorts and other beach items may also end up in your washing machine. So what is a beach lover to do? Clean it up of course! Here’s how:
Preventative Care
The easiest way to keep your washing machine sand free is to remove as much of it from your family’s clothing and beach towels as possible. I’d suggest leaving the dirty clothes and towels outside to dry. Once the items are dry, shake them vigorously to remove as much of the sand as you can before bringing them inside to be washed. If the sand has already found its way into your washer machine, you’ll have to start cleaning and vow to be more vigilant the next go round.
Start with the Basics
Start with a basic cleaning of your washing machine to remove surface dirt and funky odors. You can accomplish that task with your household cleaning solution of choice and a clean rag. Be sure to remove the dispensers and clean around the hinges too. I have found that old toothbrushes and cotton swabs work great for hard to reach areas. You might also want to run a cup or vinegar or some baking soda through the washing machine’s rinse cycle to help deodorize things a bit.
Clean Intake Filters and Drain Line
Next, turn your attention toward your washing machine’s supply and drain lines. Both the hot and cold supply lines should be equipped with sediment filter screens that are designed to keep sand and other debris from leaving your home’s plumbing system and entering into the washing machine. You may want to go ahead and either clean or replace the screens depending on what you find. The drain line probably doesn’t have a screen, but it can get clogged up with sand, frayed fabric and other gunk. Detailed instructions on how to replace the filters and clean the drain line should be in the service and installation manual that came with your washing machine. If you misplaced the manual, you should be able to download a copy from the manufacturer’s website.
Vacuum the Tub
Depending on how much sand we are talking about, removing it from the washing machine may be accomplished with a good quality vacuum cleaner and a soft bristle attachment brush. Simply turn the vacuum on and carefully run the bristle attachment inside the washing machine’s tub. Avoid scratching the inside of the washing machine with the attachment otherwise you could inadvertently cause rust problems later on down the road. If you do accidentally scratch it, I’d suggest covering the scratch with touch-up paint.
Remove the Tub
If there is a small sand dune forming in the bottom of your washing machine, you may need to get more aggressive and remove the tub. Instructions for completing that task should also be in your washing machine’s service and installation manual. Once you have successfully removed the tub, you’ll be able to use your vacuum’s soft bristle attachment to remove the remaining sand and debris.
Killeen Gonzalez enjoys summer sports and recreation with her family. She has also traveled extensively.
More from this contributor:
Eco-Friendly Camping Tips for Summer
Summer Hair Care Secrets from a Hair Dresser’s Daughter
Summer Crafts: How to Make a Sand Cast Beach Lamp
Tips for Planning a Tent Camping Trip to South Georgia’s Beaches
