The Tidy Edit: End-of-Summer Laundry Refresh
Washing Machine & Dryer Deep Clean for a Fresher Home
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How is summer already over?!
We’re not quite in back-to-school mode yet since both boys are still in full-time daycare, but my husband thought it would be fun to give them a little “school shopping” moment. So off they went in search of the most important thing in a four-year-old’s world: light-up shoes.
And after bouncing between several stores, they landed at Target with the perfect pair. Both boys came home beaming, proudly showing off their new kicks like they’d just won a prize. (Honestly, it was adorable.)
Meanwhile, while my crew was out on their shoe adventure, I had the house to myself for a couple of hours—a rare treat.
Before sinking into the couch, I decided to knock out this week’s The Tidy Edit, which was blessedly quick: a little washing machine and dryer maintenance.
Because let’s be honest—these two workhorses deserve just as much attention as the fun appliances in the kitchen. And keeping them fresh means fewer “why do these clothes still smell damp?” moments later.
Washing Machine Cleaning
Your washing machine is where all the magic happens—but it can also be a sneaky culprit for odors, mold, and hidden buildup if you don’t stay on top of it. Here’s the quick refresh routine I follow:
Exterior Wipe-Down
Use a damp cloth and all-purpose cleaner to wipe down the outside and control panels. It takes 30 seconds and keeps things looking tidy.
Detergent Dispensers
Pull them out completely (yes, they come out!). Wash with warm soapy water, then dry before putting them back. Don’t forget to wipe inside the dispenser housing too.
Tub Clean
Pop in a washing machine cleaner and run the hottest, longest cycle. No cleaner? Vinegar works in a pinch.
Keep It Fresh
After every load, leave the door cracked open to prevent mold and mildew from setting up shop.
👉 Front-load owners—don’t skip this part:
Filters: Find the small panel at the bottom, pull out the hose, and drain the excess water into a bowl. Then clean the filter/lint trap with warm soapy water.
Rubber Seal: Spray with vinegar and wipe it down. If there’s a ton of buildup, you may need a pro cleaning—skip harsh chemicals, as they can damage the gasket.
My tip? Toss in a washer cleaner tablet once a month to keep everything running smoothly with minimal effort.
Dryer Cleaning
This one’s more than just about efficiency—it’s also a safety issue. A clean dryer means less lint buildup, fewer fire hazards, and shorter dry times. Here’s the routine:
Step 1: Lint Screen
Remove, scrub, rinse, and let it air dry. Even if you clean the lint after every load, giving it a wash helps remove residue from dryer sheets.
Step 2: Ventilation Check
Unplug the dryer (or turn off the gas), disconnect the vent, and clean it with a brush or vacuum. Make sure there are no kinks or big dents in the duct when you reattach it.
Step 3: Drum + Housing
Wipe inside the drum with a damp cloth. Then use a vacuum with a narrow attachment to clean the lint trap housing.
Step 4: The Hidden Spots
Slide the machine out a little (if you can) and vacuum underneath and behind. You’ll be amazed how much dust collects back there.
We had our vents professionally cleaned earlier this year, which made this week’s task quick and easy. With that baseline done, it’s just a matter of keeping up with maintenance in between.
Why This Week’s Edit Matters
Laundry is one of those never-ending household chores, but giving your washer and dryer a little love makes the whole process smoother (and less stinky). Regular cleaning helps prevent costly repairs, extends the life of your machines, and keeps your clothes genuinely fresh.
And compared to last week’s oven-deep-cleaning extravaganza? This one feels like a breeze.
Here’s to fresh laundry, happy machines, and maybe even a little time left over to admire new light-up shoes.
Happy tidying!
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Products I use to tackle this week’s weekly home care challenge:
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