Dirty Appliances May Be Making Your Family Sick

Left unchecked, mold and debris can build up in everyday appliances, including refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and washing machines.

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If appliances are not cleaned properly and regularly, it not only affects their lifespan but may also quietly threaten your family’s health. Washing machines and refrigerators are among the most commonly overlooked appliances, yet both require routine cleaning. Housekeeping expert Mary-Ann Chen shared practical tips with The Epoch Times for cleaning appliances—large and small—easily and thoroughly.

Washing Machines

Washing machines may seem inherently clean because they wash clothes every day, but the outer rim of the inner tub is notoriously dirty, Chen said. During the drainage process, detergent and lint can cling to the outer wall, creating a favorable environment for mold and bacteria in warm, humid conditions. If either of the following situations occurs, your washing machine may need attention:

1. Small black spots appear on clothing after washing, indicating that dirt has accumulated to the point of peeling off and adhering to clothes.
2. Clothes feel itchy and uncomfortable after washing, especially for people with sensitive skin.

Specialized washing machine cleaning powders are available for this purpose. For machines that have never undergone targeted cleaning, Chen recommends starting with once a month. After that, switch to about once every other month for maintenance, but never wait more than three months between cleanings.

If your washing machine has a self-cleaning function, cleaning is simple: Add washing powder and start the wash cycle. If it does not, manually fill the machine to the “full” level and allow the inner tub to fully soak in the cleaning solution for several hours before starting the wash cycle.