Deep Cleaning Your Laundry Room
The laundry room is one of the most functionally used — and often least deeply cleaned — spaces in Ontario homes. The combination of moisture, detergent residue, lint accumulation, and the hard-to-reach areas behind and beside appliances creates a cleaning environment that benefits from periodic thorough attention beyond the regular wipe-down.
Washing Machine
Front-loaders: The rubber door gasket is a mould trap — wipe it thoroughly after every few washes and leave the door ajar between uses to allow drying. The detergent drawer accumulates soap scum and mould: remove it monthly and wash with hot water and a stiff brush. Run a hot maintenance cycle (most modern machines have one) or a hot wash with a washing machine cleaner tablet or 2 cups of white vinegar monthly.
Top-loaders: Run a hot maintenance cycle with washing machine cleaner monthly. Clean the fabric softener dispenser (remove and soak in hot water). Wipe the lid seal and drum interior.
Dryer
Clean the lint trap before every load — a blocked lint trap is a fire hazard and reduces dryer efficiency significantly. Annually: pull the dryer away from the wall and clean the vent duct — accumulated lint in the ductwork is Ontario's most common residential appliance fire cause. Use a dryer vent cleaning brush kit (available at hardware stores) or hire a professional.
Laundry Room Space
Pull appliances away from the wall annually (or when you move in) and clean behind and underneath — dust, lint, and moisture accumulate in these spaces and can create odour and fire hazards. Wipe down shelving, clean detergent bottles and surfaces where drips accumulate, and mop the floor thoroughly. If a utility sink is present, scrub the basin and clean the drain.