Cleaning the Laundry Room
The laundry room is one of the most overlooked rooms in Ontario home cleaning — most people clean their clothes in it but don't clean the room or the appliances themselves. A well-maintained laundry room means cleaner clothes, longer-lived appliances, and no mildew odour transferring to laundry.
Washing Machine (Front-Load)
Front-load washers have a rubber door gasket that accumulates mildew — wipe it thoroughly after every few uses, getting into all the folds. Run a hot empty cycle with a washing machine cleaner tablet or 2 cups of white vinegar monthly. Leave the door open between washes to let the drum dry. The detergent drawer accumulates residue — remove it and rinse monthly.
Washing Machine (Top-Load)
Run a hot wash cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar (add during the wash cycle). Wipe down the drum interior and the top lid. Remove and clean the fabric softener dispenser and bleach compartment.
Dryer
The lint trap should be cleared after every single load without exception — it's a fire hazard and efficiency issue simultaneously. Monthly: vacuum the lint trap housing with a crevice attachment to remove lint that bypasses the screen. Annually: clean the dryer vent duct (see separate guide).
The Room Itself
Tops of appliances collect lint and dust. Wipe down monthly. The floor area between and behind appliances accumulates lint that can be a fire hazard — pull machines out annually and vacuum thoroughly. Check the wall behind the washer for any water damage or mould from condensation or slow leaks.