Grease louse in the washing machine, or laundry louse, is a buildup of soap residue, skin flakes, and fats in your washing machine. This can cause unpleasant odors and stains on your laundry. In this blog, you'll learn what grease louse is, how it forms, and most importantly, how you can effectively get rid of it so your laundry smells fresh and comes out clean again.
How does grease louse form in the washing machine?
Grease limescale forms from a buildup of soap residue, skin flakes, fats, and dirt in your washing machine. Bacteria can easily thrive in this greasy layer. The main causes are:
- Washing at low temperatures: When washing at 30°C or 40°C, fats and soap residues aren't completely rinsed away, which can lead to grease buildup.
- Short wash cycles: These programs often use less water, which means soap residue and dirt aren't rinsed away as effectively.
- Too much detergent or laundry stripsIf you use too much detergent or too many laundry sheets, residue can get left behind in your washing machine.
The result is that your laundry can start to smell musty and your washing machine won't clean as well anymore.
Steps to remove grease lice
Step 1: Clean your washing machine
Run an empty wash at 90°C to remove grease and soap residue. Add half a cup (100 grams) of baking soda to the drum or detergent drawer. For extra cleaning, you can also add half a cup of vinegar to the fabric softener compartment. This helps keep both the drum and the pipes clean.
Step 2: Use the right amount of detergent
Using too much detergent can cause soap residue to build up, which leads to gunk in your machine. Always use the recommended amount of detergent or laundry strips. More detergent doesn’t mean cleaner laundry!
Wash your clothes at the right temperature
Grease lice thrive at low temperatures. Wash your clothes regularly at 60°C to 90°C to kill bacteria and grease lice. Make sure your clothes can handle these temperatures to avoid damage.
These simple steps help you get rid of grease lice effectively and keep your washing machine fresh.
Maintenance tips to prevent grease buildup in your washing machine
Run a hot wash regularly
Run a wash at 90°C at least once a month, for example with towels or bedding. This kills bacteria and prevents laundry grease buildup.
Leave the washing machine door open
After every wash, it's important to leave your washing machine door slightly open. This lets the drum dry out, helping to prevent mold and unpleasant odors.
Clean filters and seals
Check and clean the filter, rubber seals, and detergent drawer every month. Dirt and soap residue can build up here, which can cause gunk and bad smells in your washing machine.
With these simple maintenance steps, you can prevent grease buildup from becoming a recurring problem and keep your washing machine clean and fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions about grease lice
Can I use baking soda to get rid of grease lice?
Yes, baking soda is effective against laundry grease. Add half a cup (100 grams) to an empty wash at 90°C to remove detergent residue and laundry grease.
How often should I clean my washing machine?
Run your washing machine once a month on a hot cycle at 90°C. You can use baking soda for this or a washing machine cleaner use for the best results.
What should I do if my clothes still smell musty?
If your clothes keep smelling musty, hang them out to dry in the sun right away. The sun helps neutralize odors. Also, make sure your washing machine is thoroughly cleaned and that you're using the right amount of detergent.
Make sure to clean your washing machine regularly with baking soda or vinegar, and run a hot wash at 90°C once a month. Don’t use too much detergent or laundry sheets, and keep your washing machine door open after use. Follow these tips to minimize the chance of getting gunk buildup in your washing machine.
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