If you’ve spent any time on social media in the last few years, you’ve likely seen a few videos about people cleaning out their home appliances and the nasty things they find in there. And while these videos can be satisfying to watch, actually doing this work on your own appliances is less fun. Luckily, there are things that you can do preventatively that make it so these deep cleans won’t need to be done at such regular intervals.

To show you how this can be done, here are three tips for caring for and maintaining your laundry washer at home.

Remove Your Wet Laundry Quickly

Whether you have a top-loading washing machine or a front-loading washing machine, one of the best things that you can do to keep your washing machine clean is to remove your wet laundry as soon as possible after the cleaning cycle is completed.

The longer you allow your wet laundry to sit in your washing machine, the higher the likelihood is that mold and other bacteria will start to grow in your machine. The wetness of your machine can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew. But if you remove your clothes quickly, you’ll give your washing machine a better chance to dry.

Wipe Down Your Machine Regularly

When your washing machine isn’t being used, it’s best to keep the machine as dry as possible. To do this, it’s wise to wipe down your machine when you’re done using it.

With top-loading washing machines, the water usually drains out pretty well. But with front loaders, you’ll want to use something like a microfiber cloth to wipe out the drum as well as the seals around the door so that you can remove as much water as possible. Otherwise, your machine can start to stink due to the growth of mold and mildew.

Clean Your Machine With The Right Tools

In addition to keeping your machine dry when you’re not using it, you should also clean your machine regularly using the right tools.

While you can run a cleaning cycle in most washing machines, you should also have some cleaning tools and solutions that you have on-hand to help with more of the detailed cleaning that needs to be done. This should include things like an all-purpose cleaner, baking soda, vinegar, microfiber clothes, soft-bristle brushes, and even your vacuum cleaner to get any debris. As you use these cleaning tools to keep your washing machine clean and free of mold and mildew, you’ll be able to avoid a lot of the problems that others might experience with their front-load washing machines.

If you want to take better care of your washing machine, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you in doing this.