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### **4. How to Use Steel Wool in Your Washing Machine**
Now that you know why it works, you may be wondering how to actually use steel wool in your washing machine. It’s simple to implement, but there are a few steps to ensure you do it safely and effectively.
1. **Choose the Right Grade of Steel Wool**: Make sure you select a finer grade of steel wool. Coarse steel wool may be too abrasive and could cause damage to the washing machine or the clothing in the machine. A finer grade is usually best, as it will clean without causing harm to your machine or laundry.
2. **Place the Steel Wool in the Drum**: Simply place one or two small pieces of steel wool into the drum of your washing machine. It’s important to not overload the machine with too much steel wool, as it can potentially cause issues in the spin cycle. One small piece should be sufficient to achieve the desired effect.
3. **Run a Regular Cycle**: Select a normal or heavy-duty wash cycle, depending on your preference. Steel wool doesn’t need any special settings, and running it with detergent as usual will clean both your laundry and the washing machine itself.
4. **Remove the Steel Wool After the Cycle**: Once the cycle is complete, remove the steel wool from the drum and dispose of it. Be sure to check if any small bits of steel wool have become dislodged inside the drum, and remove them before starting the next load of laundry.
5. **Repeat as Needed**: For best results, you may want to run a steel wool cleaning cycle every few months to help keep your washing machine in top condition.
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### **5. Additional Benefits of Steel Wool in Laundry**
While the primary reason for putting steel wool in the washing machine is to clean the machine and improve washing efficiency, there are also a few additional benefits you might not have considered:
#### **Removes Pet Hair**
If you have pets, you’re probably familiar with the struggle of removing pet hair from clothes. While lint rollers are helpful, they don’t always get rid of every last strand. Steel wool, when added to a wash cycle, can help loosen pet hair from clothing, making it easier to wash away during the rinse cycle.
#### **Prevents Lint Build-Up**
Over time, lint can build up in the washing machine and get stuck to clothing during the wash. Steel wool helps reduce lint buildup by scrubbing away some of the residue and debris that accumulates on the drum’s surfaces.
#### **Improves Detergent Efficiency**
By keeping the washing machine clean, steel wool can ensure that detergent is more evenly distributed during the wash cycle, improving its effectiveness. This means that your clothes may come out cleaner, with fewer detergent residues left behind.
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### **6. Alternative Ways to Keep Your Washing Machine Clean**
If you don’t want to use steel wool or are looking for alternative cleaning methods, there are other ways to maintain a clean and efficient washing machine:
– **Use a Washing Machine Cleaner**: There are specially formulated cleaners designed to clean the interior of washing machines. These cleaners help break down soap scum, detergent residue, and other buildup. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
– **Vinegar and Baking Soda**: Run a hot water cycle with two cups of white vinegar and half a cup of baking soda. This combination helps remove buildup, deodorizes the washing machine, and keeps it running smoothly.
– **Clean the Door Seal and Drum Regularly**: After every few washes, wipe down the rubber door seal and inside the drum with a clean cloth. This will help remove any residue or lint that has accumulated.
– **Leave the Door Open Between Cycles**: To prevent musty odors, leave the washing machine door open between washes to allow air circulation. This helps dry out any moisture that may contribute to mold or mildew growth.
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### **7. The Bottom Line**
The reason you should put steel wool in the washing machine is simple yet effective—it helps clean both your washing machine and your clothes. The abrasive action of steel wool helps break down soap scum, lint, and detergent buildup that can reduce the performance of your washing machine and leave your clothes less clean. By using steel wool as a cleaning agent in your washing machine, you can extend the lifespan of your machine, improve wash quality, and remove unwanted debris from your laundry.
While it may sound unusual, adding a small piece of steel wool to your wash cycle can yield surprising benefits and keep your laundry routine running smoothly. And as always, ensure that you are using the right type of steel wool and following the proper steps to prevent any damage to your washing machine.
By using natural, low-cost methods like steel wool, you’re enhancing your laundry process while being eco-friendly and cost-conscious. So, next time you’re doing laundry, consider giving this little hack a try—you may just be surprised by the results.
