How to Clean Underneath a Washer & Dryer
Washers and dryers are heavy and cumbersome so it is natural to avoid moving them to clean the floor underneath. However, they are lint and dirt collectors, so it is important to clean the floor to prevent build up.
This is especially true with your dryer, because it gets hot and could ignite a fire if there is a lot of lint or dust underneath.
Things You Will Need
- Screwdriver
- Broom
- Dust pan
- Bucket of clean water (optional)
- Mild dish soap (optional)
Dryer
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Unplug your dryer from the electrical outlet. In most cases, the electrical outlet is located behind the dryer high enough for you to reach it without moving the dryer. If this is not the case for you, reach behind the dryer and unplug it.
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Slide the dryer forward or to the side approximately 12 inches so you can reach the dryer vent. Unscrew the band clamp that holds the dryer vent to the dryer and then pull the vent away from your dryer.
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Slide the dryer forward or to the side until you can see the entire surface area of the floor that your dryer usually rests over.
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Clean the floor with a dust broom and dustpan. If something spilled under the dryer you should use a clean bucket of water and a mild soap. Allow the floor to fully dry before sliding the dryer into place. Remember to leave approximately 12 inches so you can hook up the dryer vent.
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Slide the dryer vent onto the dryer vent hookup and tighten the band clamp with your screwdriver.
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Slide the dryer into place and plug it in.
Washer
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Unplug the washing machine from the electrical outlet. In most cases, the outlet is located behind the washing machine up high so you can unplug it without moving the washing machine. If this is not your case, slide your washing machine out until you can reach the plug and then unplug the washing machine.
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Locate the cold and hot water shut-off valves and turn the valves clockwise to turn off the water supply to the washing machine. The shut-off valves are usually located above the washing machine on the wall behind it.
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Disconnect the water hoses from the water shut-off valves using an adjustable wrench. Open the lid to the washing machine, place the ends of the water hoses into the washing machine and close the lid. This will prevent you from spilling water and dragging your hoses across the floor.
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Pull the water drainage hose out of the support tube secured to the wall behind the washing machine. To do this, pull up on the hose. The hose stretches to allow removal from the support tube.
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Slide the washing machine forward or to the side until you can see the entire area where the washer usually rests. Washing machines are heavier than dryers due to the large drum inside the washer and the fact that it holds some water. You may need help moving the washing machine.
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Clean the floor with a dust broom and dustpan. If you spilled anything under the washer, clean it with a warm bucket of clean water and mild dish soap. Allow the floor to completely dry before sliding the washer back into place.
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Place the drain hose into the support tube.
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Reconnect the cold and hot water valves.
The Drip Cap
- Washers and dryers are heavy and cumbersome so it is natural to avoid moving them to clean the floor underneath.
- However, they are lint and dirt collectors, so it is important to clean the floor to prevent build up.
- Clean the floor with a dust broom and dustpan.
- Allow the floor to fully dry before sliding the dryer into place.
- In most cases, the outlet is located behind the washing machine up high so you can unplug it without moving the washing machine.
- If this is not your case, slide your washing machine out until you can reach the plug and then unplug the washing machine.
- Open the lid to the washing machine, place the ends of the water hoses into the washing machine and close the lid.
Photo Credits
- Martin Poole/Lifesize/Getty Images
- Martin Poole/Lifesize/Getty Images
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