Comprehensive Guide to Cleaning a GE Washing Machine

Washing machines are our personal laundry assistants that remove dirt, stains, and odor from our clothes. However, even the most efficient washer, such as a General Electric (GE) washing machine, requires regular cleaning to keep it running at its best. Over time, residue from detergent, fabric softener, and dirty laundry can build up, potentially leading to unpleasant odors and reduced performance.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to clean a GE washing machine, specifically focusing on model numbers GTW680BSJ1WS and GTW330ASK1WW. We’ll also discuss how to clean a GE washing machine pump and filter, and how to use vinegar as a natural cleaner.

Why Clean Your Washing Machine?

Regularly cleaning your washing machine helps prevent build-up of soap scum, hard water deposits, and other residue. This build-up can lead to a variety of issues, including:

• Unpleasant odors: Bacteria and mold can grow in the residue, leading to smells that may transfer to your clothes.
• Reduced performance: Over time, the residue can affect your machine’s performance, leading to less effective cleaning.
• Wear and tear: In severe cases, the build-up can cause wear and tear on your machine, shortening its lifespan.

How to Clean a GE Washing Machine

Cleaning a GE washing machine involves several steps, including cleaning the drum, the detergent dispenser, the washing machine filter, and the exterior.

Cleaning the Drum

The drum is where you load your laundry, and it’s often the dirtiest part of the washing machine. Here’s how to clean it:

1. Empty the drum: Ensure the drum is empty and there are no items left behind from a previous wash.
2. Run a Cleaning Cycle: Many GE washing machines, such as the GTW680BSJ1WS model, have a self-cleaning cycle. Check your user manual to see if your model has this feature and follow the instructions to run this cycle. If your model doesn’t have a self-cleaning cycle, you can run a hot cycle with nothing but cleaning solution in the drum.

Cleaning the Washing Machine with Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural, non-toxic cleaner that can be very effective at cleaning washing machines. Here’s how to do it:

1. Fill the machine: Set your GE washing machine to the highest load size, hottest water temperature, and longest wash cycle.
2. Add vinegar: Add two cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser. Vinegar is great for breaking down hard water and soap scum build-up.
3. Run the machine: Close the lid and let the machine run through a complete wash and rinse cycle.
4. Wipe it down: Once the cycle is done, open the lid and wipe down the inside of the drum with a clean, dry cloth.

Cleaning the Detergent Dispenser

The detergent dispenser can also accumulate residue over time. To clean it:

1. Remove the dispenser: Many models, like the GTW330ASK1WW, have a detachable dispenser. Check your user manual to see how to remove it.
2. Clean it: Rinse the dispenser under warm water to remove residue. If necessary, use a soft brush to scrub away stubborn build-up.
3. Reinstall it: Once clean, dry the dispenser and put it back in the washing machine.

Cleaning the Exterior

Keeping the exterior of your GE washing machine clean can prevent dirt and residue from getting inside the machine. Here’s how to do it:

1. Wipe it down: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the outside of your machine, paying special attention to the lid and control panel.
2. Dry it: Use a dry cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture. Leaving the machine damp can lead to mildew growth.

How to Clean a GE Washing Machine Filter

The filter in your GE washing machine helps to prevent lint, coins, and other small items from entering the pump and causing a blockage. Regularly cleaning the filter can improve your machine’s performance.

1. Locate the filter: The location of the filter varies between models. For top loaders like the GTW680BSJ1WS, the filter is often located at the bottom of the drum. For other models, it may be near the pump. Check your user manual to locate the filter.
2. Clean the filter: Remove the filter and rinse it under warm water to remove any debris. If necessary, use a soft brush to scrub away stubborn residue.
3. Reinstall the filter: Once the filter is clean and dry, reinstall it according to your user manual’s instructions.

How to Clean a GE Washing Machine Pump

The pump in your GE washing machine is responsible for moving water out of the drum during the drain cycle. If the pump becomes clogged with lint, coins, or other debris, it can affect your machine’s ability to drain properly.

1. Locate the pump: The pump is typically located at thebottom of the washing machine. You may need to tilt your machine or remove a panel to access it. Always make sure to disconnect the washing machine from the power source before proceeding.
2. Check for clogs: Look for any visible clogs in the pump. If you see a clog, use a pair of needle-nose pliers or tweezers to remove the debris.
3. Clean the pump: If there’s no visible clog but your machine isn’t draining properly, you may need to clean the pump. Remove the pump according to your user manual’s instructions, then rinse it under warm water to remove any debris.
4. Reinstall the pump: Once the pump is clean and dry, reinstall it according to your user manual’s instructions.

Cleaning a Specific Model: GTW680BSJ1WS

The GTW680BSJ1WS is a top-load model from GE that offers a variety of features, including a self-clean cycle. Use the following steps to clean this specific model:

1. Self-Clean Cycle: This cycle is designed to remove residue and odors that can build up over time. Simply select the “Self Clean” setting and press start.
2. Clean the Dispenser: The GTW680BSJ1WS has a detergent dispenser that can be removed for cleaning. Simply pull it out, rinse it under warm water, and replace it.
3. Clean the Filter: The lint filter can be removed by lifting it out of the tub. Rinse it under warm water, then replace it.
4. Clean the Exterior: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the outside of the machine, paying special attention to the lid and control panel.

Cleaning a Specific Model: GTW330ASK1WW

The GTW330ASK1WW is another top-load model from GE. Here’s how to clean it:

1. Detergent Dispenser: This model has a bleach and fabric softener dispenser that can be removed for cleaning. Pull it out, rinse it under warm water, and replace it.
2. Drum Cleaning: If your machine doesn’t have a self-cleaning cycle, you can clean the drum by running a hot cycle with two cups of white vinegar in the detergent dispenser.
3. Filter Cleaning: The lint filter is located at the bottom of the tub. Remove it, rinse it under warm water, and replace it.
4. Exterior Cleaning: As with the other model, use a damp cloth to clean the outside of the machine.

Conclusion

Cleaning your GE washing machine regularly can extend its lifespan and improve its performance. Whether you’re cleaning the drum, the detergent dispenser, the filter, or the pump, a little time and effort can go a long way. Remember, always refer to your washing machine’s user manual for specific cleaning instructions and to verify component locations before you start. Happy cleaning!