Most people don't give much thought to cleaning a machine that usually has soap and water in it. Or a machine that really just has air blowing around. After all--how dirty can they get?

The answer: REALLY dirty!

For the washing machine, you may want to put on a pair of rubber gloves...

No matter what kind of washing machine you have, the dispenser for your detergent, bleach and liquid fabric softener is a prime location for product buildup and mold. Usually, there is a way to remove that dispenser and give it a really good cleaning in hot water. If you have an old toothbrush reserved for cleaning or if you have a tiny scrub brush used for cleaning baby bottle nipples that is designated for cleaning--these are ideal for getting into all the little crevices. If you use liquid fabric softener--this dispenser is likely to have the most buildup.

Don't forget to look at the section of the machine that this dispenser sits in, too. It may be rampant with mold. Vinegar or bleach will help to clean it but you'll need to really be creative to reach the spots you need to clean. Don't forget the place where the water comes out above the dispenser. This is another good place for mold buildup. My water dispenser is a series of very tiny openings and the only way I've been able to clean the mold out is to get a toothpick and maneuver it carefully.

Then take a look at the rubber gasket where your washer basket attaches to the body of the washing machine. This is an especially nasty spot for front-loaders. You may have to pull it a bit to expose places where the gasket has folds--but likely there is product and mold buildup there. I'm hesitant to use too much actual chemical cleaner on this area so as not to break down the rubber. I take my scrub brush, scrubby side of a sponge and sometimes my handy cleaning toothbrush to get it all out. And even with a front-loader, you need to make sure to clean the entire gasket--even the top. If you really need a little cleanser on it--use it sparingly.

If you're concerned about the actual washer basket, fill it with water as if you're washing a load of laundry (hot water) and then stop it. Throw in some vinegar and give it a scrub. Let it run the rest of the cycle to clean it out. I generally don't have a problem with the basket, though.

The dryer is downright dangerous. You always clean the lint trap? Great--but that doesn't mean your dryer is clean.

First, CLEAN (and I mean WASH) the lint trap. Some hot water and a toothbrush designated for cleaning should do the trick. If you need more than that, some dish soap should do.

Then, vacuum the path from your dryer to the outside of the house. Yes--really. Even if you ALWAYS clean the lint trap, they simply don't get all of the lint. The rest of it builds up in your dryer vent and in addition to taking longer to dry your clothes (at some point, it will stop) but is a horrible fire hazard. There are plenty of vacuum attachments sold to do this and if your vent is like mine (LOOOONG--ours is almost 20 feet from dryer to outside) then it's not an easy task. But it absolutely needs to be done and should be done at least once every year. And the increased efficiency by keeping it clean will save you in energy costs.

Inspect the inside of your dryer, too. Is there something on the interior drum that could be staining your clothes? If you have some crayon stuck on the dryer drum, run the dryer for 10-15 minutes to soften the crayon and then take a little bit of Bar Keeper's Friend or Bon Ami on the corner of the soft side of a sponge to make a little paste and try to rub it off. These products shouldn't scratch the enamel. Repeat until it's off. If it's in a crack or hole, put this paste on a toothbrush. When you're done, be sure to use a damp cloth to wipe off the residue. Wipe, rinse the rag, and repeat until it's all off.

I clean my washer and dryer at least once each year--usually twice. By keeping my machines clean, I'm always sure that my clothes are as clean as they can get!