Knowing how to run clean cycle on comfee washer is essential for maintaining the appliance’s performance and ensuring your laundry remains hygienic. Whether you own a compact portable model or a standard front-loader, regular maintenance prevents odors, mold, and mechanical issues caused by detergent buildup.
This guide details the specific steps for running the self-clean cycle, maintaining key components like the filter and gasket, and choosing the right cleaning agents.
How to run clean cycle on comfee washer
Comfee washing machines are designed with specific maintenance cycles to keep the drum fresh and free of bacteria. Depending on your specific model, this feature may be labeled as “Tub Clean,” “Drum Clean,” or “Auto Clean” on the control panel. If your machine lacks a dedicated button, you can manually replicate the process using specific settings.
Step-by-Step instructions for the self-clean cycle
- Empty the Drum: Ensure the washing machine is completely empty. Remove all clothing, lint, and debris. Running this cycle with clothes inside can damage fabrics due to high water temperatures and concentrated cleaning agents.
- Add Cleaning Agent:
- Chlorine Bleach: Pour approximately one cup of liquid chlorine bleach directly into the bleach compartment of the detergent dispenser. Do not add detergent.
- Washing Machine Cleaner: Alternatively, you can place a washing machine cleaner tablet or powder directly into the drum. Follow the package instructions for dosage.
- Vinegar (Alternative): If you prefer a natural approach, you can use two cups of white vinegar, but never mix vinegar with bleach as this creates toxic fumes.
- Select the Cycle:
- Dedicated Button: Power on the machine and look for “Tub Clean,” “Self Clean,” or “Drum Clean.” Select this option.
- Manual Setting: If your model does not have a dedicated button, select the “Heavy” or “Normal” cycle. Manually adjust the water temperature to the Hot water setting and select the highest water level (if applicable).
- Start the Wash: Close the door or lid securely and press the “Start/Pause” button. The machine will fill with hot water to dissolve the cleaning agent and penetrate the drum’s crevices.
- Soak (Optional for Top Loaders): For top-load portable models without an automatic soak feature, let the machine agitate for 5 minutes, then pause the cycle. Allow the solution to sit in the drum for one hour to break down stubborn grime before resuming the cycle to completion.
- Wipe Down: Once the cycle finishes, open the door. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe any remaining moisture from the drum, the inside of the door, and the rubber seals.
Front load vs top load maintenance
The method for cleaning your Comfee washer varies significantly depending on whether you have a front-loading unit or a top-loading portable machine. Each design has unique areas where residue accumulates, requiring targeted drum maintenance.
Front load washer maintenance
Front-loading Comfee washers are highly efficient but prone to moisture retention, which can lead to mold and mildew prevention challenges.
- Door Gasket Care: The rubber seal around the door is the number one spot for mold growth. After every wash, inspect the fold of the door gasket. trapped water, hair, and sock lint often collect here. Wipe it thoroughly with a diluted bleach solution or a mildew remover to prevent black spots from forming.
- Drain Pump Filter: Located behind a small door at the bottom front of the machine, the drain pump filter catches coins, buttons, and lint.
- Place a towel or shallow tray under the filter door.
- Open the door and unscrew the filter cap counter-clockwise.
- Remove the filter and rinse it under warm running water.
- Remove any debris from the housing before reinserting the filter.
- Leave the Door Ajar: To ensure the drum dries completely, always leave the door slightly cracked open between uses. This promotes airflow and prevents musty odors.
Top load washer maintenance
Top-loading Comfee models, particularly portable ones, rely on an impeller or agitator. While they are less prone to gasket mold, they struggle more with lint accumulation.
- Lint Filter Cleaning: Top loaders have a built-in lint filter inside the drum (often a mesh bag or a plastic grid on the side of the tub). This must be removed and cleaned after every few cycles.
- Press the tab to release the filter from the drum wall.
- Turn the filter inside out and discard the wet lint into the trash.
- Rinse the mesh under water to remove fine particles.
- Snap it back securely into place; running the machine without it can clog the drain pump.
- Pulsator/Impeller Check: Debris can sometimes get trapped under the bottom spinning plate (pulsator). If you notice drainage issues, check your manual to see if the pulsator is removable for deep cleaning.
Cleaning the detergent dispenser
The detergent dispenser drawer is often overlooked but can become a breeding ground for black mold and bacteria. Detergent residue and fabric softener clump together over time, creating a sticky sludge that can block water flow and smell bad.
How to clean the dispenser:
- Remove the Drawer: Pull the drawer out until it stops. Look for a release tab (usually blue or marked “Push”) at the back of the compartment. Press down on it to fully remove the drawer.
- Soak and Scrub: Disassemble any removable inserts (like the liquid detergent cup). Soak the pieces in hot, soapy water. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away hardened soap scum from the corners.
- Clean the Housing: Before replacing the drawer, use a damp cloth or bottle brush to clean the inside of the dispenser housing slot in the machine. Mold often hides on the “ceiling” of this cavity where water jets spray.
- Dry and Reassemble: Dry all components thoroughly before sliding the drawer back into the machine.
Best practices for mold and mildew prevention
Running a clean cycle is a reactive measure, but proactive habits can significantly reduce how often you need to deep clean your Comfee washer.
- Use High-Efficiency (HE) Detergent: If your Comfee washer is a high-efficiency model, always use HE detergent. Regular detergent creates too much suds, which the machine cannot rinse away effectively. This excess soap residue coats the drum and feeds mold.
- Avoid Overloading: Overloading the washer prevents water from circulating properly, leaving dirt and detergent residue behind. Follow the load size recommendations in your user manual.
- Limit Fabric Softener: Liquid fabric softener is a primary contributor to the waxy buildup known as “scrud.” Consider using distilled white vinegar in the softener dispenser as a natural alternative that helps keep the internal hoses clean.
- Monthly Schedule: consistency is key. Set a reminder to run the Tub Clean or a hot maintenance cycle once a month (or every 30 wash cycles). This prevents biofilm from hardening and becoming difficult to remove.
Troubleshooting common odor issues
If your Comfee washer still smells after running a clean cycle, you may need to investigate deeper issues.
Rotten Egg Smell
This typically indicates bacterial growth in the sewer line or standpipe, not just the washer. Ensure your drain hose is installed correctly with the proper “U” shape to prevent sewer gas from backing up into the machine.
Musty/Damp Smell
If the smell persists, it is likely coming from the door gasket or the filter. Repeat the cleaning process for these specific areas. For stubborn gasket mold, you may need to soak paper towels in bleach, pack them into the gasket folds, and let them sit for several hours before scrubbing.
Burning Smell
A burning odor during a clean cycle is not normal. It could indicate a mechanical issue, such as a failing motor or a friction burn from a foreign object trapped between the drums. Stop the machine immediately and consult a professional technician.
Choosing the right cleaning products
The effectiveness of your “How to run clean cycle on comfee washer” routine depends heavily on the chemistry you use.
- Chlorine Bleach: The most effective agent for killing viruses, bacteria, and mold spores. It is ideal for the “Tub Clean” cycle. However, it is harsh and should be used with extra rinses to ensure no residue damages your next load of dark clothes.
- Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets: Commercial products (like Affresh or OxiClean) are formulated with slow-releasing ingredients that foam up to reach the top of the drum. They are excellent for removing mineral deposits and soap scum that bleach might miss.
- White Vinegar and Baking Soda: A non-toxic duo. Vinegar dissolves mineral deposits (lime scale) and deodorizes, while baking soda acts as a mild abrasive.
- Warning: Do not use vinegar and bleach in the same cycle. This creates dangerous chlorine gas. If you want to use both, run a vinegar cycle first, followed by a rinse, and then a bleach cycle separately.
Summary of control panel settings for cleaning
Since Comfee manufactures various models, the Control panel icons may differ. Here is a quick reference guide to finding the right cycle:
- Model Series with Digital Display: Look for a button combination labeled “Tub Clean” (often pressing two buttons simultaneously, like Delay + Temp). Hold for 3 seconds to activate.
- Portable/Compact Models: These usually have a simple dial or push-button selection. If “Tub Clean” is absent, choose “Heavy Duty,” set the load size to “Large,” and the temperature to “Hot.”
- Front Loaders: Turn the main dial to the “Drum Clean” position. If your model heats its own water, set it to the highest temperature (often 140°F/60°C or higher) to sanitize the internal components effectively.
By following these instructions and maintaining a regular cleaning schedule, you can extend the lifespan of your Comfee washer and ensure every load of laundry comes out smelling fresh and looking clean.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I run the clean cycle on my Comfee washing machine?
For the best results and to prevent the buildup of mold and detergent residue, you should run the “Tub Clean” or maintenance cycle once a month or every 30 wash cycles. If you use your machine frequently or wash heavily soiled items often, you may want to run it more regularly.
What should I do if my Comfee model does not have a dedicated “Tub Clean” button?
If your specific model lacks a dedicated cleaning button, you can manually replicate the cycle. Select the “Heavy” or “Normal” wash setting, adjust the water temperature to “Hot,” and choose the highest water level available. This ensures the water reaches all parts of the drum to dissolve buildup.
Can I use both vinegar and bleach at the same time for a more powerful clean?
No, you must never mix vinegar and bleach. Combining these two substances creates toxic chlorine gas, which is extremely dangerous. If you want to use both to clean your machine, run a full cycle with vinegar first, follow it with a rinse cycle, and then run a separate cycle using bleach.
Is it safe to leave clothes in the washer during the self-clean cycle?
No, the drum should be completely empty before starting a clean cycle. The high water temperatures and concentrated cleaning agents (like bleach or specialized tablets) used during this cycle can damage fabrics, cause fading, or ruin your clothing.
Why does my washer still smell musty after I have run the clean cycle?
If a musty odor persists, it is likely that bacteria or mold is trapped in areas the water doesn’t fully reach, such as the folds of the rubber door gasket (on front loaders) or the drain pump filter. Manually wipe down the gasket with a bleach solution and remove any debris from the drain pump filter at the bottom of the machine to eliminate the smell.
