A washing machine is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home, yet it’s often the most overlooked when it comes to cleaning. Over time, detergent residue, dirt, and even mold can build up, leaving your machine less efficient and your clothes not as fresh as they should be. So, how do you keep it clean and running at its best?
The answer lies in two simple, natural ingredients: vinegar and baking soda. These household staples are not just effective but also eco-friendly. Unlike chemical cleaners that can harm the environment, vinegar and baking soda offer a safe and affordable way to deep-clean your washing machine.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to clean your washing machine with vinegar and baking soda. Whether you’re tackling stubborn grime or simply maintaining your machine’s performance, these natural ingredients will help you get the job done. Let’s dive in!
Preparing to Clean Your Washing Machine
Before you start cleaning your washing machine, it’s essential to gather the right supplies and check the machine for any problem areas. Here’s a simple guide to get you ready:
What You’ll Need:
To clean your washing machine with vinegar and baking soda, you’ll need just a few basic items:
- Baking soda: This helps remove odors and break down grime.
- Vinegar: A powerful natural cleaner that dissolves buildup and kills bacteria.
- Gloves: To protect your hands while cleaning.
- A cloth or sponge: For scrubbing surfaces inside and outside the machine.
- Optional lavender oil: Adds a fresh, pleasant scent to your washer.
Having everything ready before you begin will make the cleaning process smoother and quicker.
Inspecting the Machine:
Take a moment to look over your washing machine and identify areas that need attention:
- Drum: Check inside for any dirt, residue, or unpleasant smells.
- Door seal: Look for mold, mildew, or trapped dirt around the rubber seal of the door.
- Detergent drawer: Pull it out and inspect for leftover detergent or softener buildup.
By identifying these problem spots, you’ll know where to focus your efforts for the best results. A quick inspection also ensures you won’t miss any hidden grime during the cleaning process.
Method 1: Deep Cleaning for Long-Term Results
To keep your washing machine running efficiently and smelling fresh, it’s important to give it a deep clean every so often. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to deep clean your washing machine using vinegar and baking soda:
Step 1: Add Baking Soda
Start by adding 1-2 cups of baking soda into the drum of your washing machine or into the detergent drawer. Baking soda is great at absorbing odors and breaking down built-up grime. It helps loosen dirt and stains that may have settled in your machine.
Step 2: Run a Hot, Long Cycle
Set your washing machine to the hottest water setting and the longest cycle available. The hot water helps to dissolve dirt, soap scum, and detergent buildup inside the machine. A longer cycle gives the baking soda more time to work and clean the machine thoroughly. This step helps remove stubborn odors and any residue that’s lingering inside your washing machine.
Step 3: Add Vinegar
After the baking soda cycle is done, it’s time to add vinegar. Pour 1-2 cups of vinegar into the detergent drawer or directly into the drum of washing machine. Vinegar is a powerful cleaner that breaks down leftover dirt, detergent, and hard water deposits. It also helps disinfect the inside of the machine and gets rid of any lingering smells. If you want your washing machine to have a pleasant scent, you can add a few drops of essential oil, like lavender or lemon, to the vinegar.
Step 4: Run Another Hot Cycle
Now, run another hot cycle with just the vinegar. This is important because it allows the vinegar to fully clean out any remaining dirt and residue that was loosened by the baking soda. It’s essential to run the vinegar and baking soda in separate cycles because mixing them together could cause clogs in your pipes or reduce their cleaning power. By running each one separately, you ensure the best results for your washing machine.
By following these steps, you’ll give your washing machine a thorough deep clean that will keep it fresh, odor-free, and working efficiently. Regular deep cleaning helps to extend the life of your washing machine, ensuring that it continues to clean your clothes effectively for years to come.
Method 2: Quick Cleaning for Routine Maintenance
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to keep your washing machine fresh between deep cleans, this method will help you stay on top of routine maintenance. It’s a faster process that helps keep your machine free from buildup and odors. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Mix Baking Soda and Vinegar
Start by mixing baking soda and vinegar together in a bowl to create a paste. Use about 1/2 cup of baking soda and enough vinegar to form a thick, spreadable paste. This mixture has powerful cleaning properties and will help break down grime and odors inside your washing machine.
Step 2: Scrub the Drum and Drawer
Next, take a cloth or a soft brush and dip it into the baking soda-vinegar paste. Use this to scrub the inside of the washing machine drum, the door seal, and the detergent drawer. Pay close attention to areas where dirt, soap scum, and detergent residue tend to build up. The paste will help lift grime, mold, and any sticky buildup, especially around the rubber seal on the door and the detergent compartment.
Step 3: Rinse with a Hot Cycle
Once you’ve scrubbed all the important areas, run a quick hot cycle without adding any detergent or cleaning products. The hot water will rinse away any remaining paste and loosened dirt. It also helps ensure that the inside of the washing machine stays clean and free from any leftover residue.
This method is quick and easy and helps you keep your washing machine in good shape with minimal effort. Regularly doing this routine cleaning will prevent odors and buildup from developing, so your machine will stay fresh and effective. It’s a simple way to maintain your washing machine between deeper cleanings.
How to clean a washing machine with soda crystals
Soda crystals, also known as washing soda, are a powerful cleaning agent made from sodium carbonate. They are excellent at dissolving grease and breaking down soap scum, making them ideal for cleaning your washing machine.
To clean your washing machine, simply add 2 cups of soda crystals directly into the drum and run a long, hot wash cycle. The heat helps dissolve the soda crystals, allowing them to break down grease, soap scum, and any residue inside the drum and pipes. This process will help remove buildup that can block drains and encourage bacteria growth.
For regular maintenance, you can repeat this cleaning every month to keep your washing machine in top condition. Additionally, to clean the detergent tray, mix half a cup of soda crystals with 2 cups of hot water, stir until dissolved, and pour the solution into the detergent dispenser drawer before starting the cleaning cycle.
This will flush out soap residue and keep the tray free from buildup. Regular use of soda crystals ensures your washing machine runs efficiently and stays fresh.
How to Clean the Different Parts of Your Washing Machine
Cleaning your washing machine regularly helps maintain its efficiency, prevent bad odors, and extend its lifespan. Here’s how to clean the various parts of your washing machine:
Cleaning the Drum
The drum is where your clothes go during the wash, and it can accumulate soap scum, dirt, and lint over time. To clean it, start by adding 1-2 cups of baking soda, vinegar, or soda crystals directly into the drum. Run a long, hot wash cycle to help dissolve and break down the built-up residue. The hot water helps activate the cleaning properties of the baking soda or soda crystals, ensuring that any grime, soap scum, or odors are effectively removed. For a deeper clean, you can also run the cycle with just vinegar, which helps disinfect and remove lingering odors.
Cleaning the Door Seal
The rubber door seal (also known as the gasket) is a common area for mold, mildew, and soap residue to build up. This can lead to unpleasant smells and bacteria growth. To clean the door seal, first, wipe it down with a damp cloth and some vinegar or mild soap to remove visible grime and moisture. Pay special attention to the folds and crevices where dirt and mold can accumulate. For a more thorough cleaning, use a soft brush or old toothbrush to scrub hard-to-reach areas. If mold is present, you can use a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to four parts water) to kill the mold, but make sure to rinse it thoroughly afterward.
Cleaning the Detergent Drawer
The detergent drawer is where you add soap, fabric softener, or bleach, but over time, residue from these products can build up and lead to clogs or mold growth. To clean the detergent drawer, remove it from the machine and wash it with warm water and a cloth or sponge. For stubborn soap scum, soak the drawer in warm, soapy water for 20–30 minutes, then scrub it gently with a toothbrush to remove any leftover residue. Also, clean the slots inside the drawer where detergent and fabric softener are dispensed. If you see any mold or mildew, use vinegar or baking soda to disinfect and remove it. Make sure to dry the drawer thoroughly before reinserting it into the machine to prevent mold growth.
Cleaning the Filter
The filter traps lint, debris, and small objects that might be left in your clothes after washing. A clogged filter can prevent your washing machine from draining properly and may even cause it to malfunction. Locate the filter according to your washing machine’s manual (usually at the bottom front of the machine behind a small access panel). Remove the filter and rinse it under running water to remove any lint or debris. You can also use a soft brush to clean the filter if it’s very clogged. Check the filter regularly (every 1–3 months) to ensure that it remains clean and free of blockages.
Cleaning the Hoses
The hoses connected to your washing machine carry water in and out. Over time, these hoses can accumulate mineral deposits or develop clogs, especially if you have hard water. Check the hoses regularly for any signs of wear, cracks, or leaks. You can clean the hoses by wiping them down with a damp cloth soaked in vinegar to help dissolve mineral deposits. For extra cleaning, detach the hoses and soak them in a vinegar solution (equal parts vinegar and water) for a few hours, then rinse them thoroughly before reattaching. If the hoses appear damaged or worn out, consider replacing them to prevent leaks or water damage.
Cleaning the Exterior
Don’t forget to clean the outside of your washing machine. Dust, detergent splashes, and fingerprints can accumulate on the surface. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner to remove dirt and grime. If your washing machine has a display or control panel, use a soft cloth to clean these areas carefully. Avoid using harsh chemicals on the control panel to prevent damage.
Tips for Keeping Your Washing Machine Clean
- Wipe Down the Drum and Door After Every Wash
After each load, take a moment to wipe the drum and the door with a clean cloth to remove any water, detergent residue, or lint. This helps prevent mold and odors from building up. - Clean the Detergent Drawer Regularly
Remove and clean the detergent drawer every few weeks to avoid soap buildup and mold. You can rinse it with warm water and scrub it with a soft brush. - Avoid Using Excessive Detergent
Using too much detergent can lead to soap buildup, which can create residue in the drum and detergent drawer. Always follow the detergent manufacturer’s instructions to avoid this. - Leave the Door Open After Washes
After you finish washing, leave the door of your washing machine slightly open to allow air circulation. This helps the inside dry out and prevents mold and musty odors from forming.
Conclusion
Keeping your washing machine clean is essential for maintaining its efficiency, preventing unpleasant odors, and ensuring your clothes come out fresh. By regularly cleaning the drum, door seal, detergent drawer, and other parts, you can extend the lifespan of your machine and avoid costly repairs. Using natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and soda crystals provides an eco-friendly and effective way to tackle grime and buildup. Whether you choose a deep cleaning method or a quick routine maintenance approach, these simple steps will help keep your washing machine in top condition. With just a little effort and attention, your washing machine will continue to work efficiently, making laundry days a breeze.