Buzz
You may often assume that the inside of your washing machine is always clean, but in reality, that's not always the case. If not properly maintained, washing machines can develop unpleasant odors, harbor bacteria, germs, and even mold. Fortunately, you can naturally clean both top-loading and front-loading machines using white vinegar. By following the right procedure, your machine will stay spotless and your laundry will be efficiently cleaned every time.
Steps
Cleaning a Top-Loading Washing Machine
Set the washing machine to the longest wash cycle with the hottest water setting. Start the machine and wait until the drum fills with hot water. Don’t forget to select the highest load size at this stage.
Ashley Matuska
Owner, Dashing Maids
Owner, Dashing Maids
Clean your washing machine with vinegar at least 4 times a year. Ashley Matuska, owner of Dashing Maids, advises: "Washing machines should be cleaned with vinegar every 3 months. Just select the standard wash cycle with hot water and add 4 cups of white vinegar. However, if you use vinegar too often, the drum may wear out."
Add 4 cups (about 950ml) of white vinegar to the washing machine. Open the lid while the washing machine is running. Use a measuring cup to pour 4 cups of white vinegar into the washing machine while the drum fills with water.
Add a cup of baking soda to the water. For a deeper clean, you can add baking soda to the water. Measure a cup of baking soda and carefully pour it into the water already inside the drum.
Close the lid and let the machine run for about 5 minutes. This allows the vinegar and baking soda to clean the grime inside the washing drum.
Open the lid and pause the washing machine for about an hour. Soak the drum in a mixture of vinegar and hot water for about an hour to loosen and remove dirt build-up inside.
Wipe down the exterior of the washing machine while pausing the washing process. Use a clean cloth and a cleaning solution to wipe around the machine. The cleaning solution will help remove lime scale, detergent residue, and dirt that has built up on the surface. You can buy a ready-made cleaner at the store or make your own at home. Simply spray the solution on the dirty areas and wipe them clean.
- Many cleaning solutions are made with lemon or orange extracts to help break down stains.
- While cleaning the washing machine, remember to wipe the fabric softener and bleach compartments as well.
- You can also use a toothbrush to reach the tricky corners and crevices.
Finish the wash cycle. Close the lid and allow the washing machine to complete the wash cycle. Simply wait for the washing process to finish and for all water to drain out.
Wipe down the interior of the washing machine and repeat the cleaning process. Use a dry cloth to wipe the inside of the washing machine. Once the drum is dry, you can repeat the steps above to continue removing dirt and grime from the interior.
Cleaning a Front-Loading Washing Machine
Pour white vinegar into the detergent compartment. You will need to pour 3/4 cup (about 180ml) of vinegar into the detergent compartment, or fill it until the compartment is full of vinegar. The detergent compartment is usually located at the top of a front-loading washing machine and will be labeled. Be sure to close this compartment after adding the vinegar.
Start the regular wash cycle with hot water. If your front-loading washing machine does not have a hot water setting, select the "whites" or "stain" wash cycle. Then, wait for the machine to complete the washing process.
Wipe down the exterior of the washing machine. While the washing machine is running, mix 1/2 cup (90g) of baking soda with 1 liter of white vinegar in a bucket. After stirring the ingredients together, dip a cloth into the solution and use it to wipe down the exterior of the washing machine.
Run another wash cycle. There is no need to add vinegar or detergent for this cycle. This step helps eliminate any lingering vinegar smell and removes any remaining dirt in the drum. Once complete, your washing machine will be ready for use again.
What you will need
- White vinegar
- Towel
- Feminine hygiene solution
- Basin
