Are you sick of your washing machine stinking? Have you been putting off the dreaded task of cleaning it? If so, then this blog post is for you! Washing machine cleaning may not be glamorous or exciting, but it’s essential to keeping your washer functioning properly and smelling fresh.
Let’s Get Down and Dirty with Washing Machine Cleaning
Keep reading to learn how to clean a washing machine with vinegar.
Why You Should Clean Your Washing Machine with Vinegar
Vinegar is one of the most effective ingredients for cleaning your washing machine. It is inexpensive and easy to find and has natural antibacterial properties that can help kill bacteria and mold growing inside your washer.
Plus, vinegar doesn’t leave any residue or harsh chemical smells behind like other cleaning products.
How To Clean Your Washing Machine with Vinegar
Cleaning your washing machine with vinegar is surprisingly simple. All you’ll need is white vinegar, baking soda, a sponge or cloth, and an old toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas. Here are the steps:
Start by running a hot water cycle on an empty load in your washing machine (ensure the washer is open). This will ensure that any dirt or debris inside of your washer will be loosened before we start scrubbing.
Once the cycle has finished, turn off the machine and add 4 cups of white vinegar into the drum of the washer (you can also pour some into the detergent tray if necessary).
After adding the vinegar, sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda around the edge of the drum and about 1/4 cup into any crevices where dirt tends to accumulate (like around buttons or dials).
Let everything sit for about 30 minutes so the mixture can work its magic on all those stubborn stains and odors.
Once time has passed, turn on another hot water cycle without any clothing inside so that everything gets washed away down the drain (you might want to open a window while this runs as there might be some strong odors during this step).
Finally, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down all surfaces inside your washer and an old toothbrush to reach tight spots where grime tends to build up (like around buttons or dials).
Congratulations! Your washing machine should now be sparkling clean! You might also want to consider running another hot water cycle with just a few drops of bleach added to disinfect further – make sure you don’t leave anything else inside during this step!
Cleaning your washing machine may seem daunting at first, but it isn’t too complicated once you know what supplies are needed and how much time needs to be invested in doing its job correctly! Cleaning with white vinegar is one of the most effective ways, as it won’t leave behind any residue or harsh chemical smells like other cleaners do – plus, it’s incredibly inexpensive too!
So next time you’re worried about unpleasant odors from your washer, give these steps a try – you won’t regret it!
Tips
- If you’re looking for a natural and inexpensive way to get rid of dirt, grime, and another yucky residue in your washing machine, use vinegar! It’s an eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemicals that can damage your engine over time.
- Vinegar is an excellent deodorizer, too—it’ll help eliminate musty odors that build up inside the washer. To clean your washing machine with vinegar, fill the drum with hot water, then add two cups of white vinegar.
- Let it run for one complete cycle and turn off the machine. For extra deep cleaning, let the hot water with vinegar sit in the drum for an hour. Afterward, do another rinse cycle to flush away any remaining residue.
- For best results, clean your washing machine with vinegar once every month or two—this will help keep mold and mildew from building up inside the drum.
- To remove adamant stains or discoloration from inside the washer, dip a scrub brush into one cup of white vinegar and one gallon of hot water. Scrub gently until you see improvement; then run a regular cycle to rinse any remaining residue.
FAQs
What is the best way to clean a washing machine with vinegar?
The best way to clean a washing machine with vinegar is by running an empty cycle with just two cups of white vinegar. This will break down any residue, soap scum, and dirt in the machine.
After this cycle is complete, run one more full cycle with hot water and detergent. This will help remove any lingering odors or residues left behind from the vinegar.
Can I use other types of vinegar for cleaning a washing machine?
Yes, you can use other types of vinegar for cleaning a washing machine, such as apple cider vinegar or rice wine (mirin) vinegar. However, white distilled vinegar is most effective at breaking down residue and soap scum in a washing machine, so it should be your go-to choice when tackling this chore.
How often should I clean my washing machine with vinegar?
Depending on how often you do laundry, it’s recommended that you run an empty cycle with two cups of white distilled vinegar once every month or two.
Doing this will ensure that your washer stays clean and free of residue buildup, which can cause unpleasant odors and reduce its efficiency over time.
Is there anything else I should do after cleaning my washing machine with vinegar?
Once you have finished running the empty cycle of white distilled vinegar, it’s essential to run another full load using hot water and detergent. This will help remove any lingering odors or residues left behind from the previous cleaning session.
As a bonus, this step will also leave your clothes smelling fresh after each wash!
Are there any tips for making sure my washer stays clean over time?
There are several things you can do to keep your washer clean over time, such as regularly wiping down the door seals and gasket to prevent mold growth; running an empty ‘hot’ cycle every few weeks; using low suds detergent only; and avoiding using too much fabric softener which can build up inside the drum over time.
Implementing these tips and regular deep cleans using white distilled vinegar will go a long way toward keeping your washer looking new!
