I’m embarrassed to admit that my washing machine was way overdue for a cleaning. Like disgustingly overdue. So I figured I would share with you all how to clean a washing machine with vinegar today. That way, if you need to clean yours too, you will have all the knowledge and info to do so as well!
And since it is the new year, I am all about cleaning and organizing. This is definitely a great item to mark off of the cleaning to-do list! And it helps get rid of any bad smells and it is the best way to clean clothes every single time you use your washing machine as well!
Cleaning your washing machine with vinegar is a straightforward process that helps eliminate residues, mold, and odors. It doesn’t take much time and effort at all so that’s always a plus! Keep on reading for a step-by-step guide below!
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Regularly cleaning your washing machine with vinegar helps maintain its efficiency and prevents unpleasant odors. Aim to clean it every few months or more frequently if you notice any buildup or odor issues.
Vinegar ready to go in!Both bleach and vinegar are effective for cleaning a washing machine, but they serve different purposes and have distinct advantages:
Bleach:
Vinegar:
Which is better depends on your needs:
Safety considerations:
Combining both: Some people opt to use a combination of cups of bleach and vinegar in separate cleaning cycles to maximize the benefits of both. For example, one cycle with bleach for disinfecting, followed by a cycle with vinegar to remove residue and odors.
Remember to rinse the machine thoroughly after using either bleach or vinegar to avoid any residual effects on clothes during subsequent wash cycles. Ultimately, the choice between bleach and vinegar depends on your cleaning goals and any specific concerns you might have about your washing machine.
Deep cleaning your washing machine isn’t required as frequently as regular maintenance, but it’s beneficial to do occasionally, especially if you notice any of the following:
Regular maintenance, like wiping down the drum and seals after each use, leaving the door open between cycles to allow air to circulate, and using the appropriate amount of detergent, goes a long way in preventing the need for frequent deep cleaning.
However, performing a deep clean every few months or when you notice any of these issues can help maintain the machine’s performance, prevent odors, and prolong its lifespan. Using vinegar or bleach for these occasional deep cleans can be very effective in eliminating residues, limescale, and odors.
Another good idea when it comes to washing and cleaning clothes is to create your own chlorine bleach alternative. Especially if you prefer more natural ingredients rather than harsh chemicals. And you would be surprised at just how easy it is to make!
All you need is just two simple household ingredients and that’s it! Just combine 4 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of citrus essential oils. You could also use lemon essential oil for this as well.
Before and after of the bleach dispenser after cleaning it!Mix it all together and then add it into your bleach dispenser as you normally would. Then, throw your load of laundry into the washer drum and do a nice hot wash. I like to do this for all my bedding, especially since it is white. So this is a great way to keep them nice and bright looking using more natural cleaning agents too!
As you can see here, my laundry room is pretty small so it is essential to keep it clean and organized!Like I mentioned above, my dirty washing machine was in desperate need of a good scrub down. Not only the inside of the drum, but the outside areas, the control panel, rubber seal, door gasket, and the fabric softer dispenser/detergent drawer as well.
I used a spray bottle filled with glass and window cleaner to clean the outside lid of my top-loading washing machine too. There were also little nooks and crannies that were hard to clean, so I just used a Q-Tip to get into those pesky, hard to reach areas.
After a good scrub down, my laundry room was looking much, much better. All of this information above is a great way to get your washing machines and your laundry room in tip top shape!
Pin for later!And now is the perfect time to do so since it is the New Year. I always love to start the New Year off with some cleaning and organizing hacks. And if you’re looking for more ideas just like that, be sure to check out my post on how to organize your pantry as well!
There's little point in running a washing cycle if your washing machine itself isn't clean, and it turns out that a rather large proportion of people don't know how to clean a washing machine or do it regularly at all. The reason they need cleaning is that washing machines process vast quantities of water, so mildew and the like is inevitable at some point. Let's be honest, we've all opened the door to shove our dirty load in only to be greeted by a somewhat musty smell – that's a sure sign that your washing machine needs a clean.
Cleaning a washing machine is more than just wiping the inside of the drum and saying ‘job done’. Firstly, you can buy washing machine cleaner, which you use in three ways. Remove the detergent drawer and leave it to soak in the solution to remove any unwanted soap scum. Meanwhile, pop some of the solution onto a clean cloth and wipe around the rubber seals on the door. You'll want to be thorough here, and anyone who has neglected their washing machine might find some rather unsightly gunk coming up. Once you've got as much off as you can, wipe it down with a cloth soaked in hot water. Wipe the same clean, hot water-soaked cloth around the inside of the drum too. Finally, you empty the rest of the washing machine cleaner into the detergent drawer–which has now been cleaned and put back in the machine–and run the machine on a cycle at a minimum of 60 degrees Celsius.
Once it's done, as with any washing cycle, make sure to leave the washing machine door open until the drum has cooled and no condensation will form on the inside of the door (if you shut the door immediately after running the machine, you are essentially creating a breeding ground for mould and bacteria, so always let the machine air before you close the door fully).
Most washing machines have a filter on the bottom left or right of the machine. This will be a round portal with a handle below the main drum door where lint and soap scum are collected. Ensure the machine is turned off and remove the filter, then wipe it clean with a cloth or kitchen towel, before removing the screen and soaking it in hot water for ten minutes. While it soaks, check the compartment for excess lint and then put the whole thing back together again.
May we suggest: Utility room and laundry room design ideas
If the thought of washing machine cleaner and extra chemicals does not appeal, you can follow the exact same process with baking soda and vinegar. The results will be exactly the same, however white vinegar is most definitely the more environmentally friendly option (and it's more affordable too). Just remember to never mix both bleach and vinegar together or even use them at the same time, as this can cause a dangerous reaction and release chlorine gas.
Owen Gale
According to Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook, you should clean a washing machine once a week. Wipe down the outside of the machine with a cloth dampened with mild dishwashing liquid and water, rinse it with plain water and wipe dry. Wipe the inside of the machine with a damp cloth to remove lint, debris and soapy residue.
Additionally, you should run an empty, hot cycle in your machine once a month to freshen it up, but clean it with solution every two to three months. If you are seeing black spots arise on the rubber seal sooner than that, or a musty smell starts to appear, then take that as a guide that it's time for a deep clean. As for the filter, every three months is sufficient to keep things running smoothly.
Before going on holiday, shut off the water supply at the faucet and drain water from the hoses if the weather is going to dip below freezing.
“It is not uncommon for both top and front-loading washing machines to develop a ring of mildew around the rubber door seal,” Martha explains. “This is more likely if you live in a humid climate or have a laundry room that is poorly ventilated, conditions that mildew requires to thrive.”
To avoid mildew in the first place, clean inside the rubber lining of the drum window with a damp cloth. This helps prevent black marks and residues that could get on your clothes. Also, avoid keeping damp clothes sitting in the washing machine for extended periods of time.
Remove mildew by cleaning the rubber seal with a solution of 1 cup chlorine bleach to 2 cups warm water. Wearing protective gloves, wipe the lower portion of the door seal with a soft cloth soaked in the bleach solution. Then follow up by wiping down the entire seal.
"A majority of the power used by a washing machine is devoted to heating the water," writes Martha Stewart in her Homekeeping Handbook. So you can significantly cut down energy consumption by using a colder rinse for clothes that aren't very dirty.