How to Clean a Washing Machine with Vinegar

Vinegar is a great natural cleaning agent that can remove stains and odors from your washing machine. It also happens to be a product most people have in their pantries. In this article, we will give you step-by-step instructions on how to clean your washing machine using white vinegar. You only need a bottle of white vinegar and a few clean cloths to begin.

If you don’t want to use white vinegar, we will also give you instructions on using other natural cleaning agents like lemon juice and baking soda. Both of these methods work great as well.

Steps to clean your washing machine with vinegar

To get your washing machine sparkling clean, all you need to do is follow the steps below. It’s recommended by most manufacturers that you should clean your washing machine once every three to six months. So the more you use your machine, the more frequently you should clean it.

Here is how to clean your washing machine with vinegar:

1. Make sure the washing machine is empty. When putting your washing machine through a wash cycle, ensure no clothes or other laundry items are inside it.
2. Turn your washing machine onto a cycle. Set your washing machine to the hottest wash cycle possible for the best results. Then, pour 3 to 4 cups of white vinegar into the washing machine drum. Finally, press the start button to turn it onto a wash cycle. Halfway through the wash cycle, pause the washing machine. You can then leave it to sit for 60 minutes. This allows the vinegar to get to work, removing all grime from your machine.
3. Finish the cycle. After 60 minutes, turn the washing machine back on to allow it to finish the cycle.
4. Clean the rest of your washing machine. Once the cycle ends, you can open the washing machine door and clean the seals/gaskets and detergent drawers. You can also spray and wipe the machine’s exterior with a spray bottle of 1/3 cup of vinegar and warm water.
5. Put your washing machine on a rinse cycle. The next step is to put your washing machine on a short rinse cycle to remove any remaining vinegar and its odor from the machine.
6. Clean the washing machine filter. The final step is to clean out the washing machine filter, usually at the bottom of your appliance. Please note that you will most likely need to remove the front panel to access it (check your user manual if you’re unsure where it is located).

How to clean your washing machine with lemon juice

Lemon juice is another fantastic natural disinfectant to use to clean your washing machine. It also happens to smell pretty nice! Simply follow the steps below to clean your washing machine with lemon juice. 

Here is how to clean your washing machine with lemon juice:

1. Make sure the washing machine is empty. Before putting your washing machine on a cleaning cycle, remove everything from the washer drum.
2. Set your washing machine. Set your washing machine to the hottest possible setting. Then, pour 1 cup of lemon juice into the washing machine drum. You can then turn your washing machine on. Halfway through the wash cycle, pause the washing machine and leave it to sit for 60 minutes. During this time, the lemon juice will get to work cleaning the inside of your washer. After 60 minutes, turn the washing machine on to let it finish the cycle.
3. Clean the rest of your washing machine. Once the cycle ends, clean the rest of the washing machine. Start with the door seals/gaskets, then clean the detergent drawers. Finally, spray and wipe the outside of the appliance. You can also use lemon juice to clean the rest of the machine. Simply pour ¼ cup of lemon juice into a spray bottle with warm water to do this.
4. Put your washing machine on a rinse cycle. The next step is to put your washing machine on a short rinse cycle to give it an extra wash to ensure any remaining grease and grime are removed.
5. Clean the washing machine filter. The final step is to clean out the washing machine filter. The filter is usually located at the bottom of your appliance. Check your user manual for instructions on how to gain access to it. 

How to clean your washing machine with baking soda

Baking soda is the third and final natural ingredient you can use to clean your washing machine. Baking soda will help break down any grease and grime in your machine, which will help remove it. It’s also a good product for eliminating nasty odors.

Here’s how to clean your washing machine with baking soda:

1. Empty your washing machine. Before cleaning, make sure there is nothing in the washer drum.
2. Set your washing machine. Set your washing machine to the hottest and largest load settings. You can then pour ½ cup of baking soda into the washing machine drum and a couple of tablespoons into the detergent drawer.  
3. Turn your washing machine onto a cycle. You can then turn your washing machine on and let the cycle go through to the end.
4. Clean the door seals and detergent drawers.  Once the cycle ends, clean the door seals/gaskets and the detergent drawers. You can make up a baking soda-based cleaning spray by mixing two tablespoons of baking soda with two cups of water and placing the mixture in a spray bottle.
5. Clean the outside of the machine. Once the door seals and drawers are clean, finish by spraying and wiping all outside surfaces of your appliance.
6. Put your washing machine on a rinse cycle. The next step is to put your washing machine on a short rinse cycle. This will remove any leftover baking soda and/or grime from your appliance.
7. Clean the washing machine filter. The final step is to clean out the washing machine filter. The filter is usually located at the bottom of your appliance. Please note that you will most likely need to remove the front panel to access it (check your user manual if you’re unsure where it is located).