Keeping your washing machine clean is essential for maintaining its efficiency, extending its lifespan, and ensuring your clothes come out fresh every time. Over time, detergent residue, mold, mildew, and hard water deposits can build up inside your machine, causing unpleasant odors and reducing its cleaning power.
The good news is that there are several effective cleaning agents you can use to keep your washing machine in top shape. Let’s explore the best options for cleaning your washer and how to use them properly.
1. White Vinegar
Why Use White Vinegar?
White vinegar is a natural disinfectant that helps break down soap scum, eliminate odors, and remove mineral deposits from hard water. It’s a safe and eco-friendly option that works wonders for both front-load and top-load washing machines.
How to Use It:
- Pour two cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser or directly into the drum.
- Run a hot water cycle without any laundry.
- After the cycle, wipe down the drum, door seal, and detergent tray with a clean cloth.
- Leave the door open to allow air circulation and prevent mold growth.
2. Baking Soda
Why Use Baking Soda?
Baking soda is excellent for deodorizing and scrubbing away residue buildup. When combined with vinegar, it creates a fizzing reaction that helps lift grime and freshen up your machine.
How to Use It:
- Add half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum.
- Run a hot water cycle to help remove any lingering smells and residues.
- For extra cleaning power, follow up with a vinegar cycle.
3. Bleach
Why Use Bleach?
Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that kills bacteria, mold, and mildew. It’s ideal for tackling stubborn stains and odors but should be used with caution, as excessive use can damage rubber seals.
How to Use It:
- Add one cup of bleach to the detergent dispenser or directly into the drum.
- Run a hot water cycle without laundry.
- After the cycle, wipe down rubber seals and other surfaces to remove any remaining bleach residue.
- Run an additional rinse cycle to ensure no bleach remains in the machine.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
Why Use Hydrogen Peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent alternative to bleach, as it has strong antibacterial and antifungal properties without the harsh smell. It effectively removes mold, mildew, and detergent buildup.
How to Use It:
- Pour one cup of hydrogen peroxide into the drum or detergent tray.
- Run a hot water cycle with no laundry.
- Wipe down the interior of the washer after the cycle is complete.
5. Citric Acid
Why Use Citric Acid?
Citric acid is particularly effective at breaking down hard water deposits and limescale. It’s a great option if you live in an area with hard water and want to keep your washing machine free of mineral buildup.
How to Use It:
- Add one cup of citric acid powder to the detergent dispenser.
- Run a hot water cycle with no clothes.
- After the cycle, wipe down any residue left behind.
6. Dishwashing Tablets
Why Use Dishwashing Tablets?
Dishwashing tablets contain powerful grease-cutting and disinfecting agents that help remove soap scum, bacteria, and mold from your washer.
How to Use It:
- Place one or two dishwashing tablets directly into the drum.
- Run a hot water cycle without laundry.
- Wipe down the interior after the cycle.
7. Commercial Washing Machine Cleaners
Why Use Commercial Cleaners?
Specialized washing machine cleaners are formulated to tackle detergent buildup, mold, and bacteria effectively. Brands like Seaways offer convenient and reliable solutions.
How to Use It:
- Follow the instructions on the cleaner’s packaging.
- Typically, place a tablet or liquid cleaner in the drum or detergent dispenser.
- Run a hot water cycle with no laundry.
- Wipe down seals and the drum after the cycle.
8. Essential Oils (For Added Freshness)
Why Use Essential Oils?
Essential oils like tea tree, lavender, and lemon have natural antibacterial properties and leave a pleasant fragrance in your washer.
How to Use It:
- Add a few drops of essential oil to a vinegar or baking soda wash.
- Run a hot water cycle to refresh your machine.
- Enjoy a naturally fresh scent after every wash.
9. Borax
Why Use Borax?
Borax is a powerful cleaner that helps remove mold, mildew, and detergent buildup while softening hard water.
How to Use It:
- Add half a cup of borax to the drum.
- Run a hot water cycle with no clothes.
- Wipe down the interior of the machine after the cycle.
Is bleach or vinegar better to clean a washing machine?
Both bleach and vinegar are effective for cleaning a washing machine, but they serve different purposes. Here’s how they compare:
Bleach 🧼
✅ Best for: Killing bacteria, mold, and mildew
✅ How it works: A powerful disinfectant that removes stubborn stains and sanitizes the machine
⚠️ Caution: Bleach can be harsh on rubber seals and hoses if used too often. Always run an extra rinse cycle to remove any residue.
Vinegar 🍋
✅ Best for: Removing mineral buildup, deodorizing, and dissolving detergent residue
✅ How it works: A natural cleaner that breaks down limescale and soap scum while neutralizing odors
⚠️ Caution: Never mix vinegar with bleach, as it creates toxic fumes.
Which One Should You Use?
- If your washer has mold or bacteria buildup, use bleach for deep sanitization.
- If your machine has hard water stains or a musty odor, use vinegar to break down residue and freshen it.
- For best results, alternate between bleach and vinegar every few months to keep your washer clean and odor-free.
For more deep cleaning solutions for your washing machine, please read this article.
Conclusion
A clean washing machine means fresher laundry and a longer lifespan for your appliance. Whether you prefer natural options like vinegar and baking soda or commercial cleaners, regularly cleaning your washer is essential. By incorporating these simple cleaning methods, you can keep your machine running efficiently and odor-free. Try out these methods and enjoy cleaner, fresher clothes with every wash!