While common thought would lead you to believe that the inside of your washing machine is clean, it may not be. Failing to clean your machine can result in bad odors, germs, grime, and mildew. Luckily, there are all-natural ways to clean your top-loading or front-loading machine using white vinegar. By using the right methods, you can ensure that your machine is clean and that it effectively cleans your clothes.

[Edit]step

[Edit]top load washing machine cleaning

1. Set your washing machine to the hottest temperature and longest cycle. Run your washing machine, and let it fill with hot water. Use the highest load size.^[1]
   
2. Pour 4 cups (945 mL) of white vinegar into the washer. Open the lid while the washer is running. Use a measuring cup to measure and add four cups (945 mL) of white vinegar when loading the washer.^[2]
   
3. Add 1 cup (235 mL) of baking soda to the water. For a deeper clean, you can add baking soda to the water. Measure out one cup (235 mL) of baking soda and carefully pour it into the water in your machine.^[3]
   
4. Close the lid, and let the washing machine run for 5 minutes. Allowing your machine to run will allow the vinegar and baking soda to wash away dirt and germs from inside your washing machine.^[4]
   
5. Open the lid and stop the machine for one hour. Letting the hot water and vinegar sit in your washing machine for an hour will remove excess dirt and grime from inside the machine.^[5]
   
6. Wipe down the exterior of your machine when your machine is at a standstill. Use a clean cloth and citrus cleaner to wash the rest of your washing machine. Citrus cleaners are great at removing limescale, soap scum and associated buildup (dirt from clothes, excess detergent, leftover fabric softener, etc.). You can buy citrus cleaners at the store or you can make them at home. Spray the cleaner on the dirty areas and use a cloth to wipe away the dirt.^[6]
   
   • Citrus cleaners use the natural properties found in fruits such as lemons, oranges and limes to lift away dirt.
   • When cleaning, be sure to wipe and rinse the fabric softener and bleach chambers on your washer.
   • You can also use a toothbrush to get into hard-to-reach places.
7. End the washing machine cycle. Close the lid, and end the cycle in your washing machine. Wait until the cycle is complete and all the water is drained from the machine.
   
8. Clean the interior of the machine and repeat. Wipe the interior of the washing machine with a dry cloth. Once it dries, you can repeat the steps to remove any grime or grime that may have accumulated inside your machine.
   

[Edit]front load washing machine cleaning

1. Fill the detergent dispenser with white vinegar. Fill the detergent dispenser with 3/4 cup (175 mL) of vinegar or until the detergent dispenser is full. The detergent dispenser is usually labeled and can be found on the top of your front load washing machine. When it is full, close the lid.^[7]
   
2. Start a normal wash cycle on the hottest water setting. If your front load washing machine doesn’t have a warm water setting, choose the “White” setting or the “Stains” setting. Let the cycle run completely. ^[8]
   
3. Wipe down the exterior of your washer. With the Normal cycle running, add ½ cup (90 g) baking soda and 1 quart (1 L) white vinegar to a bucket. Once the material is incorporated, use the solution to wet the washer and use a rag to wipe down the exterior of the washer.^[9]
   
4. Run an extra (hot) rinse cycle without added vinegar or detergent. This should remove the vinegar smell and help remove any remaining grime. Once you’re done, the washer should be good to use.
   

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Advice

• You can also use vinegar to clean a twin tub washing machine.

[Edit]Things you’ll need

• white vinegar
• rags
• citrus cleaner
• Bucket

[Edit]Reference

[Edit]quick summary