Hello, joyful homemaker!
Have you ever caught a whiff of a musty odor coming from your washing machine? Or maybe you've noticed your clothes aren’t coming out as fresh and clean as they used to? These are telltale signs that your top-load or front-load washer is overdue for a deep clean.
I’ll admit—it’s tempting to reach for commercial cleaners like OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaning Powder. And while they do work, they’re not exactly budget-friendly. A single box can cost over $10 and only lasts for about four uses. That adds up fast!
That’s why I prefer a more natural approach. Simple ingredients like baking soda and vinegar are not only just as effective, but also much cheaper—and safer—for regular use.
You don’t need expensive products to keep your washer fresh and functional. In fact, you can deep clean your machine using eco-friendly methods that are simple, affordable, and extend the life of your appliance.
Here are four natural methods to get the job done right.
Natural Ways to Clean Your Washing Machine
1. Vinegar and Baking Soda
When it comes to keeping my washing machine spick and span, I have a fail-proof recipe up my sleeves: vinegar and baking soda. These two simple household staples are my go-tos for giving my washer a deep clean. The vinegar does a stellar job at breaking down grime or residue, while the baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive that helps scrub away stubborn stains and odors.
Using vinegar and baking soda to clean my washing machine has also made my cleaning routine so much easier and more convenient. I love that I can simply grab these two ingredients from my pantry whenever I need to give my washing machine a good scrub.
Top loader:
- Fill the machine with hot water on the highest load setting.
- Add 4 cups of white vinegar to the water and let the machine agitate for a few minutes to mix the vinegar with water.
- Stop the machine and let the mixture sit for about an hour to help break down any built-up dirt and grime.
- After soaking, restart the machine and let it complete the wash cycle.
- Once the cycle is finished, fill the machine with hot water again and add 1 cup of baking soda. Run another wash cycle to clean out any remaining residue and deodorize the machine.
Front loader:
- Mix a quarter cup of white vinegar with a quarter cup of water in a spray bottle .
- Then, spray the mixture around the seal of the washer and wipe it clean with a cloth.
- Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser and run a hot water cycle on the longest setting.
- Sprinkle half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Run another rinse cycle to ensure all the vinegar and baking soda residue is rinsed away completely.
2. Lemon Juice
While vinegar and baking soda are my go-to cleaning duo, I recently tried lemon juice for cleaning my washing machine. The scent alone is enough to make me love it instantly. It’s absolutely invigorating and adds a refreshing vibe to my laundry routine.
But more than just the pleasant scent, lemon juice actually works wonders when it comes to cleaning. The citric acid in lemon juice helps to break down dirt, grime, and other buildup. It also has antibacterial properties that can help kill any mold or mildew that may be lurking in your machine.
Top loader:
- Start by filling the machine with hot water.
- Add 2 cups of lemon juice to the water and let the machine run on full cycle.
- Once the cycle is complete, wipe down the interior of the machine with a clean cloth to remove any remaining residue.
Front loader:
- Remove any detergent dispenser drawers and soak them in a mixture of hot water and lemon juice.
- Use a sponge or cloth soaked in lemon juice to clean the rubber seal around the door, as this area can often harbor mold and mildew.
- Add 1 cup of lemon juice to the detergent dispenser and run a hot water cycle. This will help clean the drum and eliminate any musty odors.
3. Salt
Salt is a staple in most kitchens, used for seasoning food and adding flavor to dishes. But did you know that salt can also be used for cleaning? I’ve recently found that it can be incredibly effective for cleaning washing machines.
Salt is a natural abrasive and can help to break down and dissolve the stubborn residues that accumulate in your washing machine. In addition to its antibacterial properties, it can also act as a natural deodorizer. Its ability to absorb moisture can help eliminate any lingering odors that may be present in your washing machine.
Top loader:
Fill the drum with hot water. Add a cup of table salt and let it dissolve. Allow the machine to agitate for a few minutes to ensure that the salt is distributed evenly.
Let the mixture sit for about an hour to allow the salt to break down any residue in the drum and hoses. Afterwards, run a full wash cycle on the hottest setting to rinse out the salt and grime.
Front loader:
Fill a small bowl with about 1 cup of salt. Sprinkle the salt evenly around the inside of the drum. Run a hot water cycle on your washing machine, using the longest and hottest setting.
Once the cycle is complete, open the door and allow the machine to air out for a few hours. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the inside of the drum, agitator, and rubber door seal to remove any remaining residue.
For an extra-deep clean, repeat the process with another cup of salt and another hot water cycle.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
I’ve always been amazed by the versatility of hydrogen peroxide. It is not just for healing cuts and scrapes; it can also be used to effectively clean and sanitize your washing machine.
Not only does hydrogen peroxide eliminate bacteria and viruses, but it also helps to remove stubborn stains and odors. It breaks down organic materials and lifts dirt and grime from the surfaces inside the washing machine.
Top loader:
- Fill the washing machine with hot water, preferably on the highest temperature setting.
- Add 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide to the water as the machine is filling up. Make sure to use a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide, which is safe for cleaning purposes.
- Let the washing machine run for a few minutes. Pause the machine and let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes to an hour.
- Resume the washing cycle and let it complete a full wash and rinse cycle. Once the cycle is complete, wipe down the inside of the machine with a clean cloth.
Front loader:
- Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle. Spray the inside of the washing machine drum, focusing on areas where dirt and grime tend to build up, such as the door seal and detergent dispenser. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before wiping it clean with a damp cloth.
- Repeat the process as needed to ensure a thorough cleaning of your washing machine.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your washing machine clean is an essential part of maintaining its efficiency. So, how often should you clean your washing machine? In general, it is recommended to clean it at least once a month. However, if you use your laundry machine frequently, you may need to clean it more often.
Regular cleaning can help prevent mold and bacteria buildup, ensure your clothes come out clean and fresh, and extend the lifespan of your washing machine.
