How clean washing machine with vinegar

Last Updated on February 19, 2023 by Jahangir

Have you ever wondered how washing machine washes are made so clean? Every wash cycle, detergent gets rid of the buildup of soap residue and water softener residue, right? If so, then cleaning washing machine with vinegar is ideal for you. Most detergent residue can’t pass through detergent-absorbing fabric softener sheets, so cleaning washing machine with vinegar is essential to ensure detergent stays effective.

However, cleaning washing machine with vinegar is not an easy task; it requires a lot of effort. But the effort is worth it as cleaning washing machine with vinegar ensures detergent stays effective in your washer. Besides, cleaning washing machine with vinegar is not just beneficial to detergent buildup but also for your health too. Let’s discuss how cleaning a washer with vinegar ensures detergent effectiveness and our tips to get the most out of your efforts.

What You Need to Clean a Washing Machine with Vinegar

To clean a washing machine with vinegar, you will need distilled white vinegar, a microfibr cloth, and a quart of bleach. You can pour a cup of baking soda into the washing machine drum and run the hottest, longest cycle to begin the cleaning process. Regular use of vinegar in the washing machine should be avoided as it can corrode the rubber seal. Instead, use vinegar in the fabric softener compartment of the washer and run a regular cycle. A one-two punch of baking soda and vinegar can also be used to scrub and deodorize the washing machine. This approach is effective at removing stains and odors from washer water.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Washing Machine with Vinegar

To clean a washing machine with vinegar, follow the steps outlined below.

– Run an empty, regular cycle on hot using two cups of white vinegar instead of detergent- this helps to remove odors and loosen stains-

– Pour two cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser or directly into the drum- this will help to remove mineral buildup and odors-

– Run one more empty, regular cycle on hot without detergent or vinegar and add 1/2 cup baking soda to the drum to help clear away buildup- by doing so, you can scour away built-up soap scum and other minerals from your washing machine-

– Wipe the top of the machine and the dials using a microfiber cloth dipped in white vinegar- by doing so, you can clean the top of the washer and dials of any build up-

– Allow the washing machine to air dry after completion- by allowing it to air dry, you can prevent water damage and scumming.

Step 1: Prepare the Washing Machine

To clean your washing machine, you first must prepare the machine. The best way to do this is to empty it and run a cycle with hot water and vinegar. This will clean the washer thoroughly. Run a second hot cycle without detergent or vinegar, and add baking soda to the drum for extra cleaning. Then, run a cycle with baking soda and essential oils for a deeper clean. To finish cleaning your washer, wipe the inside of the drum with a microfiber cloth to remove residue. Additionally, leave the lid open after washing to help prevent odors or wipe the interior of the machine dry with a rag before closing the lid.

Step 2: Add Vinegar to the Washing Machine

Vineger can be added to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine to help clean the laundry quickly and effectively. To clean the machine, pour 1 cup of baking soda into the drum and run on the hottest cycle, then add vinegar to the detergent and softener compartments and run again. For best cleaning, set washer to longest and hottest wash cycle and add 4 cups of white vinegar. Optionally, you can also add 1 cup of baking soda to the drum for a deeper cleaning. After cleaning your washing machine, dry it thoroughly and vacuum out any remaining particles with a soft brush or cloth. Finally, finish the washing machine cycle by running it with detergent and bleach before racking it. This will help ensure that your laundry is clean and fresh-smelling every time you wash it.

Step 3: Run a Hot Cycle

To clean a top-loading washing machine, run a hot water wash cycle and stop the cycle after a few agitations. Wipe the inside of the machine with a microfiber cloth to clean up residue. After the wash cycle has completed, run a hot cycle with two cups of white vinegar instead of detergent. This step will help remove hard water buildup and buildup from detergent residue. Next, run a hot cycle with baking soda and essential oils for cleaning. After the vinegar-based cleaning cycle, run another hot rinse and spin cycle to finish the cleaning job. To ensure that your washing machine is properly cleaned, wash laundry in cold water and use fabric softener to reduce detergent buildup and increase laundry durability.

Step 4: Scrub the Inside and Outside of the Washing Machine

In this step, you must clean the outside of the washing machine with vinegar and wipe it down while the machine is running. Spray the gasket, dispenser, and exterior with a solution of white vinegar and water to clean and remove built-up grime. For best results, scrub the interior of the machine with white wine vinegar. This will help remove soap scum, mildew, and other stains from the fabric of the washing machine. Next, liberally spray the rubber gasket with vinegar to help preserve its luster and prevent mold and mildew growth. Finally, run a vinegar wash cycle with 2 cups of vinegar added to detergent dispenser for cleaning and softening laundry.

Step 5: Run a Second Hot Cycle

To clean a washing machine, run a hot water cycle with two cups of white vinegar to remove bacteria buildup and deodorize the machine. After the cycle is complete, wipe out the drum with a microfiber cloth to remove any remaining residue. Next, run a hot water cycle using only detergent without vinegar. The detergent will help clean the laundry and rinse away any detergent residue from the washing machine. For top-loading machines in particular, run a hot water cycle after agitating the laundry and allowing the solution to sit for 30 minutes before proceeding with laundry. This will allow the vinegar to reach into nooks and crannies of the machine and flush out any detergent residue that remains.

By cleaning your washing machine using these steps, you can ensure that your laundry comes clean and dry every time.

Step 6: Clean the Detergent Drawer

To clean the detergent drawer of a washing machine, start by cleaning any residue from the sides and corners. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the detergent drawer. In addition, clean the dispenser soap and fabric softener dispensers if they need cleaning separately. Next, use a soft brush to scrub the detergent drawer if needed. Finally, dispose of any soap scum or debris that may have collected in the drawer. This will help keep your laundry clean and tidy.

Step 7: Remove Dirt and Mould from Under the Seal

To clean a washing machine with vinegar, first ensure that it is unplugged and empty. Then, wipe down the inside of the drum with a microfiber cloth and white wine vinegar to remove dirt and mold. Next, run a hot cycle with no detergent or vinegar to clean the machine. Add baking soda to the drum to loosen residual stains. After cleaning the machine, wash it down with hot water and dry it thoroughly. Next, spray bleach and fabric softener dispenser gaskets, lids, and hinges of the machine with white vinegar to disinfect them. Finally, spray the gasket of the washer’s exterior with vinegar solution and wipe clean with a cloth. This cleaning procedure will help keep your washing machine in top shape for many washes to come

Step 8: Clean the Filter

It is essential to wash a washing machine filter regularly to remove detergent buildup, fabric softener residue, and lint from the machine. Soaking the washable filter in hot water for 10 minutes can help soften detergent residue and clean any remaining lint from the machine. It is also important to scrub all nooks and crannies of the washer filter and to take out any removable parts like soap dispenser or fabric softener dispenser if possible. After cleaning, replace the washer filter immediately to ensure that it lasts for a long time. Finally, check the inside of the washer for lint buildup, use a sponge or cloth to remove it.

Step 9: Clean the Exterior of the Washing Machine

For cleaning the exterior of a washing machine, use a soft cloth and a mild detergent or natural cleaner to remove any stains. It is also important to clean the dispenser of laundry detergent with an old toothbrush to remove any residue. An old rag can be used to wipe down the control panel and wash-out area of the machine. After cleaning the exterior of the machine, use a microfiber cloth to wipe down bleach and fabric softener reservoirs as well as the inside of the lid and hinges of the machine. To prevent moisture buildup, leave the door of the machine open in between loads, and clean it thoroughly every month. This will ensure that your washer is able to wash efficiently and effectively.

Step 10: Run a Rinse Cycle

To clean a washing machine with vinegar, run a hot water cycle with vinegar to clean the washing machine. After the cycle is complete, leave the lid open to air-dry the interior of the washing machine. If the lid cannot be left open for safety reasons, wipe the interior of the machine with an old rag to remove any excess vinegar. Next, run another hot water wash cycle for top-loading washing machines and allow the solution to sit for 30 minutes. Run a rinse and spin cycle to remove any remaining residue from your washer. To ensure your washing machine is clean and disinfected, run a hot water wash cycle without vinegar once in a while to keep it cleaning efficiently.

Benefits of Cleaning Your Washing Machine with Vinegar

– Vinegar has antifungal properties, making it a great way to clean and disinfect a washing machine.

– You can use vinegar and water together to clean your washing machine. Start by adding vinegar to the washer, and then fill it with water. Run a cycle with this mixture, and then rinse the washer clean with fresh water.

– Another way to clean your washing machine using vinegar is to combine it with baking soda. This mixture creates an effervescent mixture that can sweep away dirt and grime.

– Using vinegar in the washing machine can help deodorize the machine and bring back faded clothing. Add up to 1 cup of distilled white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment of your washer, and run a cycle with this cleaning solution as directed on the laundry detergent package.

– Finally, you can use vinegar to clean your washer if needed. To do so, pour white vinegar into the washer, add detergent as directed on the laundry detergent package, and run a cycle according to the instructions on the washer’s fabric cleaning label.

– By cleaning your washing machine using vinegar, you can keep your machine healthy and clean without harm to rubber seals or gaskets.

You can also use vinegar as a cleaning agent for dishes, laundry detergent stains, hard water buildup, floors, and more.

In addition to its cleaning benefits, vinegar is affordable, safe for use around water bodies, environmentally friendly, easy to find at grocery stores, and safe for domestic use. Its versatility makes it an excellent cleaning ingredient for any household.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Cleaning Efforts

– Clean the agitator of your washing machine at least twice a year to avoid malfunctions. This part of the washer should be regularly cleaned to ensure it doesn’t become dirty, which could lead to washer-related issues.

– Use vinegar for cleaning your washing machine instead of detergent. Using vinegar instead of detergent will provide a clean wash without damaging clothes. However, you should use vinegar sparingly so that it doesn’t damage laundry detergent.

– Remove stains using hot water and white vinegar. Add white vinegar to hot water and allow the stain to sit in the vinegar for a few minutes before washing away with lukewarm water. This method is effective in removing stains such as grass, blood, and grease stains.

– Wipe down the exterior of your washing machine with an all-purpose cleaner after every use to ensure it’s clean and free of any dirt or grime. Also, wash the washer drum regularly to prevent buildup of dirt and grime.

– Be sure to clean your washing machine inside regularly to prevent buildup of odors and germs. Also, consider using a sustainable cleaning service when needed.

Final Thoughts on How to Clean a Washing Machine with Vinegar

– If you’re looking-to clean your washing machine with vinegar, it’s a natural and inexpensive alternative to harsh chemicals.

– To start, fill the washer with hot water and add a quart of bleach. Let it sit for an hour before running a complete cycle.

– Next, fill the washer with hot water and add a quart of white vinegar. Let the machine run for a minute before allowing the cycle to complete.

– After the cycle is complete, spray the inside of the drum down with white wine vinegar and wipe it down with a microfibre cloth. This will leave your laundry fresh and clean without damaging the detergent or fabric softener residue in the washer.

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Conclusion

We hope this was helpful to you. Of course, using vinegar is the best way to clean a washing machine. However, if vinegar doesn’t work for you, try cleaning your washing machine with baking soda and water. It works every time! Vinegar is an acid and softens water, which helps in cleaning detergent residue and soap scum buildup from washing machine. So next time, wash your washing machine in vinegar and enjoy soft-feeling clothes. Besides, vinegar also helps cut mold buildup.