How to Clean Your Washing Machine
Front-loading washing machine
You will need:- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Spray bottle
- Microfiber cloth
- Toothbrush
- Spray the Washer Drum With White Vinegar Add your white vinegar to a spray bottle and spray the inside of the drum. Wipe all around it with a microfiber cloth, leaving no surface untouched.
- Wipe Around the Rubber Gaskets Wipe away the scum that has accumulated on the seals around the door with the white vinegar and microfiber cloth.
- Pour Distilled White Vinegar into the Detergent Dispenser and Run the Washing Machine with Hot Water Measure two cups of distilled white vinegar and pour it directly into your washing machine’s detergent dispenser. Set the washer to run on its longest cycle at its hottest temperature.
- Add Baking Soda Directly into the Drum and Run the Washing Machine Again Sprinkle half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum of the washing machine and run it on the same settings (highest and hottest).
- Wipe Down the Door and Front of the Washing Machine Spray the vinegar onto the microfiber cloth and clean the outside and inside of the door until it shines. Run it along the entire front of the machine, making sure to get the knobs and control panel.
- Leave the Door Ajar and Let the Washing Machine Dry Keep mold and mildew at bay by leaving the door ajar and letting the machine air dry (or wipe it with a dry microfiber cloth).
Top-Loading Washing Machine
- Add Vinegar to the Washing Machine and Start a Cycle Set your washing machine to run on its highest and hottest setting. Add four cups of white vinegar and turn it on. Once it’s filled up and barely started, however, pause the washing machine and just let the water and vinegar sit for an hour.
- Wipe Down the Lid and the Rest of the Washing Machine Spray vinegar onto a microfiber cloth and run it along the top and bottom of the lid, the sides, and the front of the washer while you wait for the water and vinegar to sit in the drum of the washing machine.
- Focus on the Detergent and Fabric Softener Dispenser The washing machine’s detergent and fabric softener dispensers require extra attention. Use a toothbrush to scrub their openings clean.
- Run Another Cycle with Baking Soda Once the first cycle has ended, pour in a cup of baking soda and turn your washing machine back on for one more powerful cycle (still on the hottest/highest settings).
- Leave the Lid Open and Let it Air Dry As with a front-loader, you want to give your top-loader a chance to dry. The easiest way is to just keep the lid up until it’s dry, or you can wipe it out with a dry microfiber cloth.
