Washing machines (especially the really good brand names), are built to stand the test of time. How much time you may ask, though? Unfortunately, not as long as we’d hoped for. No matter what machine you have, sooner or later it will need to be cleaned. Cleaning your washing machine regularly will not only ensure it looks good, but also give it a boost in avoiding technical problems. The great news is that learning how to clean a washing machine is not a difficult task at all.
There are several ways to give your machine a thorough clean with a number of different cleaning tools. The powerful cleaning agent we’ll focus on in this article is vinegar. Whether you have a top-loader or front-loader washing machine, read on to find out how to clean a washing machine with vinegar.
What You’ll Need:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- A microfiber cloth
- A spray bottle
Cleaning a Front-Loader Machine With Vinegar
Follow these 5 easy steps when learning how to clean a front-loader washing machine with vinegar:
1. Spray The Drum
Pour white vinegar into your spray bottle and use it to spritz the inside of your washing machine. Make sure to cover every inch of the drum.
2. Wipe The Drum
Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the inside of the machine, giving it a good clean. Make sure not to miss the small crevices around the door seals.
3. Run A First Cycle
Pour two cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser before setting your machine to run a cycle. The settings for the cycle should be the longest possible time at the hottest temperature.
4. Run A Second Cycle
After completion of the first cycle, pour half a cup of baking soda into the drum and set the machine to run a second cycle. Use the same settings as before.
5. Leave The Machine To Dry
Once the second cycle has finished, open the door and leave the machine to air-dry. Wipe it down with a clean microfiber cloth if need be.
Cleaning A Top-Loader Machine With Vinegar
Here are the 4 simple steps you’ll need to clean a top-loader washing machine with vinegar:
1. Run A Cycle With Vinegar
Pour 4 cups of white vinegar into your washing machine before turning it on to run a cycle. Set it to the fastest and hottest cycle setting.
2. Allow The Mixture To Rest
Pause the cycle as soon as the machine has filled up with water. Allow the mixture of water and vinegar to sit for 1-2 hours. Turn the machine back on once the time has passed.
3. Run A Second Cycle
When the first cycle is finished, pour a cup of baking soda into your machine and put it on to run a second cycle with the same settings as the first one.
4. Let The Machine Dry
Once the second cycle is finished, open the lid and let the machine air-dry. Wipe it down with a microfiber cloth if need be.
Cleaning The Outside Of Your Machine With Vinegar
While you’re waiting for the inside of your machine to dry, turn your attention to the outside. Spray vinegar onto a microfiber cloth and use it to clean and wipe down all over. Don’t forget to pay close attention to the door and the small gaps it has where bacteria could be hiding.
If you have a front-loader washing machine, create a mixture of hot, soapy water and use it to clean the softener dispenser by scrubbing it with a toothbrush. Rinse it out and dry it off with a clean cloth or towel.
Thanks to the simple yet effective cleaning agent that is vinegar, and the cleaning methods listed above, the inside and outside of your washing machine will be restored and revived, looking good as new.
