One appliance that we often forget to clean is the washing machine. Most people assume that since their washing machine washes their clothes, then they are probably self-cleaning at the same time as well. The truth is that moisture, mildew, and all the debris coming off our clothes in the wash can find their way into the nooks and crannies of our washing machines. So, it's a good idea to deep clean your washing machine every few months to keep things running smoothly and cleanly.
These steps will show you how to clean a top-loading washing machine with natural ingredients in just a few minutes.
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Things You'll Need
2 cups of vinegar
Vinegar in a spray bottle
Pitcher of warm water
Toothbrush
Sponge
1. Spray your washing machine liberally with vinegar
Grab your vinegar-filled spray bottle and spray under the lid of your washing machine, around the edges, the entire inside of your washing machine's agitator, and in all of the nooks and crannies at the top too.
Tip
Distilled white vinegar not only acts as a deodorizer but also helps to remove bacteria.
2. Use a sponge to clean all areas of your washing machine
Starting at the top of your washing machine, wipe between any grooves, under the lip at the top of your washer, around the door and hinges, and the entire inside of the agitator.
3. Use a toothbrush to scrub hard-to-reach places
Use a toothbrush to get into the small spaces and clean any residue left behind from fabric softener and any other substances that may be lurking in the hard-to-reach spots.
4. Remove the fabric softener dispenser and clean
If your washing machine has a removable fabric softener dispenser, remove it and give it a good cleaning.
5. Rinse the cleaned areas with water
Use a pitcher of warm water to rinse any of the spaces that you scrubbed with your sponge and toothbrush. Since water doesn't reach some of these spaces during a normal wash cycle, it is important to rinse them before the last step.
6. Pour 2 cups of vinegar into your washer
Vinegar helps to clean and disinfect as well as remove any mold or mildew buildup and smell in the parts of your washer that can't be reached.
7. Run your washer on a regular cycle with hot water
Run a regular cycle on hot with just the vinegar inside.
Your washing machine should be clean and ready to use once the cycle is finished.