How to Clean Residue Inside a Washing Machine

Residue builds up inside of washing machines for all sorts of reasons. Many detergents and fabric softeners can leave filmy layers behind. Hard water can cause spotting on both plastic and metal washing machine parts. Scrubbing these spots clean can be difficult because they're hard to reach and often tough to dissolve with most household cleaners. If you're willing to sacrifice a load's worth of water, you can get your machine sparkling by using the method detailed below.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Distilled vinegar
• Paper towels

1. Set the load size indicator on your washing machine to large. Set the water temperature to its hottest setting.

2. Start a regular wash cycle. Wait for the washing machine to fill up with water.

3. When the washing machine is full of hot water, pour in a full gallon of distilled vinegar. Close the lid. Wait for the entire wash cycle to conclude.

4. Inspect the inside of the washing machine. It will likely be spotless or nearly spotless.

5. Rub any remaining spots vigorously with a paper towel that is dabbed with vinegar. Do this while the machine is still warm for more effective buffing.

6. Wait a day before continuing your regular washing routine.

Tips & Warnings

• If spots develop quickly inside your washing machine and get consistently worse with time, you may have hard water. You can test your water's hardness with pH paper.
• Don't attempt to do this on a time crunch by shortening the washing time. Let the machine go for a full cycle in order.