Absolutely! 🧼 Vinegar is a fantastic, natural way to clean and deodorize your washing machine. Here’s a safe, step-by-step method:
🧴 How to Clean Your Washing Machine with Vinegar
What You Need:
- 2 cups white vinegar
- ½ cup baking soda (optional, for extra scrubbing power)
- Soft cloth or sponge
Instructions
1️⃣ Clean the Detergent Drawer
- Remove the detergent tray (if possible) and soak in warm water + a splash of vinegar.
- Use a soft brush or cloth to scrub away residue and mold.
- Rinse and dry before putting it back.
2️⃣ Run a Vinegar Cycle
- Top-loading machine:
- Fill the drum with hot water (largest load setting).
- Add 2 cups of white vinegar.
- Let it agitate for a few minutes, then pause and let it soak for 1 hour.
- Resume the cycle to complete.
- Front-loading machine:
- Pour 2 cups vinegar into the detergent drawer or drum.
- Run a hot water cycle (empty drum).
3️⃣ Optional: Add Baking Soda for Extra Cleaning
- Sprinkle ½ cup baking soda directly into the drum during the vinegar cycle for deeper cleaning and odor removal.
4️⃣ Wipe Down
- After the cycle, use a soft cloth to wipe the drum, door, and gasket (especially for front-loaders, where mildew collects).
5️⃣ Air Out
- Leave the lid or door open to let the interior dry completely. This prevents mold and mildew.
💡 Tips:
- Clean your washing machine once a month for best results.
- Avoid harsh chemicals — vinegar + baking soda is gentle on machine parts.
- For stubborn odors, repeat or soak the gasket overnight with a vinegar solution.
If you want, I can also give a 2-minute daily maintenance trick to keep your washing machine smelling fresh all month — it prevents buildup before it starts.
Do you want me to share that?