The Complete Guide to Naturally Deep Cleaning Your Washing Machine

The Complete Guide to Naturally Deep Cleaning Your Washing Machine

Most of us probably don’t think about cleaning our washing machines. After all, they’re supposed to clean our clothes, so how dirty can they get, right? Well, over time, things like mildew, bacteria, and soap scum can build up inside. In this guide, I’ll show you how to clean a washing machine using simple, natural ingredients similar to those in my laundry soap recipes.

With a bunch of kids and a packed schedule, you might wonder why I bother cleaning my washing machine. As I mentioned, any washing machine can collect unwanted stuff. Front-loading or High Efficiency (HE) washers are especially prone to mold and mildew, particularly around the door seal, which can be both a health risk and a source of unpleasant odors.

We’ve used cloth diapers before, and while most of the yucky stuff gets rinsed off first, some residues still end up in the washer. Add in microfiber cloths used in bathrooms and other messy clothes, and it’s easy to see why a washing machine needs a good clean.

Even if you’re not washing these items, washing machines still face bacteria, mold, and mineral buildup because they’re dark, enclosed, and moist by nature. The cleaning method I’ll share will give your washer a deep clean, and I recommend doing this a few times a year. But I’ve also gathered some tips to keep it maintained between those deep cleans:

If your machine needs some attention, here’s how to handle it and some tips to avoid issues. There are tons of instructions for cleaning a washing machine out there, but I don’t suggest trying most of them. While some might seem effective, many use cleaners like bleach, which I’m not comfortable with using since it doesn’t effectively kill mold and is a respiratory irritant.

A popular DIY solution involves mixing baking soda with vinegar. Although this combo is safe and natural, it might not be very effective. When you mix the alkaline baking soda with the acidic vinegar, they fizz but can cancel each other out too.

So, what cleaners should we use? The exact approach can vary depending on your washer model and type, whether it’s a front loader or a top loader. Newer machines might have a filter near the bottom, which older ones may lack.

For those curious, from what I’ve gathered, vinegar, washing soda, natural oxygen bleach, and borax are all safe for HE machines. Does your washing machine need some cleaning love? Are you hesitant to take a peek?

Laithwaite's Wine New Logo
ORLY
Anine Bing - Enjoy Free Shipping and Exchanges on the ANINE BING Styles You Love. Shop Now!