Sustainable Care: How to Clean Your Washing Machine Naturally
Keeping your washing machine clean is essential for optimal performance and longevity. With just a few simple ingredients and tools, you can easily tackle grime and buildup. Here’s a step-by-step guide to clean both top-loading and front-loading machines!
What You’ll Need
Equipment/Tools:
Measuring cups
Old rags
Old toothbrush
Spray bottle
Ingredients:
2 to 4 cups white vinegar
1/2 to 1 cup baking soda
A few drops of essential oils (optional)
Cleaning Your Top-Loading Washing Machine
Frequency: Run this cleaning cycle 2-3 times a year, or every 3 months if you have hard water.
Steps:
Run Vinegar Through the Machine:
Set the machine to the largest load size and hottest water setting.
As it fills, add 4 cups of white vinegar. Once full, pause the cycle and let it sit for an hour to dissolve detergent buildup.
Clean the Exterior:
While waiting, dampen an old rag with vinegar or a natural cleaner and wipe down the machine’s exterior.
Scrub the Detergent Dispenser:
Use an old toothbrush to scrub away residue in the detergent and fabric softener trays.
Restart the Machine:
Resume the cycle after the hour is up. Once it drains, it’s time for the baking soda.
Run a Baking Soda Cycle:
Add 1 cup of baking soda and a few drops of essential oils to the drum. Choose the largest and hottest cycle and let it run completely.
Air-Dry the Interior:
After finishing, leave the lid open to dry. If you can’t leave it open, wipe the interior with a rag.
How to Clean a Front-Loading Washing Machine
Spray the Interior with Vinegar
Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and thoroughly spray the interior of the machine. Let it sit while you tackle the gaskets.
Clean the Rubber Gaskets
Spray the rubber gasket liberally with vinegar. Use an old rag to wipe away any mold, mildew, and soap scum. After cleaning the gasket, wipe down the metal drum.
Run a Vinegar Wash
Close the door and select the largest, hottest cycle setting. Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser and let the wash cycle complete.
Run a Load with Baking Soda
After the vinegar wash, add 1/2 cup of baking soda and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Run the machine on the same settings.
Clean the Exterior
While the second cycle runs, spritz the outside of the machine with vinegar and wipe it down with an old rag.
Ensure the Interior is Dry
After the final cycle, open the door and wipe down the interior with a dry cloth, or leave the door ajar to air dry.
Powerful Mildew Remover for Your Washing Machine
Load Up Your Machine
Fill your washing machine with your regular laundry as you normally would, making sure not to overcrowd.
Boost with Baking Soda
Sprinkle in half a cup of baking soda along with your usual detergent. This natural powerhouse helps tackle odors and break down mildew!
Vinegar Power-Up in the Rinse Cycle
As your load reaches the rinse cycle, unleash 1 cup of white vinegar directly into the drum. This dynamic duo works wonders to freshen up your clothes and eliminate stubborn mildew!
