
Even though this combination is completely safe and natural, it may not be all that effective. (Bleach is a respiratory toxin and doesn’t effectively kill mold, but just whitens it.)Ī lot of recipes call for mixing baking soda with vinegar. Some look more effective than others, and some use cleaners like bleach that I don’t feel comfortable using.
Washing machine cleaner how to#
There are so many instructions out there on how to clean a washing machine, but I wouldn’t attempt many of them. If your machine is in need of some TLC, here’s how to tackle it (and ways to avoid): Ways I Wouldn’t Try The Best (Natural) Way to Deep Clean a Washing Machine The extra suds can cause residues to be left behind in the machine. Only use an HE safe, low suds detergent in an HE machine.Dry the seal and leave the door open after every wash.


For front loaders, wipe down the seal with an anti-fungal cleaner, like vinegar mixed with tea tree essential oil about once a week.Use the proper amount (it’s often less than we think) and run an extra rinse after washing if needed. Using too much laundry soap or fabric softener can cause soap scum buildup.This helps to prevent mildew and stale odors. Leave the lid open after every wash cycle.However, when trying to solve my own washing machine woes, I found some best practices for maintaining the machine in between deep cleans: I recommend doing this several times a year. The recipe below will deep clean your washer. How to Maintain a Clean-Smelling Washing Machine Add to that microfiber cleaning cloths used in stinky areas like bathrooms and all of the other messes on clothing, and it’s easy to see why the washing machine could use some extra love.Įven machines that don’t see these items are still dealing with bacteria, mold, and mineral buildup because they are dark, closed, and moist by design. We’ve used cloth diapers in the past, and while the majority of the icky stuff can be rinsed off of the fabric first, fecal matter and urine still makes their way into the washing machine. This can pose a safety hazard (not to mention it doesn’t smell good). Front-loading washers or High Efficiency (HE) washers are prone to mold and mildew growth, especially around the door seal.
Washing machine cleaner full#
With just a few kids and a more than full schedule, why am I taking the time to clean out my washing machine?Īs mentioned before a washing machine can harbor all sorts of undesirable things.

Why Does the Inside of a Washing Machine Need Cleaning? In this tutorial I’m going to explain how to clean a washing machine using only natural ingredients, like those found in my laundry soap recipes. Yet, mildew, bacteria, soap scum, and other yucky things build up in a washing machine over time. I mean, it’s supposed to clean our clothes, so how dirty can it get? Many of us don’t think about cleaning out the washing machine.
