When cleaning your washing machine, vinegar, and baking soda are a duo that’s hard to beat. Not only are they excellent for removing grime and leaving your device looking sparkling, but they also have deodorizing properties.
However, mixing them isn’t the smartest thing to do – you need to clean your machine with vinegar and baking soda on separate cycles. This will prevent them from damaging your washing machine and pipes.
Vinegar Cycle
The vinegar cycle is an effective way to clean your washing machine. This simple process will help remove soap scum, mineral deposits, and other residue from your washer and hoses that can impede water flow and performance.
Fill your washer tub with hot water and 2 cups of distilled white vinegar to remove this buildup. Run a complete wash cycle with the solution.
Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the mixture. This will help break down mineral and mildew deposits and remove moldy odors.
This is a great cleaning option for top-loading machines that have hard-to-reach places. You can pause the device to allow the vinegar to soak in for an hour.
Vinegar is safe to use in your machine but best used in moderation. Excessive use can damage rubber seals and gaskets.
Baking Soda Cycle
Vinegar and baking soda are two of our favorite green cleaning products for washing machine cleaning. They are gentle but effective at removing stains, bacteria, and mold.
When combined, they work together to create an effervescent solution that gets to work on everything in your washing machine’s way. That means it can help dissolve stale soap residue and deodorize and remove limescale deposits from your washing machine drum.
Baking soda is a mild alkali that can break down dirt, grease, and grime. It also helps clothes stay clean and odor-free.
The trick is using it with white vinegar and a long, hot cycle.
Once you’ve filled your washing machine drum with enough vinegar and baking soda to fill it, run a long, hot cycle. Then pause the process for 30 minutes or an hour to let the mixture do its work.
This is a great way to clean your machine, and it’s easy! All you need are a few simple ingredients- both inexpensive.
Vinegar Spritz
Vinegar is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an easy and effective way to keep your washing machine clean. It’s an all-natural, odor-fighting cleaner that also helps prevent mold growth and bacteria.
Vinegar can also help pretreat minor stains and odors. It also reduces lint and pet hair and can help soften clothes naturally.
For a more thorough cleaning, you can make a vinegar spritz to spray your machine before putting it on the next load. This spritz recipe uses white vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils to get your washing machine sparkling again!
To make your spritz, fill a clean bottle with water. Add 1 cup of vinegar, a tablespoon baking soda, and a few drops of your preferred essential oil. Screw the bottle cap on and shake vigorously before sping your machine.
Baking Soda & Essential Oils Cycle
Baking soda (NaHCO3) and vinegar are natural cleansers that can remove various dirt, grime, and germs. They have a base that dissolves organic matter and acid that breaks down minerals in hard tap water.
When these two ingredients combine, they release energy that forms many bubbles and gas, which can help break up dirt in hard-to-reach places. Using this method, you can deep-clean your washing machine and eliminate that musty or moldy smell.
The baking soda kills odor, while the vinegar gives your washing machine a good scrub. Essential oils can also help break up molds and other deposits and leave your washer with a fresh scent.
This method is perfect for keeping your laundry machine smelling fresh and removing musty odors from soap residue. Once the cycle is complete, wipe your washer down and rinse thoroughly. Then, you can use your washing machine again!
