How to Make a DIY Washing Machine Cleaner That Really Works
Introduction
Even with all the water flowing through a washing machine, it needs regular cleaning to remove sticky residue from detergents and other laundry products that trap body soil and dirt. Because the inside of a washer is dark, damp, and warm, the residue can quickly become food for mold and mildew spore growth, especially in front-load washers.
DIY Washing Machine Cleaner
While there are dozens of commercial washing machine cleaners on the market, you can create a DIY washing machine cleaner to keep your washer clean and fresh. This cleaner is so simple to make and use that you don’t need to mix it up ahead of time. Just keep the ingredients on hand to clean your washer monthly.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle liquid chlorine bleach
- 1 bottle distilled white vinegar
- 1 box baking soda
Equipment:
- 1 sponge or microfiber cloth
- 1 soft-bristled nylon scrub brush
Instructions:
1. Make a DIY Washer Cleaner
The most straightforward DIY cleaner is 1/2 cup of liquid chlorine bleach. Or, use 2 cups of distilled white vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda. These are not mixed together but run through the washer in two separate cycles.
Warning:
Never mix vinegar and chlorine bleach. Even in small amounts, the combination can produce toxic chlorine gas.
2. Clean Top-Load Washer with Bleach
- Set the washer to the large load and hot water temperature settings.
- Fill the washer with water and add 1/2 cup liquid chlorine bleach, but no detergent.
- Run a complete wash and rinse cycle. If needed, add a second rinse cycle to ensure all the bleach is flushed out of the machine.
3. Clean Top-Load Washer with Vinegar and Baking Soda
- Set the washer to the large load and hot water settings.
- Fill the washer and add 2 cups of distilled white vinegar.
- Run a complete wash and rinse cycle.
- Then, run a second complete wash cycle with 1 cup of baking soda and hot water.
4. Clean Front-Load Washer with Bleach
- Add 1/2 cup of liquid chlorine bleach to the detergent dispenser drawer. Divide the bleach between each compartment.
- Set the washer to the normal cycle setting with hot water and allow the machine to run a complete cycle.
- Dry around the washer door opening, flexible gasket, and door glass with a microfiber cloth.
- Gently pull the flexible gasket away from the glass and use a sponge dipped in a solution of 2 cups of warm water and 1 tablespoon of chlorine bleach to wipe away any mold or soil. Rinse the gasket area with plain water and dry well.
5. Clean Front-Load Washer with Vinegar and Baking Soda
- Mix a solution of 2 cups of warm water and 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. Dip a sponge or soft-bristled brush in the solution.
- Gently pull back the door gasket and scrub away any mold and detergent residue.
- Pour 2 cups of vinegar into the detergent dispenser, filling all sections.
- Select the largest load and hottest water setting and run a complete cycle.
- Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the washer drum and run a second cycle set to the largest load and hottest water setting.
- Dry the interior of the washer, including behind the door gasket.
Additional Tips to Keep Your Washer Clean Longer
- Leave the lid or door of the washer open after every load to allow the drum and seals to dry and lessen the risk of mold and mildew growth.
- Use the right amount of detergent and fabric softener to prevent excessive residue in your clothes and the washer.
