How to clean your washing machine with vinegar: 3 simple tips
Vinegar has long been hailed for its ability to eliminate pathogens, including bacteria. Traditionally, it has been a staple for household cleaning and thorough disinfection. Moreover, it proves highly effective in treating nail fungus, combatting lice, warts, and even ear infections.
Scientifically referred to as acetic acid, methylcarboxylic acid, or ethanoic acid, it’s the key component responsible for vinegar’s distinct sour taste and odor. In our homes, we likely have various types of vinegar on hand, such as wine, apple, alcohol, or cereal vinegar. Its utility extends across health, beauty, and household cleaning.
Discover just how remarkably effective vinegar can be in rejuvenating and maintaining your washing machine, inside and out, with these three straightforward tips:
Using Vinegar to Clean Your Washing Machine
It’s crucial to clean your washing machine regularly, as it accumulates residue from clothing, sometimes paper, hair, sand, threads, and remnants of cleaning products. The vinegar method for cleaning and disinfecting your washing machine promises excellent results for future wash cycles.
1) Clean the Detachable Parts
Begin by cleaning the detachable components, such as the soap and fabric softener drawers, the central filter, and the lid. Use detergent and a dish sponge for this step. However, the essential touch is to use a vinegar-soaked cloth as a finishing touch.
2) Clean the Interior of the Washing Machine
Now it’s time to clean the washing machine’s interior, specifically the drum. Start a regular wash cycle without spinning, but the crucial step is to add white vinegar to the detergent compartment. Let the cycle complete, and afterward, leave the washing machine door ajar to air dry naturally.
3) Exterior Cleaning
Consistently maintaining the exterior of your washing machine is essential to prevent yellowing and remove stains caused by the products you use to load the appliance. Simply mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a bucket, soak a cloth, and gently wipe the washing machine’s exterior. Allow it to sit for approximately 10 minutes, then dry the entire machine with a clean, dry cloth.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine with Vinegar?
The frequency of cleaning your washing machine with vinegar depends on how often you use it. If you use it more than three times a week, it’s advisable to clean it every 15 days. As a general recommendation, cleaning it once a month will help maintain it adequately.
As a final tip, for a deeper clean of the drum, you can also use a mixture of 2 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in a glass of water. Add this solution to the washing machine’s water and let it sit for a while before rinsing. Leave the washing machine door open to air dry afterward.
These methods are undeniably simple, cost-effective, and highly effective. Give them a try at your earliest convenience and witness the transformation of your washing machine.
