Wait, wait, wait…you actually have to clean your washing machine??
Yes, your washing machine does need a cleaning every now and then! If you didn’t know that you should clean your handy-dandy machine, you aren’t the only one! A lot of people neglect to clean their washer. You and others might think it gets cleaned every time you use it, as it does clean your clothes. However, this is not the case. Just like everything else in your home, your washing machine needs some cleaning attention, too!
Here’s how to naturally clean your washing machine! These tips will get you a nice, clean washer, without the use of harsh chemicals.
Why Your Washer Really Needs to Be Cleaned
It definitely may seem counterintuitive to clean your washer. But here’s some reasons why you should.
- Soap/Detergent Buildup. Over time, your washer will get a buildup of detergent or soap scum that, if left untouched, can cause problems.
- Smells and Odors. Some washers tend to smell bad by design. Washers, like HE (high-efficiency) washers, are notorious for holding hot water in certain places, which causes a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors. These unpleasant smells can even eventually transfer to your clothing.
- Limescale Buildup. Hard water can create limescale buildup, a hard chalky deposit, in certain components of your washer or in the pipes. This causes things to run slower.
- Excessive Moisture. If you live in a particularly humid climate, the constant moisture in the air may prevent the washer from thoroughly drying between loads. Since the washer never gets the chance to completely dry, this can create mildew and unpleasant odors.
How to Naturally Clean Your Washing Machine
So, how do you eliminate the issues above without toxic chemicals like bleach? With two of our favorite, effective natural cleaners: white vinegar and baking soda! If you couldn’t tell already by our previous blogs, vinegar and baking soda are basically cleaning lifesavers for every home. They are natural, safe for you and your family, AND highly effective.
The white vinegar will serve as a disinfectant, killing all the mold and mildew, while also dissolving any leftover soap residue or lime deposits. On the other hand, the baking soda will also help destroy the soap scum and eliminate any unwanted odors. So, let’s get started!
Top Loading Washers
- Set your washer to the hottest temperature, longest cycle, and largest load. Do not add any detergent or clothes.
- Add 4 cups of white vinegar to the water, close the lid, and let it agitate for several minutes so that the vinegar is thoroughly mixed with the water.
- Add a ½ cup of baking soda and allow the machine to run again for a few minutes to incorporate the baking soda.
- Open the lid, or pause the machine, and let the mixture sit in the washer for about an hour to let the vinegar and baking soda work their magic.
- While that is sitting, dip a cloth in the vinegar/baking soda water and wipe down the exterior of your washer. Focus especially on the fabric softener and bleach reservoirs.
- Once it has set for an hour or so, resume the washing cycle.
- Once that cycle is complete, to make sure everything is extra clean, start another hot wash cycle and let it run through completely.
Front Load Washers
Cleaning a front load washing machine is very similar to cleaning a top load one. Here’s how to do it.
- Set your washer to the hottest water setting. If your machine doesn’t have one, select the “whites” cycle setting. Do not add any detergent or clothes.
- If your washer has this choice, select the “extra rinse” option.
- Add ½ cup of baking soda to the interior of the washer, or the washing machine drum.
- Fill your detergent dispenser to the max level with white vinegar.
- Start the cycle and let it run until it’s complete.
- If your washer didn’t have the “extra rinse” option, manually set an additional rinse cycle.
- Once that is finished, it’s time to clean the exterior! Remove the bleach, fabric softener, or detergent dispensers and wash them with warm, soapy water. You can also clean them with equal parts of vinegar and water. Rinse them off, thoroughly dry them, and then reinsert them into the washing machine.
That’s it! Now you have a clean, pleasant smelling washing machine without the lingering effects of toxic chemicals.
Looking for Green Cleaning Services in Kauai?
At Kauai Green Cleaning Services, we only use all natural, healthy products to leave your homes and businesses sparkly clean. Our green cleaning services are highly effective and reliable, and don’t use any toxic or harmful chemicals that pollute your establishment. Contact us today to have your home or business safely and effectively cleaned! Give us a call at (808) 652-5391.
