When is the last time you cleaned your washing machine? If the answer is “never”, you’re not as alone as you may think. A lot of people don’t stop to think that their washing machine needs to be cleaned. After all, all of that detergent, be it 3 in 1 Laundry Detergent Pods, 3 in 1 Laundry Detergent Powder, Delicate Laundry Detergent Pods, Bleach Alternative Pods, or Stoneworks Laundry Detergent Pods and hot water should make a washing machine a self-cleaning device, right?
Well, not quite. And, it’s more important to clean it than you may think. Mainly, the constant exposure to soaps and minerals in your water means a lot of buildup that can ultimately stop your clothes from actually getting clean. If your clothes start to feel stiff and tacky, that’s a good sign that it’s time for a cleaning session.
Fortunately, cleaning a washing machine is easy, as all you need is a little white vinegar, and you’re going to have a washing machine that’s as good as new.
How to Clean a Washing Machine the Right Way
White vinegar is the cleansing method of choice, because it can break down the residue of your detergent along with mineral buildup from hard water. And, it’s nontoxic, which of course makes it all the better, while being just as effective at bleach when it comes to getting that machine as clean as possible.
Step #1: Turn your washing machine on and fill the washer with hot water, like you would if you were doing a large load of laundry.
Step #2: Add about a quart of vinegar, and let the machine run for a full minute.
Step #3: Stop the washing machine and allow it to sit for about an hour. You want the vinegar to really penetrate all of that residue, which takes time. Trust us – letting it sit means that the vinegar will be extremely effective.
Step #4: Now, allow the washing machine to run a full cycle.
Step #5: Once it’s complete, you can wipe down all of the other components of your washing machine with a cloth dipped in vinegar, including the gasket, the dispenser, and so on.
Can You Use Other Ingredients Instead of Vinegar If You Don’t Have Any Lying Around?
Good question, indeed. Well, technically bleach can do the same job, but the problem is that bleach is toxic, and not something that we at Grab Green Home like to reach for unless it’s absolutely necessary. That being said, there really is no other nontoxic, gentle and natural cleaning agent that is as effective as white vinegar. And, given that vinegar is so cheap, it’s worth running out and buying some. Trust us when we say that any other substitute just won’t do nearly as good of a job.
