How To Clean A Top Loading Washing Machine With Vinegar and Baking Soda
In this step-by-step tutorial, learn how to clean a top-loading washing machine with vinegar and baking soda. Cleaning your washing machine is a MUST to prevent mold/mildew growth, keep your clothes clean, and prevent odor in your washing machine and on your clothing. Here you’ll find natural ways to easily clean your washing machine that takes little elbow grease with easy-to-find, natural ingredients.
Do you know how dirty your washing machine is? There’s soap scum, mold, mildew, odor, and things you might not be able to see.
I never thought about cleaning my washing machine until my clothes started having unpleasant odors and not feeling like they were clean. I did some research and one article suggested cleaning your washing machine.
The first time I cleaned my washing machine I was astonished at how dirty my water got. It was disgusting.
Over time things can build up in your washing machine whether it’s from hard water, detergent, or other things that can build up in your washing machine.
How do I know my washing machine needs to be cleaned?
One way to know if your top-loading machine needs to be cleaned is if you have bad smells or funky smells in your washing machine or on your clothing. This can be caused by a buildup of minerals, detergent residue, or from things like mildew in your machine.
Another way to know if your washing machine should be cleaned is if your clothing feels grimy and dirty or if they are not smelling clean when they come out of the washing machine without using any type of added scent boosters.
What do I need to clean my top loading washer?
You need a few simple things to clean your smelly washer. You can get all of these from the grocery store and they are super inexpensive!
White Vinegar:
White Vinegar has acetic acid that will break up mineral deposits and other residue in your washing machine. The acid will also help to kill any bacteria and fungi that is in your washing machine as well!
Baking Soda:
Baking soda softens water and regulates Ph levels in your washing machine. This will help break down minerals that have built up in your washing machine and help deodorize your machine as well.
Essential Oils (Optional):
Essential oils can help make your top load washing machine smell better but some also have different antibacterial properties as well. I use lemon essential oil to help get rid of bacteria and bring a nice lemon smell to my machine.
See my post here on the best essential oil brands!
A cleaning rag like a microfiber cloth
You’ll need a cleaning rag to wash around your seals and other areas outside of your washer drum.
How to clean a top loading washing machine with vinegar and baking soda
Make sure you don’t need to do any laundry for a bit while cleaning your washing machine. I run my washing machine through two cycles when I clean my washing machine
Step 1:
I do a “pre-clean” before anything else. I have an older model for a washing machine and we have an agitator in the middle with our fabric softener dispenser on the top of it. Remove this dispenser and wipe it down before you start your cleaning process. I had to do this when we bought a used washer because there was lots of buildup on the inside.
Once you have finished wiping it down, you can throw it into your washer so it can soak in the vinegar solution and water.
Step 2:
You will need 2.5 cups of white vinegar and around 15-20 drops of essential oils. Mix this and reserve a half cup of vinegar solution to wash the outside of the washing machine.
Fill your washing machine with hot water. Once it is filled, pour the vinegar solution directly inside of the drum of your top load washer. I will set my washing machine to the pre-soak setting so it can sit for a little bit. This will depend on the type of washer you have. If you don’t have this setting, leave the door of your top-loading washer open for 10-15 minutes to let everything soak.
Step 3:
Run a wash cycle on your washer. Typically I will do heavy duty and on the hottest cycle I can! Some newer machines will come with a cleaning cycle and if you washing machine has that, run the clean cycle on your washing machine!
Step 4:
This is where you can do one of two things. You can either let an entire cycle run and do baking soda in a second cycle or your can wait until your rinse cycle and add baking soda.
This will depend on your time and whether or not you can pay attention to your washing machine. Ours is in our basement currently so I am not paying attention to it, therefore I am going to run a second cycle on my washing machine.
You will want to add your baking soda to the rinse cycle to help with deodorizing. The vinegar solution will break down things in your washing machine and the baking soda can come in and help deodorize. This is why I run them separately instead of at the same time!
That’s all there is too it! It is pretty hands off for the most part and your washing machine will be clean and smelling great!
How often should I clean my top loader washing machine?
According to this article here with Whirlpool’s senior manager, you should clean your washing machine every 30 days to prevent soap residue buildup in your washing machine.
Simple ways to keep up a clean washing machine
There are some little cleaning things you can do to maintain your clean washing machine in between deep cleaning in!
Add vinegar to your wash
When you add vinegar to your wash, not only does it help clean clothes, but it will also help maintain the cleanliness of your washer. You can add 1/2 cup to the inside of your washing machine while washing your clothes to help soften water and break down minerals!
Use laundry scent boost
A laundry scent boost is great because it contains baking soda and washing soda that will add a boost to your laundry. This is because baking soda deodorizes and helps remove excess dirt and grime!
Wash around your lid and seal once per week
Mold and mildew can build up around your seal if moisture is trapped there. I recommend cleaning it with soapy water once per week to help with this!
Notes:
The amount of vinegar you use depends on the size of your washing machine. I have a 3.5 cubic foot machine so if yours is larger add another 2 cups of vinegar or so.
If you have a detergent tray or anything like that on your model, I will add some of the vinegar solution to the trays as well to clean them out.
Final Thoughts
Adding something like deep cleaning your washing machine to your already hectic cleaning routine can seem daunting at first, but it is so hands-off and requires very few ingredients! You’ll love the fresh smell of your clothing and it will help minimize problems with your washing machine! This is an easy guide on how to clean a top loading washing machine with vinegar and baking soda! Leave a comment below if you try this!
