One appliance that we often forget to clean is our washing machine. Most people think that because the washing machine does the laundry, it might as well be self-cleaning at the same time. The truth is, washing machines are full of moisture, mold and debris that falls out of your clothes. It is recommended that you give your washing machine a deep clean every few months to keep things running smoothly and well.
These tips will help show you how to clean a top-loading washing machine with natural ingredients in just a few minutes.
What you will need
- 2 cups of vinegar
- Vinegar in a spray bottle
- A jug of warm water
- A toothbrush
- Sponge
Step 1: Spray vinegar liberally on the washing machine.
Take a spray bottle filled with vinegar and spray vinegar under the lid of the washing machine, around the edges, inside and on top of the washer agitator.
Step 2: Clean every corner of the washing machine with a sponge
Starting at the top of the washer, wipe between any recesses, under the top lip of the washer, around the door and hinges, and throughout the inside of the agitator.
Step 3: Scrub hard-to-reach areas with a toothbrush
Use a toothbrush to get into tight crevices and clean up any fabric softener residue or other substances that may be lurking in hard-to-reach areas.
Step 4: Remove and clean the fabric softener dispenser
If the washer has a removable fabric softener dispenser, remove it and clean it properly.
Step 5: Rinse all cleaned areas with water.
Rinse all areas that have been scrubbed with a sponge or toothbrush with a jug of warm water. It is important to rinse before the last step because there are some areas that water will not reach during normal cleaning.
Step 6: Add two cups of vinegar to the washing machine
Vinegar not only helps clean and disinfect, but also removes mold and odors that accumulate in areas that are out of reach of the washing machine.
Step 7: Run the washing machine normally with warm water
Run the washer normally with hot water with vinegar.
This will ensure that the machine is clean and ready for use at the end of the cycle.
