Cleaning the washing machine is essential to ensure clean clothes after every wash. So, a DIY washing machine cleaner can be used to clean a washing machine as it’s effective and cost-friendly, unlike commercial products. Washing machines should be cleaned regularly to avoid any buildup of mildew, mould, fragrance oils and hard water deposits. This blog will guide you on how to use a DIY cleaner to keep the washing machine clean.
How to Clean a Washing Machine With DIY Cleaner?
The primary step is to collect all the necessary tools and materials. Afterwards, follow the steps below accordingly.
Tools - Soft Cloth or Towel, and a soft-bristled brush
Materials - Baking soda, liquid chlorine bleach, distilled white vinegar and sponge
Top-Load Cleaning Procedure
Step1: Adjust the washer to the largest load setting and set the hot water setting.
Step2: Wait for the washer to fill and add 2 cups of distilled white vinegar.
Step3: Let the machine run through the full wash and rinse cycle. Then, fill the washer with 1 cup of baking soda and hot water and let it run for a complete second wash cycle.
Step4: If the machine has a pull-out detergent drawer, fill the compartment with vinegar until it reaches the maximum line. Then, pour vinegar directly into the drum.
Step5: Add the baking soda directly into the drum, not the dispenser.
Step6: Once all the cycles are completed, leave the machine’s lid open and let the machine dry from within.
Alternative Cleaning Procedure for Top-Load Washing Machine
Step1: Set the longest and hottest water setting on the machine display.
Step2: Once the washer is filled with hot water, add four cups of bleach into the drum.
Step3: Now turn the machine off and let it soak for an hour.
Step4: Turn the machine on and run it through a complete wash cycle.
Step5: Now start the machine again on the hottest and longest water setting.
Step6: Once the washer is filled with hot water, pour four cups of vinegar.
Step7: Turn the machine off and let it soak for one hour.
Step8: Now, turn the machine on and run it through a complete wash cycle once again.
Step9: After the wash cycle ends, dip a sponge in a vinegar-water solution.
Step10: Now use the same sponge to wipe down all the accessible areas. Pay close attention to the detergent or softener basket and the lip of the tub.
Step11: Close the lid and start another complete wash cycle.
Step12: Afterwards, use a soft cloth or towel to wipe the interiors.
Front- Load Cleaning Procedure
Step1: Make a solution from 2 cups of warm water and 1 cup of distilled white vinegar.
Step2: Pull back the door gasket. Now, use a sponge or soft-bristled brush dipped in the solution to scrub away any mould or detergent residue.
Step3: Fill all the sections of the detergent dispenser with 2 cups of vinegar. Then, set the machine on the hottest water setting and largest load and run a complete wash cycle.
Step4: Once the cycle is complete, select the hottest water setting and largest load again. Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the washer drum and run another cycle.
Step5: Now, open the washer door and wipe down the interiors, especially behind the door gasket.
Step6: Let the washer and dispenser drawer door stay open so that it can dry.
Alternative Cleaning Procedure for Front-Load Washing Machine
Step1: Begin by emptying the drum. Then remove all the attachments, especially the detergent dispenser and clean the tray and all the attachments.
Step2: Now, clean the washer drum, the gasket around the drum and lastly, the inside part of the glass door. Then, make a solution of a gallon of water and three-quarters of a cup of bleach. Use a cloth dipped in the solution to wipe down all the surfaces.
Step3: Now, run the cleaning cycle if the front-load machine has it. Importantly, remember that some washing machine manufacturers advise using the specific cleaning product. Otherwise, a liquid chlorine bleach could be easily used. So, ensure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step4: Once the cleaning cycle is complete and the machine has turned cool, wipe down the opening of the lid and the glass door using a soft cloth or towel. Then, let it stay open so that it can fully dry.
Final Words
Cleaning a washing machine is important, but what is more important is to be aware of the cleaning product that you need to use. Fortunately, DIY washing machine cleaner is one of the best choices to begin with. Additionally, keep in mind to use the right amount of detergent and fabric softener to avoid any excess residue in clothes and the washer.
