I am a fan of natural cleaning, which means vinegar and baking soda have their place in my home. I decided to share my experience on one of the most common household appliances where the two can really make a difference: the washing machine.
A few months ago, we had the washing machine break down, so I took the opportunity to give it a good cleaning right after it’s fixed.
Here is what I did to clean my top loader washing machine with baking soda and vinegar.
Let’s start!
What You’ll Need:
Baking Soda
White vinegar
Brush or microfiber cloth
Bowl
Steps:
- Add 4-5 cups of white vinegar to a wash cycle. Run it for 3 minutes, then let it sit for 45-60 minutes.
- Drain the washer.
- Mix half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of water to create a paste.
- Dip the brush or microfiber cloth in the paste. Use it to clean the soap and fabric softer dispenser and the inside of the washer. Get rid of all the soap build-up.
- Run another wash cycle with just water.
- Drain again. Check the inside of you’re washer for any leftover baking soda residue.
- Leave the washer door open when you’re done to prevent mold and mildew from forming. Clean your washing machine at least once a month.
Can I Use Baking Soda on a Wash Cycle?
I know people who do a baking soda wash cycle right after the white vinegar cycle. But I don’t want to risk baking soda clumping and clogging my washer. I’m satisfied with the result of just the vinegar cycle.
I suggest you go easy on the amount of baking soda you use if you ever decide to do a wash cycle with it. Try using a little first to test it out.
Conclusion:
Take care of your washing machine, and it’s going to take care of your clothes.
If you’re looking for other ways baking soda can aid you when doing laundry, see my article on how to use baking soda to remove armpit stains from shirts.
I hope that you find this post helpful.
Thanks for reading my blog!
-Baking Soda Guy
Top Photo by Andrew Winkler on Unsplash
