See how to clean a top loading washing machine using non-toxic ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. Get step-by-step instructions on how to clean your washer in about an hour.
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Today, we're tackling a task you probably haven't thought about lately.
Over time, those washing machines just tend to build up gunk. It definitely doesn't happen overnight - but I challenge you to go really inspect your washing machine right now.
Kind of gross, isn't it?
In Journey to Clean, I have a specific cleaning task just for taking care of the washer, dryer, and deep freezer (it's under the living areas week). Today, we're going to take a look at just how you can take care of your washing machine on that cleaning day.
The process you're about to see isn't something I do every month; most of the time, I just give everything a good wipe-down and make sure there are no obvious messes.
But, every few months, I like to give the washing machine a good deep clean. Your clothes will thank you!
Related: Check out how to clean a dryer
What You'll Need
For this deep clean, I use non-toxic ingredients that you might already have (and, if you don't, you should!).
I use baking soda and vinegar to clean so many things throughout the home - they are both super versatile! Grab 4 cups of white vinegar and a cup of baking soda for this one. (You'll also need microfiber cleaning towels and an old toothbrush.)
Step 1: Add hot water to the washing machine.
Fill your washer as high as possible with HOT water. Set your machine to the hottest water setting it has.
To do this on my machine, I set it to hot with the largest load size setting. The regular wash cycle setting is fine, as long as you catch it when it is finished filling.
(For those wondering, I have a Speed Queen - they are the best and I 100% recommend them!)
Step 2: Add vinegar and baking soda to the washer drum.
Once the washer is about halfway full of hot water, open the lid and add 4 cups of white vinegar to the drum.
Allow it to fill some more with hot water, and add 1 cup of baking soda, getting a little bit in the fabric softener cup.
The mixture will fizz; it's supposed to! That fizz is going to help break down any residue on your washer.
You can also add a little bit of vinegar to the inside of the fabric softener cup to knock out any smells or stuck-on softener residue.
Once the drum is full, allow the machine to agitate for 1-2 minutes, just to mix in the baking soda well. Then, open the lid to stop the cycle.
Step 3: Allow the cleaners to do their thing.
Allow this mixture to soak in the washer for about an hour (with the lid open) to break up dirt and grime.
Step 4: Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away loose gunk.
After an hour, dip your cleaning cloth in the vinegar water to scrub and gunk from around the bleach dispenser, fabric softener cup, agitator, and door.
If the top of the fabric softener dispenser (shown above) pops off easily, this is a good time to remove that and clean it well.
I also have a toothbrush on hand that I use just for cleaning - it works great on those smaller nooks & crannies.
Step 5: Rinse the washing machine.
Once you're through scrubbing all of the surfaces, close the lid to allow the cycle to finish. Make sure there is a rinse in the cycle to get all of the vinegar/baking soda out of your machine.
And that really is all there is to it! You'll be amazed how clean your washer looks after doing this.
Cleaning Results
Quick Summary
Let's quickly break down the steps to cleaning your top-load washing machine:
- Add the hottest water you can to your washing drum.
- Add vinegar and baking soda to the washing drum.
- Allow the cleaners to soak in the hot water for about an hour.
- Wipe away gunk and grime with a microfiber cloth (for bigger areas) or a toothbrush (for smaller crevices).
- Rinse the washing machine by allowing the cycle to complete.
Day to Day Washing Machine Maintenance
- To keep your washer mold/mildew (and smell) free, keep the door of your washer open when not using. This has made a massive difference in keeping our washer clean and un-smelly.
- Use a minimal amount of detergent in your cleaning cycles. More detergent doesn't always mean better! I use this DIY Laundry Detergent Powder and prefer not to go above about 2 tablespoons of detergent.
- On a related note - don't overload your washer. This can cause damage to your agitator and makes it a lot more likely your clothes won't get clean.
Now go forth and do one simple cleaning task, friends! Now that you know how to clean a washing machine, I promise this one isn't difficult and makes a huge impact.
See more about my laundry room organization system
More Cleaning Tutorials
- How to Clean Cast Iron
- How to Clean a Dishwasher
- How to Clean Upholstered Chairs
- How to Clean an Oven
I'd love to hear your cleaning tips and tricks - leave them in the comments below!
Leslie Lambert is a lifestyle writer and content creator specializing in home organization, family recipes, and intentional living. With 16 years of experience in blogging and digital storytelling, she helps busy women create calm, purposeful homes they love.
