Cleaning Washing Machine With Vinegar and Baking Soda: 10 Steps

Many people notice their washer starts to smell or leaves clothes less fresh and feel a bit embarrassed or frustrated over it. Yet often the fix is simple, and it starts with basic items like vinegar and baking soda already in the home. Whenever someone learns a clear 10 step process, each part feels manageable, gentle on the machine, and kinder to their budget, which makes them ponder how much cleaner their laundry routine could actually become.

Gather Your Natural Cleaning Supplies

A simple checklist of natural supplies can turn washing machine cleaning from stressful to manageable. In this step, the focus stays on natural alternatives that feel gentle, safe, and still powerful.

Distilled white vinegar works as a natural disinfectant, so it helps kill germs while it softens and removes odors. Baking soda then joins in to scrub stains and balance smells, which is especially helpful should the cleaning frequency has been low for a while.

To support these two basics, a microfiber cloth or sponge helps wipe surfaces clean without scratching. A small brush reaches tight corners where grime likes to hide.

Before anyone begins, the machine should be empty and unplugged, so the whole process feels calm, careful, and confidently prepared.

Prepare and Inspect Your Washing Machine

Preparation begins long before any vinegar or baking soda touches the washing machine. For good machine maintenance, the person initially makes sure the drum is completely empty. No towels, no socks, nothing left behind. This small habit supports a healthy cleaning frequency and helps every part get attention.

Next, they check the manufacturer’s manual. Any special warnings or tips guide what should or should not be done, which helps them feel confident, not worried.

Then they gently pull back the rubber gasket and door seal. Here, they look for mold, mildew, or trapped dirt. They also slide out the detergent dispenser and check for sticky buildup.

Finally, they gather distilled white vinegar, baking soda, and a soft microfiber cloth so everything feels ready.

Safely Handle Vinegar and Baking Soda

With the machine inspected and supplies gathered, attention now turns to using vinegar and baking soda in a way that is both safe and effective. At this stage, safety precautions matter just as much as cleaning power, so no one in the home feels nervous or left out of the process.

They keep vinegar and baking soda separate, never mixing them in the same cycle to avoid strong fizzing and clogs. Vinegar goes into the detergent dispenser, while baking soda is saved for careful scrubbing inside the drum.

Deep Clean the Drum With Hot Vinegar Cycle

To deep clean the drum, the reader is initially guided to measure and pour the right amount of vinegar directly into the washer so the cleaning starts strong.

Then, attention shifts to choosing the hottest and longest wash setting, which allows the vinegar to decompose buildup that a normal cycle leaves behind.

Finally, the focus moves to running the full cleaning cycle so the heat and vinegar can reach every corner of the drum and leave it fresh and ready for the next step.

Measure Vinegar Correctly

One simple but powerful step in this cleaning routine is measuring the vinegar correctly so it can deeply clean the washing machine drum.

Whenever someone measures 2 full cups of distilled white vinegar, they reveal real vinegar benefits instead of just guessing and hoping. This clear amount helps the whole community of clothes, towels, and bedding come out fresher and more comfortable to wear.

The measured vinegar can go into the detergent dispenser or directly into the drum, depending on what feels easiest.

With the right cleaning frequency, usually once a month, this simple habit keeps the washer from smelling musty.

Over time, the hot vinegar wash helps dissolve old detergent, grime, and mineral buildup so the machine feels cared for, not forgotten.

Select Hottest Wash Setting

A powerful next step in this cleaning routine is choosing the hottest and longest wash setting so the vinegar can truly deep clean the drum.

At this stage, the person makes sure the washer is completely empty, so nothing blocks the hot wash from reaching every corner. They look for settings like “tub clean,” “sanitize,” or the highest temperature option available.

With the drum ready, the hot water and vinegar work together for maximum cleaning. The heat enhances the vinegar’s strength, so it dissolves soap scum, built-up grime, and mineral deposits hiding inside the machine.

Over time, this habit helps the washer smell fresher, run better, and last longer, giving the user quiet confidence that their laundry space is cared for and truly clean.

Run Full Cleaning Cycle

Starting the full cleaning cycle feels like giving the washer a fresh start from the inside out.

At this point, the person pours about two cups of distilled white vinegar directly into the drum or into the detergent dispenser. This simple step becomes a key part of drum maintenance and helps the whole laundry space feel more welcoming.

Next, they choose the hottest, longest cycle available, such as Tub Clean or Sanitize. The hot water enhances the vinegar, so it loosens grime, detergent film, and mineral buildup hiding inside the drum.

When the cycle ends, they leave the door open so the washer can air dry.

With this cleaning frequency of about once a month, the machine stays fresh, reliable, and ready for every load.

Target the Dispenser Drawer and Detergent Trays

Now that the drum is clean, the next trouble spot sits quietly in the dispenser drawer and detergent trays.

Here is where built-up detergent, mold, and mildew like to hide, and that buildup can slowly cause odors and poor washing results.

Through focusing on removing the gunk and then keeping these trays clean and dry, a person can help the whole machine stay fresher and work better.

Removing Built-Up Detergent

Built-up detergent in the dispenser drawer can quietly cause a lot of problems, so this part of the cleaning process focuses on giving that small area careful attention.

Whenever detergent residue sits for too long, it can affect how clean clothes feel and smell, so a steady cleaning frequency really helps the whole home.

To begin, the drawer is removed and soaked in warm water mixed with vinegar for about 30 minutes. This softens heavy buildup so it feels less overwhelming to scrub.

Next, a small brush or old toothbrush gently scrubs each compartment. Inside the tray, a microfiber cloth soaked in vinegar wipes away stubborn film.

Then everything is rinsed well and dried fully, so the clean drawer slides back in, fresh and ready.

Cleaning Mold and Mildew

A surprising amount of mold and mildew can hide inside the dispenser drawer and detergent trays, and it often shows up initially as musty smells or dark spots that feel embarrassing or even a little worrying.

Many people quietly deal with this, so no one is alone in facing it.

For gentle mildew treatment, the drawer is removed and placed in warm water mixed with vinegar for about 30 minutes.

This soak softens grime and helps with mold prevention. Then a small brush or cloth reaches into corners, scrubbing the tray and the space where it slides in.

Extra care goes into cracks and seams where dark patches cling. After that, the drawer is rinsed well with hot water, dried, and returned.

Monthly checks help the whole laundry area feel fresher and safer.

Keeping Trays Dry

Keeping trays dry often makes the biggest difference after mold and mildew have already been cleaned out of the dispenser area.

At this stage, dispenser maintenance becomes a gentle daily habit, not a big project. With simple moisture control, a washer stays fresher and everyone in the home can feel better about the laundry space.

• After each wash, they slide out the detergent dispenser drawer and rinse it under hot water so residue cannot harden.
• They wipe the inside of the dispenser housing with a damp cloth, lifting away leftover soap before it smells.
• Whenever buildup appears, they soak the tray in warm vinegar water, then scrub and rinse.
• Finally, they leave the drawer slightly open, letting air flow in so every corner can dry.

Scrub the Gasket, Door, and Rubber Seals

Start with focusing on the parts people often ignore: the gasket, the door, and the rubber seals. This is the heart of gasket maintenance and mildew prevention, and it helps everyone in the home feel good about clean laundry.

A soft cloth dipped in vinegar can slide into the gasket folds and gently wipe away mold and dark spots. It feels simple, but it makes a big difference.

Next, the door deserves the same care. A microfiber cloth with vinegar loosens detergent film and fingerprints so the glass looks clear again.

Then, rubber seals need slow, careful scrubbing with a gentle brush and vinegar, especially in tight crevices. Weekly attention here keeps moisture, dirt, and lingering odors from spreading to clothes.

Run a Baking Soda Cycle for Odor Removal

After cleaning with vinegar, the next step utilizes baking soda to tackle any stubborn smells left in the washer.

In this part, the reader sees how baking soda naturally fights odor and learns the exact steps to run a hot baking soda cycle that refreshes the whole drum.

Through walking through these simple actions, the process starts to feel less overwhelming and more like a quick, caring reset for the machine and the laundry it handles.

Why Baking Soda Works

Anytime a washing machine starts to smell musty, baking soda often becomes the quiet hero that brings it back to fresh. Many people feel relieved once they learn how simple baking soda benefits really are.

It gently loosens film on the drum, while its natural odor neutralization balances pH so smells cannot cling as easily.

Baking soda also works well with vinegar. Together they create a fizzy reaction that helps break up grime hiding in corners and along the drum.

Some key reasons people trust baking soda in their routine include:

• Acts as a gentle abrasive that will not scratch the drum
• Balances pH levels to reduce musty odors
• Uses about ½ cup for effective odor control
• Helps prevent long term detergent buildup and wear

Steps for Odor Cycle

Once the vinegar cycle has finished its job, the odor cycle with baking soda becomes the next gentle but powerful step toward a truly fresh washer. After the tub has drained, the user sprinkles ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drum, then chooses a hot wash. Baking soda supports odor elimination through neutralizing deep, musty smells that can make a home feel less welcoming.

For a moment before starting the cycle, they let water fill and allow the baking soda to dissolve. This extra pause helps it reach concealed corners.

Regular cleaning frequency with this cycle keeps the machine smelling inviting.

Wipe Down the Exterior and Hard-to-Reach Areas

Even though the wash cycles happen inside the machine, a lot of concealed mess quietly builds up on the outside. With the right cleaning tools and simple maintenance tips, anyone can keep the washer looking fresh and cared for.

They start with a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with vinegar, then gently wipe the lid, control panel, and sides to clear away dust, smudges, and fingerprints. This helps the machine feel respected, not neglected.

• Slide the cloth under the lid and along edges where grime hides.
• Reach behind the machine as far as safely possible to lift dust and sticky film.
• For front-load doors, wipe the rubber gasket to remove moisture, mold, and lint.
• Use a small brush or old toothbrush with vinegar on creases, detergent drawers, and tight corners.

Dry and Air Out the Washer Properly

A clean wash cycle is only half the job; proper drying and airing make sure the machine actually stays fresh. After cleaning, the door should stay open for a few hours so air can move through the drum. This simple habit goes a long way toward preventing mildew and that lonely musty smell no one wants at home.

Next, the rubber gasket and drum can be wiped with a clean microfiber cloth. This removes leftover moisture and supports better drying techniques.

The detergent dispensers should also be left open so they fully dry out and do not invite mold.

If the laundry room is humid, a small fan aimed at the washer’s interior helps. It speeds up drying and keeps the whole space more welcoming.

Set a Regular Cleaning and Maintenance Schedule

Fresh air and dry surfaces are a strong start, but a washer truly stays clean as long as there is a simple schedule in place.

A regular plan gives everyone at home a clear rhythm to follow, so the machine feels like a trusted part of the household.

Experts often suggest setting a clear cleaning frequency. Front load washers do best with a full clean once a month, while top load machines usually need it every two to three months.

Simple maintenance tips help:

• Run a monthly vinegar rinse for extra freshness
• Use baking soda cycles to clear residue and grime
• Clean immediately when there is mildew or a musty smell
• Record each cleaning date on a calendar or phone reminder