Inside: When was the last time you cleaned the washing machine? Check out how to clean the washing machine without any scrubbing. It only takes a few minutes of your time and your clothes will smell better!
For years, the idea of cleaning the machines that clean for us seemed so silly. Why would we ever clean the washing machine? But I started to realize that washing machines need to be cleaned too. Whether you have a top load or a front load machine, it does need to be cleaned. If you have a front load washing machine check out my how to clean your front load washer here. If you have a top load machine see below for my best tips on how to clean the washing machine like a pro.
My washing machine (a top loader) had started to get a nice soap scummy look to it. Soap scummy is a word, right? 🙂 I was tired of seeing it look gross, so I recently cleaned it. Although it is easy to clean the washing machine, it does take some time while the cycles are running. I like to run two long cycles, so this is great to do on those days that you are home for a while.
Start by putting the washing machine on its longest cycle. If you have an extra rinse cycle I recommend using that too. Add 1 cup of bleach to the water and let the machine run through the cycle. The bleach helps get rid of any bacteria that may be in your washer.
Once the washing machine has finished fill it up again. Again I recommend using the longest cycle and an extra rinse cycle if you have it. This time add 3 cups of vinegar to the machine. The vinegar will help with any soap scum and get rid of smells. I recommend stopping the cycle as soon as the machine fills up and letting it sit for about 15 minutes with the vinegar. Then turn it back on and wait for it to finish.
When the machine is finished with the second cycle, open it up and wipe it down. I just use a microfiber cloth. The washing machine will be clean and rid of any dust and grime. You can also take a few minutes and wipe down the outside of the machine. I just use my granite spray on it. It's amazing how dusty the machine gets.
It looks and smells so much better now that I have cleaned the washing machine. Even though it takes a while for the washing machine to run through the cycles, it doesn't take a lot of my time to clean the washing machine. I have found that by regularly cleaning the appliances I can keep them running longer and working better.
Want more cleaning tips? Check out how to clean the dryer vent like a pro. It will save you money and help prevent fires.
Stephanie says
Just added "Clean Washing Machine" to my to-do list. Yours looks so much better now. We have hard water and it gets a film in it. Thanks for the tips!
Julie says
We have the same problem with hard water. It seems to leave a film on everything. 🙂
Kristina says
I do this about once a year, but I always make sure to do it when we move into a new apartment. It never occurred to me in college to clean the washing machine everyone was using. Now I don't know how I ever managed not to think of it. Haha great post!
Julie says
Thanks!
Sinea Pies says
I haven't cleaned it lately. Thanks for the reminder!
It is definitely time to clean my washer. 🙂
Pinned this!
Julie says
Thanks for stopping by!
[email protected] says
Very practical post! I have never even thought about this. How gross is that 🙂
Echo says
I am thinking that I need to clean mine now! Thank you for sharing this at the #SmallVictoriesSundayLinkup!
Julie says
Your Welcome!
Shirley Wood says
Thank you for sharing with us at Merry Monday. I need to do this task now! This post will be featured at the new party on starting Sunday night at 6pm EST.
Becky C. says
Thanks for this. I'd love to do it but I worry about wasting the water. Maybe find something to wash (shower curtain liner?) in the bleach.
Julie says
That's a great idea!
Marilyn Gibbs says
Very helpful post! I need to clean my washing machine this week, and is great to read your advises. Thanks for sharing
Julie says
Your welcome!