A washing machine is a workhorse in your home, but over time, residue from detergent, fabric softener, and grime can build up, causing unpleasant odors, mold, and mildew.
While store-bought washing machine cleaners are effective, they can be expensive and contain harsh chemicals.
The good news is you can make a DIY washing machine cleaner at home using natural ingredients that are safe, effective, and budget-friendly.
This guide will show you how to clean both top-load and front-load washing machines, remove odors, disinfect, and maintain your washer for long-term freshness.
Table of Contents
- Why You Should Clean Your Washing Machine Regularly
- Ingredients for DIY Washing Machine Cleaner
- Tools You’ll Need
- How to Make DIY Washing Machine Cleaner
- Additional Tips for Cleaner Washers
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Front-Load vs Top-Load Washer Cleaning
- FAQs About DIY Washing Machine Cleaner
- Pro Tips for Maintaining a Fresh Washer
- Conclusion
Why You Should Clean Your Washing Machine Regularly
Cleaning your washer is essential to:
- Prevent mold and mildew: Moisture in the drum and door gasket can harbor mold growth.
- Eliminate odors: Residue from detergent and fabric softener can produce musty smells.
- Improve washing efficiency: A clean drum ensures clothes come out truly clean.
- Prolong machine life: Regular maintenance reduces wear and tear on seals, gaskets, and dispensers.
Even if your laundry looks clean, the inside of your washer may harbor hidden dirt and bacteria that can transfer to your clothes.
Ingredients for DIY Washing Machine Cleaner
You only need a few household items to make an effective homemade washing machine cleaner:
1. White Vinegar
A natural disinfectant and deodorizer that dissolves detergent buildup and eliminates odors.
2. Baking Soda
Acts as a mild abrasive and deodorizer to remove residue from the drum and door gasket.
3. Liquid Chlorine Bleach (Optional)
For deep disinfection, especially in top-load washers. Never mix with vinegar to avoid toxic chlorine gas.
4. Lemon Juice (Optional)
Adds extra cleaning power and a fresh scent.
5. Dish Soap (Optional)
For scrubbing detergent dispensers or tough spots in the washer.
Tools You’ll Need
- Measuring cup
- Funnel
- Microfiber cloths
- Sponge or soft-bristled brush
- Rubber gloves
- Bucket
How to Make DIY Washing Machine Cleaner
Here are two separate cleaning solutions you can use. Never mix bleach with vinegar, as it produces toxic chlorine gas.
Option 1: Chlorine Bleach Washer Cleaner
Top-Load Washer
- Set your washer to large load and hot water settings.
- Fill the washer with water and add 1/2 cup liquid chlorine bleach, without detergent.
- Run a complete wash and rinse cycle.
- If needed, run a second rinse cycle to ensure all bleach is flushed out.
- For washers with a detergent drawer, pour the bleach into all compartments.
- Leave the lid open after the cycle to dry the drum.
Front-Load Washer
- Add 1/2 cup liquid chlorine bleach to the detergent dispenser, dividing it between compartments.
- Select normal cycle with hot water and run a complete cycle.
- Afterward, use a microfiber cloth to wipe around the door, gasket, and glass.
- Pull back the flexible gasket and clean mold or soil with a sponge dipped in 2 cups warm water and 1 tablespoon bleach.
- Rinse with plain water and dry thoroughly.
- Leave the door open until the interior is completely dry.
Option 2: Vinegar and Baking Soda Washer Cleaner
Top-Load Washer
- Set the washer to large load and hot water.
- Add 2 cups distilled white vinegar to the drum or detergent drawer.
- Run a full wash and rinse cycle.
- In a second cycle, add 1 cup baking soda directly into the drum with hot water.
- Run the cycle completely and leave the lid open to dry the interior.
Front-Load Washer
- Mix 2 cups warm water with 1 cup distilled vinegar.
- Pull back the door gasket and scrub mold or detergent residue using a sponge or soft-bristled brush dipped in the solution.
- Pour 2 cups vinegar into the detergent drawer and run a large hot water cycle.
- Add 1 cup baking soda directly into the drum and run a second complete cycle.
- Dry the washer interior, including behind the gasket, and leave the door and drawer open.
Additional Tips for Cleaner Washers
- Keep the washer dry: Leave the door or lid open after each load to reduce mold and mildew growth.
- Use proper detergent amounts: Excess detergent and fabric softener create buildup.
- Clean dispensers regularly: Remove and wash detergent drawers periodically.
- Check gaskets and seals: Pull back rubber gaskets in front-load washers to clean trapped residue.
- Monthly maintenance: Run a DIY cleaning cycle with vinegar and baking soda once a month to maintain freshness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing bleach and vinegar: This produces toxic chlorine gas.
- Using too much detergent: Leads to buildup and odors.
- Ignoring seals and gaskets: Mold often hides in these areas.
- Not drying the washer: Moisture promotes mildew growth.
Front-Load vs Top-Load Washer Cleaning
Front-Load Washers
- More prone to mold and mildew due to airtight seals.
- Requires cleaning behind the rubber gasket and inside detergent drawers.
- Vinegar and baking soda cycles are ideal for deodorizing and removing residue.
Top-Load Washers
- Easier to clean since gaskets are less enclosed.
- Bleach or vinegar cycles effectively disinfect and remove buildup.
FAQs About DIY Washing Machine Cleaner
Can I use bleach and vinegar together?
No. Mixing bleach and vinegar produces toxic chlorine gas, which is dangerous even in small amounts. Always use separately.
How often should I clean my washing machine?
For regular use, clean once a month with vinegar and baking soda or bleach for deep cleaning. Heavily used washers may require more frequent cleaning.
Is this safe for pets and kids?
Yes, when used properly. Avoid direct contact with bleach, and rinse areas thoroughly.
Can this remove mold and mildew?
Yes, both bleach and vinegar/baking soda cycles effectively remove mold, mildew, and residue from seals, gaskets, and drums.
Do I need to clean the detergent drawer?
Yes, detergent drawers often harbor residue and mold. Remove and wash them separately for best results.
Pro Tips for Maintaining a Fresh Washer
- Wipe the door gasket after each wash.
- Avoid leaving wet clothes inside for too long.
- Use high-efficiency detergents in proper amounts.
- Keep the detergent drawer and drum dry between washes.
- Run a hot water vinegar cycle monthly for ongoing maintenance.
Conclusion
A clean washing machine ensures fresh-smelling laundry, efficient washing, and a longer-lasting appliance. With simple household ingredients like baking soda, distilled vinegar, and optional bleach, you can make an effective DIY washing machine cleaner that works for both front-load and top-load washers.
Regular maintenance prevents mold, mildew, and detergent buildup while keeping your washer performing at its best. By following this guide, you can maintain a hygienic, odor-free, and well-functioning washing machine without expensive commercial products.
Skip harsh chemicals and make your own homemade washing machine cleaner today—you’ll enjoy cleaner clothes, a fresher washer, and peace of mind knowing your laundry is truly clean.
Emma Vanderlyn is a home enthusiast with a passion for all things natural and eco-friendly. With years of experience experimenting with DIY solutions, she’s dedicated to creating safe, effective, and budget-friendly cleaning recipes that are kind to both your home and the planet. Emma believes that a clean home shouldn’t come at the cost of harsh chemicals, and her easy-to-follow guides make natural cleaning accessible to everyone.
When she’s not whipping up a new cleaner in her kitchen, Emma can be found researching the latest in green living or transforming her space with mindful, stylish decor ideas. She’s here to share her love of natural living and help you create a home that shines—naturally.
