Learn how to clean a top-loading washing machine using safe, non-toxic ingredients like white vinegar and baking soda. Follow these step-by-step instructions to refresh your washer in about an hour.
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Today we’re tackling a cleaning task most of us put off: the washing machine. Over time washers collect residue, fabric softener buildup, and mildew. It doesn’t happen overnight, but a quick inspection will often reveal more gunk than you’d expect.
If you’ve been following a regular cleaning routine, you might just spot a few spots to wipe. If not, this method gives the washer a thorough deep clean every few months so your laundry stays fresher and your machine runs better.
I include washer care in my home cleaning rotation. Most of the time a quick wipe is enough, but every few months I do a deeper clean to remove buildup and odors.
What You’ll Need
This deep clean uses common, non-toxic ingredients you may already have at home. For one cleaning session gather:
- 4 cups white vinegar
- 1 cup baking soda
- Microfiber cleaning cloths
- An old toothbrush for crevices
Vinegar and baking soda work well together to loosen residue and neutralize odors. Microfiber cloths and a toothbrush help remove loosened grime from small spaces.
Step 1: Add hot water to the washing machine.
Set the washer to its hottest water setting and the largest load size. Start a regular wash cycle and let the machine fill as high as possible with hot water. The goal is hot, so use the highest temperature available.
(Tip: machine models vary—adjust for your washer’s controls.)
Step 2: Add vinegar and baking soda to the washer drum.
When the washer is about halfway full, open the lid and pour in 4 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum. Allow the machine to continue filling, then add 1 cup of baking soda. You can put a little baking soda into the fabric softener compartment as well.
The mixture will fizz when baking soda and vinegar combine—this is normal and helps lift residue. Let the machine agitate for a minute or two to incorporate the cleaners, then stop the cycle by opening the lid.
Step 3: Allow the cleaners to do their thing.
Leave the lid open and let the vinegar and baking soda solution soak in the washer for about an hour. This soak time softens and dissolves soap scum, mineral deposits, and mildew.
Step 4: Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away loose gunk.
After an hour, dip a microfiber cloth into the vinegar water and wipe all accessible surfaces: the drum, agitator, bleach and fabric softener dispensers, and the lid. Remove removable parts like dispenser caps and clean them separately.
Use a dedicated old toothbrush to scrub smaller crevices, seals, and hinges where residue collects.
Step 5: Rinse the washing machine.
Once you’ve scrubbed and wiped all areas, close the lid and let the wash cycle finish so the machine rinses away the vinegar and baking soda. Ensure the cycle includes at least one full rinse to flush out loosened grime.
After the rinse the drum and compartments should look and smell much cleaner.
Cleaning Results
Quick Summary
A concise recap of the steps to clean a top-load washing machine:
- Fill the washer with the hottest water available.
- Add 4 cups white vinegar and 1 cup baking soda to the drum.
- Let the solution soak for about an hour with the lid open.
- Wipe away loosened grime with a microfiber cloth and use a toothbrush for tight spots.
- Close the lid and let the cycle finish so the machine rinses completely.
Day-to-Day Washing Machine Maintenance
- Keep the washer lid open when not in use to prevent mold, mildew, and odors.
- Use a minimal amount of detergent—more detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes and can leave residue.
- Avoid overloading the washer; overloading reduces cleaning performance and stresses components.
This simple deep clean helps keep your laundry fresh and extends the life of your machine. It’s quick, effective, and uses ingredients that are easy to find.
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More Cleaning Tutorials
- How to Clean Cast Iron Frying Pan
- How to Clean a Dishwasher
- How to Clean Upholstered Chairs
- How to Clean Oven Racks with Dryer Sheets
Share your cleaning tips and tricks—leave them in the comments below!