Your washing machine is supposed to clean your clothes — but when was the last time you cleaned it? Over time, your washer can collect detergent residue, limescale, mold, mildew, and foul odors that affect both your laundry and your machine’s efficiency.
The good news? You don’t need expensive cleaners or harsh chemicals. The solution might already be in your kitchen: vinegar.
That’s right — white vinegar isn’t just for cooking or pickling. It’s a powerful natural cleaner, and it can deep-clean your washing machine inside and out, leaving it fresh, sanitized, and functioning like new.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to clean your washing machine thoroughly using vinegar — and why it works so well.
Why Cleaning Your Washing Machine Matters
Even though water runs through your washing machine with every cycle, that doesn’t mean it’s clean inside. Detergent buildup, fabric softeners, hard water minerals, and leftover dirt from your clothes accumulate over time.
This leads to:
- Musty smells
- Mold and mildew
- Stains on laundry
- Reduced efficiency
- Clogged or smelly drains
“A dirty washing machine can actually make your clothes come out smelling worse,” say appliance repair specialists.
Cleaning your washer at least once a month ensures your clothes stay fresh — and your machine lasts longer.
Why Vinegar Is So Effective
White distilled vinegar is:
- Acidic, which helps dissolve mineral deposits and soap scum
- Antibacterial, killing mold, mildew, and odor-causing bacteria
- Non-toxic, making it safe for homes with kids and pets
- Affordable and eco-friendly
When used correctly, it can restore your washing machine to near-new condition.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups of white distilled vinegar
- A microfiber cloth or sponge
- An old toothbrush (optional)
- Baking soda (optional for extra freshness)
🧼 Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Washing Machine with Vinegar
Step 1: Empty the Washer
Remove all clothes and laundry items. This cleaning should always be done with an empty drum.
Step 2: Add Vinegar to the Detergent Dispenser
Pour 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the detergent dispenser. If your washer doesn’t have one, pour it straight into the drum.
“Vinegar breaks down buildup and neutralizes odors inside the washer,” says cleaning expert Anne S.
Step 3: Run the Hottest, Longest Cycle
Select the longest wash cycle on the hottest water setting. This allows vinegar to:
- Break down detergent residue
- Dissolve hard water minerals
- Kill mold and bacteria
Let the machine complete the full cycle.
Step 4: Wipe Down the Drum, Door, and Seals
Once the cycle is complete, use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe down the inside of the drum, especially around the door seal where mold tends to build up.
Use an old toothbrush to scrub tight corners and rubber seals.
Step 5 (Optional): Add Baking Soda for Extra Cleaning Power
For added deodorizing and scrubbing power:
- Sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drum
- Run another short hot water cycle
This neutralizes any remaining odors and leaves your washer ultra-fresh.
Step 6: Clean the Dispenser Tray
Remove the detergent tray (if removable) and soak it in warm, soapy water. Scrub it with a brush or sponge to remove buildup. Rinse and dry before reinstalling.
🌀 Works for Both Front-Load and Top-Load Washers
Whether you have a front-loading or top-loading washer, vinegar works wonders. Just adjust how you pour it in:
- For front-loaders, use the detergent drawer.
- For top-loaders, pour vinegar directly into the drum.
Either way, the vinegar will circulate and sanitize during the wash cycle.
Important: Don’t Mix Vinegar with Bleach
Never use vinegar and bleach together. The combination creates toxic chlorine gas, which is extremely dangerous.
If you’ve previously cleaned with bleach, rinse thoroughly with water before using vinegar.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washer?
- Monthly if you do laundry regularly (multiple loads per week)
- Every 2–3 months for light use
- Immediately if you notice smells or mold
Set a reminder — many people forget until it’s too late and their clothes start to smell funky.
Bonus Tip: Prevent Odors Between Cleans
- Leave the door open after each wash to let the drum dry
- Wipe down the rubber seal after each use
- Avoid overloading detergent (it causes residue buildup)
- Use high-efficiency (HE) detergent if your washer requires it
“A few simple habits go a long way in keeping your machine fresh and odor-free,” says appliance expert James B.
Final Thoughts: Vinegar to the Rescue
It’s easy to forget that even cleaning appliances need cleaning too. But with just a bit of vinegar and a few minutes of your time, you can keep your washing machine in peak condition — smelling fresh, running efficiently, and extending its lifespan.
Skip the harsh chemicals and overpriced washing machine cleaners. Nature’s best all-purpose solution is sitting in your pantry — and it’s ready to go to work.
So grab that bottle of vinegar, give your washer some love, and enjoy cleaner clothes and a fresher laundry room starting today.