You need to clean your washing machine regularly so that it keeps your clothes fresh and hygienic and doesn’t become a breeding ground for bacteria, fungus, and other allergens. Dirty washing machines give off bad odors when the liners and rim of the tub collect soap-scum and mold.

We often forget that our cleaning appliances also need cleaning themselves. This is a part of regular maintenance, it keeps the appliance in good working condition and can extend its life. A cleaning schedule also helps you spot potential problems early on so you can avoid expensive repairs and replacements later.

Let’s look at some great washing machine cleaning ideas that you can try at home:

Soda bicarbonate and vinegar
Mix 4 oz soda bicarbonate and 16 oz white vinegar and pour it into your top-loading machine. Run a regular heated cycle. The drum and the hoses get super clean. You can wipe the outside of the machine with a damp cloth and dish-washing liquid soap. Wipe the inside and outside dry thoroughly and leave the top open for a couple of hours. The same method can be used for your front loader, but change the mix. You need 2 tablespoons of soda bicarb and 4 oz vinegar instead. This is one of the most effective washing machine cleaning ideas out there.

Liquid bleach
Keep the lid or door slightly open on your top-loading/front-loading machine. This prevents dampness and mold growth. Pour in one cup of liquid bleach and run the regular cycle to get rid of moldy odors. Make sure all the bleach has been removed before you put clothes in to wash.

Clove oil
If your machine has been cleaned but still gives out a stink, get a bottle of clove oil from a pharmacy and pour about 10 drops of it into the washing machine. Run a regular cycle. This washing machine cleaning idea keeps your machine smelling fresh.

Oxy bleach/enzyme detergent
Add enzyme detergent and oxy-bleach to your regular washing cycle. This washing machine cleaning idea prevents grease build-up following hot cycles.

Citric acid
This universal cleaner is a great way to get rid of hard water deposits, mineral deposits, lime-scale, soap scum etc. You can mix citric acid crystals with baking soda in the proportion of 1:2 and set your machine to a long, full with-soak wash cycle.

Easy home remedies
Keep a set of small brushes handy to regularly scrub seals and gaskets where mold collects. Bleach dispensers and lint collectors are also great places for soap scum and mineral deposits to sit. 2 cups plain baking soda mixed in warm water in a quick cycle helps prevent odors.

We hope this list of washing machine cleaning ideas help you maintain your washing machine!