Does your washing machine smell bad, have a residue or not work like before? Perhaps a deep wash with the help of a good washing machine cleaner is required.
In case you do not have commercial cleaner pills available, then you have nothing to worry about; you can prepare your homemade washing machine cleaner recipe.
You might have heard of cleaning with vinegar but in fact, there are quite a few good alternatives. However, now that we are going to dive in, you may be asking yourself, how come a washing machine gets dirty every time it is in contact with water and detergent?
What Causes Washing Machines to Get Dirty?
Here are some of the most common culprits that make your washing machines dirty and stinky:
- Detergent Buildup: Over time, detergent can build up in your machine, leaving behind a residue.
- Hard Water: If you have hard water, minerals can build up in your machine and cause it to become less effective at cleaning clothes.
- Dark and damp environment: The damp, dark environment of a washing machine provides a perfect habitat for the growth of unwanted substances.
- Dirt and Grime: Without regular cleaning dirt and grime can accumulate in your washer affecting its performance.
Top 4 Washing Machine Cleaner DIY Recipes
Let’s look at some washing machine cleaner recipes that you can DIY to keep your machine running smoothly.
Recipe #1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are two ingredients that can be used to make the best washing machine cleaner. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1 cup of white vinegar
Directions:
- Fill your washing machine with hot water.
- Add 1 cup of baking soda to the water and let the machine agitate for a minute to dissolve the baking soda.
- Stop the machine and let the baking soda and water sit for an hour.
- After an hour, add 1 cup of white vinegar and let it run through a complete cycle.
- Wipe the insides with a clean cloth when the cycle ends.
Recipe #2: Lemon Juice and Baking Soda
If you prefer a fresher scent, you can try using lemon juice and baking soda as a washing machine cleaner. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1/2 cup of lemon juice
Directions:
- Fill your washing machine with hot water.
- Add 1 cup of baking soda to the water and let the machine agitate for a minute to dissolve the baking soda.
- Stop the machine and let the baking soda and water sit for an hour.
- After an hour, add 1/2 cup of lemon juice to the machine and let it run through a complete cycle.
- Wipe the insides with a clean cloth when the cycle ends.
Recipe #3: Borax and Vinegar
Borax is a natural laundry booster that can easily become a washing machine cleaner for front loader or a washing machine cleaner for top loader. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of borax
- 1/2 cup of white vinegar
Directions:
- Fill your washing machine with hot water.
- Add 1/2 cup of borax to the water and let the machine agitate for a minute.
- Let the borax and water sit for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the machine and let it run a complete cycle.
- Once the cycle is finished, wipe down the inside of the machine with a clean cloth.
Recipe #4: Essential Oil and Baking Soda
Add a pleasant scent to your washing machine, by adding essential oils to the last cycle. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 15-20 drops of essential oil
Directions:
- Fill your washing machine with hot water.
- Add 1 cup of baking soda to the water and let the machine agitate for a minute.
- Let the baking soda and water sit for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, add 15-20 drops of essential oil to the machine and let it run through a complete cycle.
- Wipe the insides with a clean cloth when the cycle ends.
Professional Tips for Maintaining Your Washing Machine
In addition to using washing machine cleaner tablets or making a washing machine cleaner DIY, here are a few pro tips to keep your machine running smoothly:
- Use the recommended amount of detergent & laundry size.
- Leave the door of your machine open between washes.
- Clean the detergent dispenser regularly.
- Consider using a water softener if you have hard water.
- Use high-quality washing machine cleaning tablets once a month.
A clean washing machine not only looks better but also works better. But if you are more of a work smarter, not harder type of person – invest in True-Fresh Washing Machine Cleaning Tablets that are easy to use and far more effective
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I clean my washing machine?
A: It’s recommended to clean your machine at least once a month.
Q: Can I use these DIY as washing machine cleaners HE?
A: Yes, these cleaners can be used in front-loading, top-loading, and hybrid machines.
Q: Is it safe to mix vinegar and baking soda in my washing machine?
A: Yes, it’s safe but be sure to follow the instructions carefully to prevent any accidents.
