How can I refresh my washing machine?

Author: Corrine Emard IV  |  Last update: Saturday, July 5, 2025

Use a combination of white vinegar and baking soda to naturally clean your washing machine; pour half a cup of baking soda into the drum followed by two cups of vinegar in the detergent dispenser, then run a hot wash cycle. For stubborn grime and odors, consider commercial washing machine cleaners.

How do you freshen up a washing machine?

Just pour two cups of distilled vinegar into your detergent drawer. You can also use soda crystals (or baking soda) to clean your washing machine. Sprinkle half a cup into your drum and then let your washing machine run on a hot setting. Simple!

Is bleach or vinegar better to clean a washing machine?

``If you have mold or mildew, both vinegar and bleach are effective, but bleach is more effective,'' Gazzo says. ``For removing odors, I would say vinegar.''

How do I clean and deodorize my washing machine?

  • Make a cleaning solution with 1⁄4 cup baking soda and 1⁄4 cup water mixed together.
  • Pour 2 cups distilled white vinegar into the empty washer tub.
  • Run the empty washer on a regular wash cycle with warm/hot water.
  • Wipe down the washer's interior to remove the vinegar smell.

How do I freshen my washing machine drum?

Add Vinegar: Pour 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum. Add Baking Soda: Sprinkle about half a cup of baking soda into the drum as well. Run a Hot Cycle: Run an empty wash cycle on the hottest water setting. The vinegar and baking soda will help lift any residue, mineral buildup, and mild rust stains.

Laundry Tips That Will Forever Change Your Laundry Game!

Can I put vinegar in my washing machine drum?

Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that effectively removes odors and stains from your washing machine. It is safe for both the environment and your machine, as it does not cause any harm or damage. The recommended amount of vinegar to use in a top load machine depends on the load size, ranging from 1/2 to 4 cups.

Why is my washing machine drum not shiny?

White coating on the drum in your washing machine may be limescale or soap powder residue. This is normal and is not a malfunction of the machine. The coating can be removed by using a descaling agent for washing machines. In order to completely clean your machine, it may be needed to carry out descaling several times.

What can I put in my washing machine to stop it smelling?

Set the machine to a hot cycle and add a cup of bicarbonate of soda & vinegar to the drum. The mixture will help clean your drum. Leaving your machine door open slightly after each wash allows air to circulate the drum. This helps to stop germs breeding and reduces any unwanted scents.

How to deep clean a washing machine?

How to Deep Clean and Sanitize Your Washing Machine
  1. Remove the bleach/fabric softener dispensers. ...
  2. Add a cup of bleach to the washing machine. ...
  3. Run an entire rinse cycle. ...
  4. Clean the rubber seal. ...
  5. Wipe down the exterior. ...
  6. Unplug the dryer. ...
  7. Clean out the lint drawer. ...
  8. Vacuum.

Can I run my washing machine empty to clean it?

Running your washing machine empty can be particularly beneficial under certain conditions. For instance, if you're transitioning from washing heavy fabrics, like towels, to lighter items, an empty cycle can help prepare the machine and eliminate any residue.

What is the best thing to run through a washing machine to clean it?

Use a combination of white vinegar and baking soda to naturally clean your washing machine; pour half a cup of baking soda into the drum followed by two cups of vinegar in the detergent dispenser, then run a hot wash cycle. For stubborn grime and odors, consider commercial washing machine cleaners.

What is the best chemical to clean a washing machine?

For a front-load washer, put 2 tablespoons of borax or oxygen bleach and 2 tablespoons of washing soda in the tub of the washing machine. For a top-loading machine, put 1/2 cup of each of the powders into the wash tub. Run at the hottest temperature or use the “clean tub” setting on the washer.

Will bleach damage my washing machine?

Bleach can be used inside your washing machine for cleaning it as well as working well as a washing machine disinfectant. The most important thing to remember is that you must run at least one empty cycle after cleaning, to remove all remaining bleach and help prevent bleaching next time you do a load of laundry.

How do you refresh a washing machine with vinegar?

As a natural option in place of washing machine cleaner tabs, pour 2 cups of vinegar into your detergent dispenser and run your washer on the hot cycle. When it's done, add a half-cup of baking soda to the drum and run another hot cycle.

Can you use a dishwasher tablet to clean a washing machine?

Dishwasher tablets, such as Finish Ultimate All-in-1, can be utilized in washing machines to dissolve grease, dirt, and mineral buildup that may accrue with regular use.

How do I make my washing smell fresh?

To maintain consistently fresh-smelling clothes, consider using a quality detergent, adding fabric conditioner, and incorporating scent boosters like Lenor Unstoppables. Ensure clothes are thoroughly dried, and your washing machine is clean.

How to sanitize a laundry machine?

Mix 1/4 cup of bleach with 1 quart of water. Pour the bleach solution into the empty tub and run a complete cycle on hot water. After the cycle is complete, wipe down the interior with a damp cloth and leave the lid open to air dry. To deep clean, remove the agitator cap and wash it in warm, soapy water.

What is the best thing for cleaning out washing machine?

Simply add a cup of white vinegar to an empty cycle and run your machine on the hottest setting. This will help to kill any bacteria that may have accumulated in the appliance.

How do I clean my deeply smelly washing machine?

Common causes of a smelly washing machine include a buildup of bacteria, mold or mildew, and even detergent residue. To clean it, run a hot wash cycle with a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar. Then, scrub any residue and run another hot rinse to flush out all the cleaning agents.

How to freshen up a washing machine?

Lemon juice is an easy household cleaning agent that can quickly freshen up your washing machine. Simply add one cup of lemon juice to the drum of your machine and run a hot water cycle. The citric acid in the lemon juice will remove dirt and grime, and leave the machine with a fruity, zesty scent.

Do soda crystals washing machine?

Soda Crystals in your wash

There are many benefits to using Soda Crystals in your washing machine, both in each wash and as a periodic clean. As an in-wash additive to shift organic stains. Simply add a tablespoon of Soda Crystals to your normal detergent. Remove tough stains from clothes by using it as a pre-soak.

Why are my clothes not smelling fresh in the washing machine?

If your clothes aren't smelling fresh when they come out of your washing machine, it's probably down to a buildup of detergent, dirt or limescale inside your machine. The biggest symptom of this is your laundry smelling damp or musty, even when dry, as well as an unpleasant smell coming from inside your machine.

How do you refresh a washing machine drum?

You can combine bicarbonate or baking soda with a small amount of water to make a thicker paste for cleaning. Use this to wipe around the drum, let it sit for a while, and then run a hot cycle. Always leave the machine door open after a cycle to avoid musty smells.

Does vinegar damage washing machines?

It is not recommended to use vinegar in your washing machine. Because of its acidic nature, vinegar can corrode some parts of your washing machine over time, especially rubber elements.

How do I know if my washing machine drum bearings have gone?

If your washing machine is being excessively noisy during cycles, or if the drum is moving around more than it should, it means your washing machine's bearings have likely gone and need replacing.

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