Do you ever catch a whiff of something funky coming from your washing machine? That smelly residue buildup isn’t doing your clothes any favors. Luckily, with a few inexpensive homemade cleaners, you can get your washer sparkling and keep your clothes fresh without using harsh chemicals.
Not only do these natural DIY solutions make your washing machine run efficiently, they also reduce waste and harmful toxins. Making your own cleaners saves money too! Plus, it’s satisfying to know exactly what’s going into the wash with your family’s clothes.
So grab some common kitchen staples from the pantry to unleash the power of vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. These trusty ingredients tackle grime, dissolve buildup, cut grease, and make your machine nice and fresh. Not a bad payoff for items you likely already have at home!
First, let’s start simple with a Vinegar Refresh cycle. Just add 2 cups of white vinegar straight into the washing machine drum. Choose the hottest setting, let it run empty, and voilà – it’s cleaned and deodorized in one easy step. The antimicrobial vinegar dissolves soap scum while neutralizing funky smells lingering in the machine. If you want to get really fancy, throw in a few drops of essential oils like fresh lemon or lavender.
For tougher mineral deposit buildup or soap film, grab the baking soda. Make a spreadable paste with equal parts baking soda and warm water. Using a soft cloth, gently scrub the paste along the rim, door seals, and detergent dispenser. This extra elbow grease will loosen residue while absorbing odors.
And for an all-natural bleaching power against stains, just toss in halved lemons or lemon juice and run an empty hot cycle. The citric acid in lemons cuts through soap scum, rinses mineral deposits, and leaves a lovely citrus scent behind.
For a regular monthly maintenance protocol, do a double cleaning combo. First, run a hot Vinegar cycle. Then the next day, do a room temperature Baking Soda cycle. The vinegar dissolves buildup while the baking soda neutralizes any lingering vinegar smell. Just like that, your washing machine is fresh and ready for nicely laundered clothes again!
Following these natural cleaning tips will keep your washing machine running efficiently for years to come. And always leaving the door open between washes prevents moisture buildup leading to mold and mildew growth. Lastly, accurately dosing your laundry detergent prevents excess bubbles and suds residue.
With this green cleaning routine, you can keep harmful chemicals away from your family’s clothing while saving money and the planet. Now take a big whiff – don’t you just love that clean laundry scent?
