How to Clean Your Washing Machine: 7 Homemade Methods with Detailed Instructions and 3 Top Products for Washing Machine Cleaning You Can Order Online (2021)

11/01/2021 Newest

Your washing machine has to through a lot of dust from your clothes, which makes it prone to malfunctioning and shorter life if you do not take proper care of it. This is why it is crucial to clean your washing machine regularly. In this BP-Guide, find detailed instructions on how to clean your washing machine in seven homemade ways.

Table of contents

When Should You Clean Your Washing Machine Regularly?
Tips to Maintain a Washing Machine in Perfect Working Condition
Some of the Best Ways to Clean Your Washing Machine at Home
Steps to Clean a Washing Machine
Suitable Washing Machine Cleaners Available Online

When Should You Clean Your Washing Machine Regularly?

In most cases, we use our washing machines with great regularity. With this heavy-duty usage, it becomes essential to keep it in good repair, so it works without issues and remains in good condition for a long time. It is recommended to run your washer with clean water once a week or bi-weekly, depending on how often you are using the machine. But if you are not using it all that often, it is suggested to wash it (both inside and out) once a month.

Regular cleaning will help to remove the grime, dirt, oil stains, and dirt. Moreover, it will also help to eliminate any bad odors and pigments present in the drum. It also helps prevent corrosion, rust, and wear-and-tear. In case you observe even small leaks in the machine, get it serviced because it can react with the electrical wires and cause shock. Moreover, if you notice any noise, have it serviced; otherwise, it can affect its functioning. Now you know how cleaning your washer at regular intervals plays an important role in increasing its longevity and efficiency.

Tips to Maintain a Washing Machine in Perfect Working Condition

Washing machine maintenance can help you avoid breakdowns that could reduce longevity and working efficiency. It will also prevent leakage, corrosion, and rusting of the machine.

You can prevent these ill-effects by ensuring that the machine's door is open when it is not in use so that the interior dries thoroughly.

Next, avoid leaving damp clothes in the washer. Transfer them immediately to the dryer to prevent foul odors.

Keep the top surfaces free of lint and detergent and ensure to remove lint from the dryer screen after every use.

In the case of front-loading washers, clean down the rubber seal around the door after doing your laundry to avoid the accumulation of dirt.

Be sure to read the appliance instruction manual in order to use the correct type and amount of detergent for your machine. Too much detergent can leave contaminants on your clothes and cause excess wear and tear to your washer. There are high-efficiency washers that require special, low-sudsing detergents and soaps.

Remember not to overload the machine. You are recommended to use the appropriate amount of water for the size of the load. Washing heavy or bulky items in small rounds can be harder on the appliance and damage it.

Some of the Best Ways to Clean Your Washing Machine at Home

With Lemon

To clean your washing machine naturally, give lemon juice a try. The acid in lemons is antibacterial and antiseptic, and it acts as a natural bleach. Also, the citrus smell of lemon is fresh and invigorating. It also helps to clean the oils, and sticky grime, thereby adds shine. To make this DIY recipe, you need lemon juice, water, a cleaning cloth, and a small brush.

Start by adding two cups of water to a bowl and dilute by adding one cup of lemon juice.
Wash down the outside of your washing machine with the cleaning cloth using the lemon solution.
Next, pour the solution into the tub and run a full cycle on the hottest settings.
After this, scrub the doors and lid by dipping the brush in the solution.
Lastly, leave the door open after you clean. This will allow the washing machine to dry out completely.
It is especially important with front-loading machines to prevent mildewing.

Vinegar & Salt

If most of the machine parts are made up of steel, try this solution to clean it thoroughly and prevent corrosion and rusting. To make this recipe, you need four teaspoons of salt with four cups of vinegar. One cup is about 240 ml.

Begin by setting the washer to the highest and the hottest level. Next, add the solution to the drum and start the machine.
After the cycle begins, pause the machine and allow it to sit for an hour. After this, rinse it with clean water.
To clean the other parts, combine one teaspoon of salt with one cup of vinegar and add 1/4 cups of flour. Stir the mixture until paste forms.
Apply the paste to the metal surface and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water and then polish the surface with a clean cloth.

Begin by setting the washer to the highest and the hottest level. Next, add the solution to the drum and start the machine.
After the cycle begins, pause the machine and allow it to sit for an hour. After this, rinse it with clean water.
To clean the other parts, combine one teaspoon of salt with one cup of vinegar and add 1/4 cups of flour. Stir the mixture until paste forms.
Apply the paste to the metal surface and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water and then polish the surface with a clean cloth.

With Baking Soda

To thoroughly clean your washing machine at the cheapest rate, make this baking soda solution and restore the efficiency and shine of your washer. Baking Soda acts as a cleaning agent because it is a mild alkali and can cause dirt and grease to dissolve easily in water for effective cleaning.

Moreover, it is a pure, natural product that is non-toxic, unlike many other home cleaners. This household staple can help remove tough stains, eliminate foul odors, and clean difficult areas like the dispenser, inner sides of the lid, and loader.

To make this strong solution, you need to mix 1 2/3 cups of baking soda and 1/2 cup liquid soap in a bowl.
Next, dilute it with 1/2 cups of water and add two tablespoons of white vinegar.
Combine the mixture with a spoon until all lumps are dissolved.
Pour the liquid in the drum and run the washer on the highest settings.
Rinse it thoroughly and let it dry to prevent any moisture or odor.

With Bleach

To clean the stubborn oil stains, odors, and grime, give this bleach solution a try.

To make this solution, add 1/4 cup of bleach and 1 quart of warm water.
Stir the solution so that both the ingredients combine well.
Pour the solution into the machine and give it a run at the highest and the hottest settings.
Give it a good run, and then let it sit for 15 minutes.
After this, wipe it down with clean water to remove the leftover residue.
To clean the lid and other parts, dip the cloth or the brush in the solution and clean it thoroughly.
This will remove all the dirt, stains and eliminate the odor.

Salt & Baking Soda

Another effective method that you can try is cleaning your washing machine with baking soda and salt. Baking Soda acts as a cleaning agent because it is a mild alkali and can let dirt and grease to melt easily in water for effective removal. It also purifies the products by making both acidic and basic odor particles into a neutral, more odor-free state. Also, salt is an abrasive substance, so it makes a good scrub and restores the shine.

To use the baking soda method for cleaning the washing machine, the things you need are baking soda, salt, liquid soap, a toothbrush, and a cotton cloth.
Start by adding 1/2 cup of baking soda with 6 drops of soap detergent and 2 teaspoons of salt.
Next, add a half cup of water to this solution and stir well. After this, pour this solution into the washing machine and let a complete cycle run.
Next, let this solution sit for an hour to remove the dirt and smell completely.
After this, dip a toothbrush in the solution and use it to scrub the lid and other parts. Ensure that the bristles of the brush are soft so that they do not leave scratches.

Vinegar & Detergent

Dish soap is a very effective product to clean your washing machine. This is so because the ingredients do not react with the metal and help restore the shine. When it is mixed with vinegar, it makes a very powerful solution. The things you need for this are liquid dish soap, vinegar, a soft cotton cloth, lukewarm water, and a toothbrush.

Add half a cup of liquid soap with 2 cups of vinegar, 5 tbsp of water, and mix it with 10 drops of essential oil.
Pour it in the drum and run it at the highest and the hottest setting.
Next, let it sit for about 30 minutes and then rinse it with clean water and a damp cloth. This will remove all the dirt, stains, and the essential oil will give a pleasant smell.

With Hydrogen Peroxide

In case your washing machine stinks and has a high limestone residue, give this hydrogen peroxide solution a try. This will help eliminate foul smells and inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungus, and remove build-ups and grime. For making this strong recipe, you need hydrogen peroxide, water, and a brush.

Start by mixing two cups of hydrogen peroxide with four cups of distilled water. Stir it well so that both the ingredients combine.
After this, add 10 drops of lemon essential oil or 2 teaspoons of lemon juice.
Next, A monthly cleaning will usually prevent a stinky repeat. Set the washer to the highest level and the hottest water temperature.
Pour the solution into the detergent dispenser and run it through a complete cycle.
Now, run another cycle on the highest level and at the hottest water temperature.
When the cycle is done, wipe the inside drum of the washer with a damp cloth.

Steps to Clean a Washing Machine

Start by wiping down the nooks and crannies outside the drum. Make sure that you do not use anything harsh on the glass or enamel as it can scratch.

After this, soak the removable parts in a solution. You can use either a DIY solution or an artificial descaler. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes.

You can dip the towel in the solution for the glass portion of the door and clean it gently. Next, most front loaders have a rubber gasket. You can clean it by using a toothbrush and peel back these layers. If this part has mold or fungus, use a cloth or brush dipped in the cleaning solution to kill it, and then wash it away. You can also use the moderately abrasive power of baking soda or hydrogen peroxide for any stubborn dirt.

Once the exterior is cleaned, tackle the interior. Depending on the washing machine's size, fill the liquid detergent with almost 1 or 2 cups of solution. The solution's active agents will help break down any hard water and residues and disinfect the machine. After this, run the machine at the highest setting for about 2 minutes without adding any clothes.

Next, drain out the water and rinse the machine with clean water.

Now rerun it for 2 minutes with the same descaling solution. If your machine has sanitized settings, use it for thorough cleaning.

Wipe the machine thoroughly with clean water and remove any particles that might have come out.

Keep the door and the lid open for at least one hour or until the interior is dry to avoid any foul-smelling. Now, you are good to go!

Suitable Washing Machine Cleaners Available Online

Affresh Washer Machine Cleaner

Source amazon.in

If you are looking for a market washing machine cleaner, try out this one. This cleaner has active agents, bleach, and hydrogen peroxide, which helps clean out the build-up of contaminants and dirt. Moreover, it removes the odor and foul smells of detergents and clothes. You can let this scaler rest for about 20 or may even allow it to soak ten more minutes.

This will completely remove all the leftover residues and calcium particles that may clog the pores and the washing machine's pipe. Additionally, it is also safe to use for cleaning septic tanks. In addition to all that, the product itself has a very sweet and pleasant fragrance that stays in for a long time. The product contains six tablets and has a total weight of about 0.95 pounds. You can buy this washing machine cleaner from Amazon for INR 2,980.

Atomic Washing Machine Cleaner Powder

Source amazon.in

In case you are looking for a cheap yet effective washing machine cleaner, give this product a try. It is suitable for a fully automatic top load, front load washing machine, tubs, septic tanks, and cleaning drum. The product is in powder form and helps to clean the grime, build-ups, dirt, calcium, and lime particles, among other scale detergents.

Furthermore, it removes bad odors and leaves your machine nice smelling. In addition to all that, it sanitizes the machines and makes them hygienic for future use. The product is made by using chemicals to remove grime, bacteria, and micro-organisms thoroughly. This descale machine powder can be used every two months or every 30 washes to ensure that the machine is as clean as possible and continues to work effectively and efficiently. You can buy this fantastic washing machine cleaning powder from Amazon for only INR 110.

Hariswarup Washing Machine Deep Cleaner Powder

Source flipkart.com

If you are looking for a multipurpose cleaner with effective results, consider this one. This descaler can be used to clean washing machines, dishwashers, tubs, drums, tanks, and other appliances. It effectively removes lime particles, metallic compounds like magnesium and calcium, dirt, grime, and oily substances. It also removes leftover residues and scale contaminants that can block the pores and pipe of the machine. If the machine gets clogged, the efficiency and longevity of the machine will be reduced. This descaler instantly removes deposits and drains out the excess water.

Furthermore, it restores the original smell by eliminating bad odors and eaves your machine sparkling clean. The product is made using acids, active agents, and corrosion inhibitors to clean the machine effectively without causing damage to other parts of the machine. You may also use it to clean coffee makers, electric kettles, showerheads, or steam irons. This product can be bought from Flipkart at a reasonable price of INR 220.

From our editorial team

Best Practices for a Prolonged Life for Your Washing Machine

Most consumer electronics come with a shelflife, after which they start to show problems, requiring major, and sometimes, entire replacements. But, with just a little bit of maintenance, you can indeed prolong their shelflives. For instance, for your washing machine, some of the best practices include changing the water hose at a regular interval, cleaning the lint filter now and then, and so on, as discussed in this post.