Introduction
A washing machine is an essential appliance for keeping clothes and other fabrics clean. But like any other machine, it needs regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. One of the best ways to keep your washer clean and free of dirt and grime is to use vinegar. Not only is it affordable and easy to find, but it has natural disinfectant properties that make it an ideal cleaning ingredient.
Overview of the Problem
It’s important to keep your washer clean to prevent mold, mildew, and bacteria from building up inside the machine. Over time, these can cause odors and affect the performance of the washer. If left unchecked, they can even lead to more serious problems such as a leaky washer or broken parts.
Benefits of Using Vinegar
Vinegar is a great choice for cleaning your washer because it’s natural, non-toxic, and effective at killing germs and bacteria. It also has deodorizing properties that help remove odors from your washer, and it’s gentle enough to use on most fabrics. Plus, it’s inexpensive and easy to find, so you won’t have to spend a lot of money to keep your washer clean.
Step 1: Run a Cycle With Hot Water and Vinegar
What You Will Need:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- Hot water
How to Do It:
- Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the washer’s drum.
- Fill the washer with hot water.
- Start a wash cycle without any clothes or detergent.
- Let the cycle run for a few minutes before stopping it.
- Let the vinegar and hot water sit in the washer for about an hour.
- Restart the cycle and let it finish.
Step 2: Scrub the Inside of the Washer With a Mixture of Vinegar and Baking Soda
What You Will Need:
- ½ cup baking soda
- ½ cup white vinegar
- Sponge
How to Do It:
- Mix together ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of white vinegar in a bowl.
- Dip a sponge into the mixture and use it to scrub the inside of the washer.
- Rinse the sponge and repeat until the entire interior of the washer has been scrubbed clean.
Step 3: Use Vinegar as a Natural Fabric Softener
What You Will Need:
- 1 cup white vinegar
How to Do It:
- Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the washer’s fabric softener compartment.
- Run a normal load of laundry as usual.
- The vinegar will act as a natural fabric softener, leaving your clothes feeling softer and smelling fresher.
Step 4: Soak a Cloth in Vinegar and Wipe Down the Interior Walls of the Washer
What You Will Need:
- White vinegar
- Cloth
How to Do It:
- Fill a bowl with white vinegar.
- Soak a cloth in the vinegar and wring it out.
- Wipe down the interior walls of the washer with the soaked cloth.
- Rinse the cloth and repeat until the walls are clean.
Step 5: Remove Any Lint or Debris from the Filter
What You Will Need:
- White vinegar
- Soft brush
How to Do It:
- Remove the filter from the washer.
- Soak the filter in a bowl of white vinegar for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Use a soft brush to scrub away any lint or debris that may have accumulated on the filter.
- Rinse the filter and put it back in the washer.
Step 6: Clean the Door Seal With a Damp Cloth and Vinegar Solution
What You Will Need:
- White vinegar
- Water
- Soft cloth
How to Do It:
- Mix together equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bowl.
- Dip a soft cloth in the vinegar solution and wring it out.
- Wipe down the door seal with the damp cloth.
- Rinse the cloth and repeat until the seal is clean.
Step 7: Clean the Detergent Dispenser With a Vinegar Solution
What You Will Need:
- White vinegar
- Water
- Soft cloth
How to Do It:
- Mix together equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bowl.
- Dip a soft cloth in the vinegar solution and wring it out.
- Wipe down the detergent dispenser with the damp cloth.
- Rinse the cloth and repeat until the dispenser is clean.
Conclusion
Cleaning your washer with vinegar is a simple and effective way to keep it in top condition. By following the seven steps outlined above, you can be sure that your washer remains free of dirt, grime, and odors. Plus, it’s an affordable and natural way to keep your washer running smoothly for years to come.
In summary, the steps to clean your washer with vinegar include: running a cycle with hot water and vinegar, scrubbing the inside of the washer with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, using vinegar as a natural fabric softener, soaking a cloth in vinegar and wiping down the interior walls of the washer, removing any lint or debris from the filter, cleaning the door seal with a damp cloth and vinegar solution, and cleaning the detergent dispenser with a vinegar solution.
By following these steps, you can keep your washer in top condition and avoid costly repairs. Cleaning your washer with vinegar is a simple and effective way to keep your washer running smoothly for years to come.
