If You Do This, All the Dirt Will Come Out of the Washing Machine: Goodbye to Unpleasant Laundry Odors

What You’ll Need:

• White Vinegar: Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer that can dissolve soap scum, kill bacteria, and remove mildew.
• Baking Soda: Baking soda helps neutralize odors and can scrub away grime and dirt.
• Hot Water: Hot water helps dissolve detergent buildup and grime inside the machine.
• Microfiber Cloth or Sponge: For wiping down surfaces inside the washing machine.
• Old Toothbrush (Optional): Useful for cleaning small crevices, the detergent drawer, and seals.
• Dish Soap (Optional): A gentle liquid dish soap can help break down oil-based grime.

Step 1: Clean the Washing Machine Drum

The drum is the most important part of the washing machine, and it’s where you need to focus most of your attention.

1. Start with an Empty Drum: Before cleaning, make sure your washing machine is empty. Do not put any clothes in it while you’re cleaning.
2. Add White Vinegar: Pour about 2 cups (500 ml) of white vinegar directly into the drum. Vinegar will help break down soap scum, mold, and bacteria while deodorizing the drum.
3. Set the Washer to a Hot Water Cycle: Turn the washer to the longest, hottest wash cycle available. If your machine has a “cleaning” or “maintenance” cycle, select that setting. The hot water will help dissolve any buildup and allow the vinegar to work effectively.
4. Let the Cycle Complete: Allow the wash cycle to finish completely, and your drum should be free from odors and buildup.

Step 2: Scrub the Detergent Drawer and Rubber Seals

The detergent drawer and rubber door seals often trap detergent residue, mold, and bacteria, which can contribute to unpleasant smells. These areas need regular attention.

1. Remove the Detergent Drawer: Most washing machines have a detachable detergent drawer. Pull it out and soak it in hot water with a little dish soap for 15-20 minutes to loosen any soap buildup. You can use a sponge or old toothbrush to scrub away any residue.
2. Clean the Rubber Seals: Check the rubber door seals, especially in front-loading machines, where mold and mildew tend to grow. Wipe them down with a microfiber cloth soaked in a vinegar and water solution (1:1 ratio). Be sure to get into all the folds of the rubber seal to remove mold and debris. If you notice stubborn mold, you can use a toothbrush to scrub it away.
3. Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, use a dry cloth to wipe down the detergent drawer and seals, removing any excess moisture that could encourage mold growth.

Step 3: Deodorize with Baking Soda

Baking soda is great for neutralizing odors and helping to scrub away dirt that the vinegar may have loosened. You can do this step after running the hot vinegar cycle.

1. Add Baking Soda: Sprinkle about ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drum of your washing machine.
2. Run Another Hot Water Cycle: Set the washer to run another hot water cycle without any clothes inside. This will help remove any remaining grime and deodorize the machine.

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