![]() Select the largest load size and the hottest water temperature setting that your washing machine supports.Īs the washing machine fills with water, add 4 cups of white vinegar and let the machine fill up with water. To clean the top loader this is what you should do: 1. In this case, you should clean the washing machine every three months to remove the buildup from the inside. If you have hard water, the minerals build up faster on wet surfaces and joints. You can prevent the buildup of detergent in your washing machine by running your homemade washing machine cleaner through it two or three times a year. How to Clean a Top-Loading Washing Machine However, make sure to use gloves when handling and pouring washing soda to avoid skin irritation. It’s perfect for removing the greasy buildup of laundry softeners and stale soap scums that often become a hotbed of mold.ĭuring the first cycle, it will also help unclog your washing machine drain. Washing soda or “soda ash” - because it’s obtained from ashes of burned plants, has high alkaline properties, and acts as a solvent to remove a wide range of stains. Leave the door/lid open to air-dry before washing the laundry. Run the machine on the hottest setting again and wipe out all the areas after the cycle is complete. When the cycle is done, pour vinegar and essential oils into the liquid dispenser. Now pour washing soda into the drum and let it run on the hottest setting. Scrub away the buildup with an old toothbrush and put it back inside the machine. Remove the detergent tray and soak it in hot water and dish soap. It also takes a bit more time than with the other two cleaners. ![]() I prepare this recipe once every few months when I want to give my washing machine a deep cleaning. Some of the oils with the strongest antibacterial properties include tea tree, lemongrass, oregano, black cumin, and peppermint. Some of these oils contain natural antibacterial compounds like aldehydes, phenolics, and terpenes that make them effective in destroying many types of bacteria, fungi, and even viruses. That's why vinegar is so effective when used in the hottest laundry cycle.Įssential oils are complex volatile compounds that evaporate easily at room temperature and occur naturally in different plants. What’s interesting though is that vinegar's bactericidal action increases with heat. How does it work?ĭiluted acetic acid, or white vinegar act as a disinfectant that destroys some bacteria and fungi. Makes it much easier to clean down the road. This is the basic washing machine cleaning you can do every week, but I tend to do it after every load of laundry. Let it sit for a couple of minutes and wipe all areas down with a clean cloth. Shake the bottle before use and spray the seal, drum, door, or lid, depending on which type you use. When you mix baking soda with vinegar, the acid breaks down the baking soda releasing CO2 that helps lift dirt from surfaces you’re cleaning.Ĭombine all ingredients and pour the solution into a spray bottle. You should never combine them in equal amounts because you need to keep the mixture either acidic or basic. ![]() These two natural substances can produce incredible cleaning results but there’s something to keep in mind. Vinegar, on the other hand, is a dilute solution of acetic acid (HC2H3O2) that breaks down minerals that form from hard tap water. In addition, the mineral structure of baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive to clean glossy surfaces without scratching them. This means that when you’re using baking soda and vinegar for cleaning, you’re actually doing very complicated manipulations of molecules.Īs a base, baking soda (NaHCO3) dissolves organic matter like dirt, grease, and other sticky things. The thing about baking soda and vinegar is that they live on opposite ends of the pH scale. If you’re using a front-load washer, dip a cotton cloth into white vinegar and use 10 drops of essential oil to wipe down the rubber gasket. If there are any stains, rub them out using a paste made of baking soda and water and a non-scratch sponge. Once both cycles are complete, wipe down the drum and agitator using a cotton cloth soaked in vinegar. Run another hot cycle to let vinegar break down mineral deposits and any remaining moldy spots. Both will help remove mildew deposits and act as a mild disinfectant - where you normally pour your detergent. Next, add in 2 cups of plain white vinegar and 10 drops of essential oils - I use tea tree or lavender. Run a long hot water cycle and let it work. When the cycle starts, this powder will gently scrub the inside and tackle the stale moldy odors from stale soap and fabric softener deposits. Make sure your washing machine is empty and add about 2 cups of baking soda directly into the machine.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |