Have you ever opened your washing machine, hoping to smell fresh laundry, only to be met with a damp, musty or even moldy smell instead? You're not alone. Although most people think that cleaning your washing machine happens while you're doing the laundry, the truth is quite different. Over time, detergent residues, softeners, limescale and microparticles of dirt from clothes accumulate inside the machine - in the drawers, drum, pipes and rubber seals. This creates ideal conditions for the development of bacteria and fungi, resulting in unpleasant odors, stains on clothes and even malfunctions.
Therefore, regular cleaning is washing machine is a crucial but often overlooked step in every household. And the good news is that you don’t need expensive cleaning products or experts to do it. With simple ingredients that you almost certainly already have at home, you can perform a thorough, safe and effective cleaning of your machine that will restore its performance and extend its lifespan. Below, we present a proven procedure based on natural ingredients and expertly explained steps – no shortcuts and no compromises.
Why does a washing machine get dirty in the first place and how does this affect its operation?
A washing machine is not a hermetically sealed system – water, detergents, softeners and dirt from clothes flow into it during each cycle. Some of these substances are not completely washed out and eventually begin to deposit on the inner walls of the drum, in the drain pipes, in the pump filter and, above all, in the rubber seals. These deposits are joined by limescale (especially in hard water) and moisture that remains inside the machine after washing, creating an ideal environment for the development of bacteria, mold and fungi.
The consequences of these impurities are not only unpleasant odors, but also mechanical and functional problems: reduced washing efficiency, increased energy consumption (because the machine has to work harder), clogged filters, longer washing times, and in extreme cases – expensive breakdowns. Therefore, just as a car needs regular service, a washing machine also needs regular care.
Expert guide to cleaning your washing machine
What you need:
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- Alcoholic vinegar (8–9 %) – acts as a natural descaling agent and bactericide,
- bicarbonate of soda – neutralizes unpleasant odors and breaks down fatty deposits,
- Alcohol (70 % or more) – for disinfection after the cycle is complete,
- Warm water and a soft cloth or sponge,
- Sprayer.
1. Cleaning the detergent and softener dispenser
Remove the drawer (if removable) and soak it in warm water. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to remove any detergent, fabric softener and mould residue. Then spray the drawer with alcohol vinegar, leave for 5 minutes and wipe dry. Don't forget to clean the area where the drawer fits - this is where hidden dirt often accumulates.
2. Preparing the cleaning mixture in the machine
Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the detergent drawer and 100 ml of alcoholic vinegar to the fabric softener drawer. The baking soda will help break down grease residue, while the vinegar will soften and remove limescale and neutralize bacteria.
3. Internal cleaning of the drum and pipes
Pour an additional 200 ml of alcoholic vinegar into the drum of the machine. Then select the longest washing program on the highest possible temperature (90 °C) and without laundry. This cycle will disinfect the drum, tubes and heater, while breaking down any deposits and bacterial colonies.
4. Disinfection and drying
After the machine has finished washing, leave the door open for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the interior to dry thoroughly. Then spray the inside of the drum and the door seal with alcohol and wipe with a clean cotton cloth. This will remove any remaining germs and prevent mold from growing.
How to keep the washing machine clean even between washes?
Regular, thorough cleaning is crucial, but we should not neglect daily habits that can significantly contribute to the cleanliness of the machine:
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- Leave the machine door open after each washto dry the interior completely.
- Wipe the rubber seals occasionally, where moisture and detergent residues often accumulate.
- Don't overuse detergent or fabric softener – less is more, especially with modern detergents.
- Once a month Repeat the described procedure with alcoholic vinegar and soda - this will prevent limescale formation and maintain the hygiene of the machine at a high level.
- Inspect and clean the pump filter (found at the bottom of the front of the machine) – this often forgotten task can prevent blockages and poor performance.
Regular cleaning of the washing machine for fresh laundry and a longer life
Regular maintenance of your washing machine is not only a matter of hygiene, but also makes economic sense. A clean machine works more efficiently, uses less energy and detergent, and extends the life of the appliance itself. And if you can achieve this with ingredients that cost less than a coffee at a coffee shop – why not give it a try?
If you want your clothes to not just be washed, but really clean and fragrant, start at the source – the machine itself. And maybe the next time you open the washing machine door, you’ll finally be greeted by the smell of freshness, not the memory of a damp old basement.