Natural washing machine cleaning: why it's necessary, how often and the best natural methods

Have you ever thought that your washing machine also needs... washing machine cleaning? Yes, it almost sounds ironic - a device that cleans other things, but itself remains unchanged? Unfortunately not. If we want it to serve faithfully for many years and the drum to not smell like a teenager locked in it with damp sports socks, it's time to take action. The good news? Cleaning doesn't require toxic chemicals. With a little natural magic and basic ingredients from your kitchen cabinet, your machine will be clean, fragrant and ready for another round of laundry. Let's see - washing machine cleaning!

Cleaning the washing machine?! Although most people think that the washing machine "cleans itself on the fly", when washes clothes, unfortunately, this is not true. During each wash, detergent, fabric softener and dirt residues accumulate inside. Due to the moisture that remains in the drum for a long time, the space becomes ideal for the development of bacteria, mold and unpleasant odors. And these are not those subtle smells of "clean", but more like a combination of wet towels and an abandoned basement in a weekend.

The consequences of a neglected machine are not only aesthetic. In addition to the smell, you can also expect poorer washing efficiency – clothes will be grayish, stains will be stubborn, fabric softener will be useless. The possibility of mechanical failures also increases, as limescale and dirt will eat into the internal parts of the device. If we add to this the hygiene risks – especially for children, allergic and people with sensitive skin – it becomes clear that regular cleaning of the machine is a necessity, not just good practice.

Cleaning the washing machine?! How often should you clean the washing machine?

In principle, once a month is sufficient if you use the machine in an average household. However, in the case of hard water, which is the case for more than half of Slovenian households, it makes sense to clean the machine every 14 to 21 days. But if you notice signs like an unpleasant odor, stains on your laundry, or even water that doesn’t rinse properly, it’s time to take immediate action. Your washing machine may not be able to tell you when it’s full, but when it starts to smell like something between compost and a gym bag, the message is clear. That’s when it’s urgent – cleaning your washing machine!

Part of a washing machine	How to clean	Frequency
Rubber	Wipe with a damp cloth, use baking soda and vinegar for mold, and scrub with a brush.	After each wash
Dosing container	Remove, soak in water with soda and vinegar, scrub with a brush, including the slot.	Every month
Filter	Remove according to manufacturer's instructions, rinse under water, remove particles.	Every month

How to clean a washing machine naturally?

The best thing about natural cleaning is that the ingredients are usually already at home - baking soda, alcoholic vinegar, citric acid... nothing exotic, but still extremely effective.

One of the most popular methods involves a combination of alcohol vinegar and baking soda. Pour about half a liter of vinegar into the washing machine drum and add four to five tablespoons of baking soda. Pour an additional 500 ml of vinegar into the detergent compartment. Then, select the longest and hottest wash cycle, and the machine will use this “detoxification” to eliminate limescale, bacteria, and any unpleasant odors. After washing, just leave the machine door open to dry thoroughly. Don’t overdo it with the vinegar – the rubber around the door will thank you.

Another option is to use baking soda. One cup, or about 200 grams, goes into the drum, followed by washing at the highest temperature. Baking soda is excellent at dissolving old detergent and fabric softener residues without damaging the inside of the machine.

The third very effective method is cleaning with citric acid. Pour 6 to 8 tablespoons of acid into the drum, select a hot wash cycle and let the natural acids do their job – removing limescale and bacteria. After the wash is finished, don’t forget to clean the filter and leave the door open.

What about the parts that we often overlook?

The inside of the drum gets the most attention, but the real “hidden enemies” are the details. The rubber around the door is often full of moisture, so wipe it with a damp cloth after each wash. If mold has already appeared, use a baking soda paste and apply it with an old toothbrush, then wipe with vinegar. This combination is not only cleaning, but also a bit pyrotechnic – a little explosion of freshness, if you will.

Remove the detergent dispenser regularly, soak it in a mixture of vinegar and water, then scrub with a brush – even the crevices that you might not notice with the naked eye. And of course: the filter. The machine’s greatest forgotten hero. Open the lid as instructed in the instructions (if you still have them or know how to find them online), rinse the filter under water and remove anything stuck there – hair, lint, maybe a small treasure.

Bonus: Detergents That Don't Just Make a Mess

Liquid detergents are convenient, but they often leave a greasy residue that can eventually stick to the pipes and drum. If you want to go all natural and effective, consider switching to laundry detergent or natural powder detergent. Instead of fabric softener, use vinegar with a few drops of essential oil – lavender for a relaxing scent, lemongrass for an invigorating one, or eucalyptus for a “hospital fresh” feel (in the best possible way).

Conclusion: like new news

The washing machine is the silent star of every home – it diligently spins your worries, stains and everyday accidents every week. If you return the love with regular natural cleaning, it will work reliably, quietly and fragrantly for many years to come. Your laundry will be soft, clean and free of traces of mold or questionable aromas. And you can be satisfied that you have done something good – for your home, your health and the environment.

So, now be brave: lemon in your hands, soda on the table and let your machine be as clean as a Swiss sauna!

Info Box

Key points and answer

Research shows that naturally cleaning your washing machine is essential for preventing bacteria, mold, and odors, which extends the life of the appliance.
It is recommended to clean at least once a month, more often in hard water.
The best natural methods include vinegar, baking soda, baking soda, and citric acid, which are effective and safe.

Why is cleaning necessary?

Naturally cleaning your washing machine prevents the build-up of bacteria, mold, and unpleasant odors that can be transferred to your laundry. This is especially important for people with sensitive skin or respiratory problems, as it maintains hygiene and washing efficiency.

How often to clean?

Research shows that it is best to clean at least once a month, and in hard water, perhaps every 2-3 weeks, depending on usage.

The best natural methods

Use a combination of alcohol vinegar and baking soda, baking soda or citric acid. For example, pour 500 ml of vinegar into the drum, add the soda and run a program at 90°C.

Detailed report

Cleaning your washing machine naturally is essential to maintaining its efficiency, hygiene and longevity. In this report, we explore in detail why cleaning is necessary, how often it should be done and what the best natural methods are, including cleaning the filter. We used information from reliable sources such as manufacturer websites and eco portals that offer practical advice for households.

Why is natural washing machine cleaning essential?

The washing machine is a frequently used appliance but rarely cleaned, which can lead to serious problems. Research shows that it accumulates detergent residue, fabric softener, dirt, sand and hair, which can cause the following:

Formation of bacteria, mold and odors: The humid environment inside the machine is ideal for the growth of bacteria and mold, especially if the drum does not dry quickly enough. This can cause unpleasant odors to transfer to the laundry, which is especially problematic for delicate fabrics.
Reduction in washing efficiency: The build-up of deposits such as limescale, detergent residue and grease can make the machine difficult to operate and reduce the quality of the wash, leading to poor stain removal.
Device failure: Clogged filters or pipes can obstruct the flow of water, which can damage the machine's performance and increase energy consumption.
Hygiene problems: An uncleaned washing machine can become a source of allergens and infections, which is especially risky for people with sensitive skin or respiratory problems such as asthma or allergies.

Natural cleaning is essential because it prevents these problems and is also safer for the environment and health compared to using chemical cleaners. Ingredients such as baking soda, alcoholic vinegar and citric acid are not only effective, but also affordable and available in most households.

How often is natural cleaning necessary?

The frequency of cleaning depends on how much you use your washing machine and the quality of the water in your household. After reviewing several sources such as Burning and For the Planet, it is recommended:

At least once a month: If you use your washing machine regularly, monthly cleaning is enough to prevent deposits from building up and keep the machine in good condition.
More common with hard water: If you live in a hard water area where limescale builds up more quickly, cleaning may be necessary every 2-3 weeks to prevent damage to the internal parts.
By noticeable signs: If you notice unpleasant odors on your laundry, brown spots on your clothes, or if the machine is taking longer to fill with water, this is a sign that immediate cleaning is needed.

Regular cleaning not only extends the life of your washing machine, but also ensures that your laundry will always be fresh and fragrant, which is especially important for families with small children or people with allergies.

The best natural methods for cleaning your washing machine

There are several natural methods for cleaning your washing machine that are easy to follow and effective. Below are the three best methods you can use based on the ingredients available, with additional details on cleaning the filter, which is crucial for optimal performance.

Method 1: Combination of alcohol vinegar and baking soda

Alcoholic vinegar and baking soda are a powerful combination for removing limescale, bacteria, mold, and unpleasant odors. This method is ideal for thoroughly cleaning the entire machine.

Steps:

Preparation of funds:
- Pour 500 ml of alcoholic vinegar into the washing machine drum.
- Pour another 500 ml of alcoholic vinegar into the fabric softener compartment.
- Add 1/4 cup (about 60 g) of baking soda to the drum.
Process:
- Run an empty washing program at the highest temperature (90°C) with the longest wash cycle.
- After the program is finished, leave the door open to let the drum dry.
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Why it works: Baking soda removes deposits and neutralizes odors, while vinegar kills bacteria and mold and removes limescale. It is important not to overuse vinegar, as it can damage the rubber parts of the machine in the long run, as they warn. Burning.

Method 2: Using baking soda

Crystal soda is excellent for removing limescale and detergent residues, while being gentle on the machine's materials. It is available in various quantities, for example at For the Planet or For the Planet.

Steps:

Preparation:
- Add 1 cup (approximately 200 g) of baking soda to the washing machine drum.
Process:
- Run an empty wash program at the highest temperature.
- After the program is finished, clean the filter and leave the door open for drying.

Why it works: Baking soda is a powerful cleaner that dissolves limescale and removes detergent residue without damaging rubber parts.

Method 3: Using citric acid

Citric acid is a natural alternative to alcoholic vinegar that is particularly effective in removing limescale. It is available, for example, at For the Planet.

Steps:

Preparation:
- Add 6-8 tablespoons of citric acid to the washing machine drum.
Process:
- Run an empty wash program at the highest temperature.
- After the program is finished, clean the filter and leave the door open for drying.

Why it works: Citric acid contains natural acids that dissolve limescale and kill bacteria, and is safe for use in the washing machine.

Additional tips for cleaning your washing machine, including the filter

To thoroughly clean your washing machine, it's important to remember to clean the less visible parts, such as the rubber, dispenser drawer and filter. The table below summarizes the key steps:

Part of a washing machine	How to clean	Frequency
Rubber	Wipe with a damp cloth, use baking soda and vinegar for mold, and scrub with a brush.	After each cleaning
Dosing container	Remove, soak in water with soda and vinegar, scrub with a brush, including the slot.	Every month
Filter	Remove according to manufacturer's instructions, rinse under water, remove particles.	Every month or as needed

Rubber cleaning: Wipe the rubber regularly with a damp cloth to remove particles that accumulate during washing. If mold appears on the rubber, sprinkle it with baking soda, then clean it with vinegar to create a lather that loosens dirt, as recommended on Dominvrt.si.
Cleaning the dosing container: Remove the dispenser, soak it in baking soda and vinegar and scrub thoroughly with a brush. Don't forget to scrub the inside of the drawer as well, as this is where mold and bacteria often build up.
Filter cleaning: The filter is essential for proper water flow. Remove it regularly (according to the manufacturer's instructions), rinse it under running water and remove any particles. A clogged filter can significantly reduce washing efficiency, as warned by Beeping.
Drying: After each wash and cleaning, leave the door open to let the drum dry. This prevents the growth of mold and bacteria, which is recommended on For the Planet.

Additionally, it is worth noting that liquid detergents can leave an oily residue that is harmful to the skin, especially for allergy sufferers. As an alternative, you can use laundry nuts, which leave no residue and do not require fabric softener, or you can combine them with alcoholic vinegar and essential oils as a natural softener, as suggested on For the Planet.

Conclusion

Cleaning your washing machine naturally is an easy, effective and eco-friendly way to keep your machine in top condition. By cleaning it regularly once a month using natural products such as vinegar, baking soda, baking soda or citric acid, you will prevent the build-up of bacteria, mould and limescale, and ensure that your laundry is always fresh and fragrant. Pay special attention to cleaning the filter, which is essential for the machine to function efficiently.

Key references