One of my most popular reader questions is: "How do you clean your washing machine?"
Well I have to admit I've thought about doing this 100 times but I've never actually done it until writing this post.
Well I have to admit I've thought about doing this 100 times but I've never actually done it until writing this post.
Look at my washing machine, it desperately needed it!!!
Ewww!!!
I found this great tutorial online and decided to give it a try, so here it goes...
Step 1: Fill the washing machine up and pour in 2 cups of white vineagar. Let set for 1 hour. I think mine accidentally sat for 2 hours because I got busy doing stuff while Malea was napping. :)
Step 2: Start the washing machine over again and let it run through a complete cycle.
When I drained my washing machine it still had some grime on it so I got a sponge out and scrubbed it down really well. I added straight white vinegar to my sponge and the grime came off pretty easily.
{Make sure to rinse thoroughly with water after scrubbing with the vinegar because you don't want the vinegar to mix with any of the bleach in the next step!}
Look at how much better that is!
Step 3: Fill washing machine up again and pour in 2 cups of bleach. {I only used about 1 cup} Let it soak for 1 hour.
Step 4: While the washer is soaking use a couple of Q-Tips and detail all the nooks and crannies of the washer.
Look at how clean mine was after detailing it! I seriously don't think it has been this clean since my dad bought it 15+ years ago!
I even scrubbed the lid and all of the knobs! Nice and shiny again.
Step 5: Restart washing machine and let it run through a complete cycle.
I have to say I'm pretty happy with the results!
Now that I know how easy this is to do I'd recommend washing your washing machine at least once a year. It's the perfect thing to add to your spring cleaning list!
Here are my before and after pictures again, pretty amazing!
Edit: I have had many of you ask me about cleaning front-loading washing machines.
I don't have a front loading machine {obviously} but if I did I would use the same steps to clean my washer but instead of putting the vinegar, and then the bleach, directly in the tub put them in the detergent dispenser.
I told a couple of friends to try it this way and it worked well for them so I think this is a good solution for those of you with front loading washers.
I don't have a front loading machine {obviously} but if I did I would use the same steps to clean my washer but instead of putting the vinegar, and then the bleach, directly in the tub put them in the detergent dispenser.
I told a couple of friends to try it this way and it worked well for them so I think this is a good solution for those of you with front loading washers.
For part 2 of this awesome transformation click here.
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That's how I do mine minus the bleach. And you've reminded me that I need to do it again. This time I'll do the bleach step, too.
ReplyDeleteThe vinegar is my choice, too - I am not a bleach person! However, my new washing machine actually has a "machine wash" cycle! Crazy to think about it! It's not dirty enough to even try it, but someday I should!
ReplyDeleteBecky B.
www.organizingmadefun.blogspot.com
Organizing Made Fun
You know, that's a great idea! I've by no means a clean freak, but I am OCD about things that are meant to clean being clean...does that make sense haha?! In other words, I *have* to have clean sinks, showers, etc. or I feel like what goes in isn't coming out clean. Maybe I'm just an odd duck.
ReplyDeleteI have been wondering about cleaning my washer FOREVER!! ok maybe not forever since its only 3 years old but my husbands work clothes are soooo dirty and I always want to clean it. I thought I had to take it apart to clean it! Im putting this on my list for this weekend!
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing such a rewarding tip
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking of cleaning mine. I just put a load in a few minutes ago and it really needs it.
ReplyDeleteSo smart. I have to clean mine on a regular basis because I use it to wash my cleaning towels from my job (I clean airplanes). It gets pretty grimey but I just spray it with spray and wash and wipe it out. It never occurred to me to let it soak in vinegar water. I will have to try this. Thanks so much for the post.
ReplyDeleteWow that's impressive! I should clean mine! I don't use bleach in our house so I might start with just vinegar and see how it goes ...
ReplyDeleteGood to know that this method works! Thanks for trying it out and sharing it.
ReplyDeleteOh - I love this. Thanks so much. My washing machine looks just like your before pics and I just never really knew what to do about it. I'm definitely trying this!!!
ReplyDeleteOoooh, thanks for sharing! It's such a good feeling to have clean appliances. And, I have never hear of four monks vinegar. I am going to check it out! The monks always have good stuff!
ReplyDeletexo,
Sena
You know, Annie, I've never thought of cleaning the interior of my wash machine despite constant cleaning of all other parts of it. What a great post to help others live a more fresh, clean and pure way. i appreciate your sharing this post. Hugs, Roz
ReplyDeleteCalling by from Italy via Fresh Friday/Seasonal Saturday to visit another participant. Interesting I just give mine an occasional wipe inside, never felt it needed a deep clean!?
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I saw this...I was wondering if it was just mine that freakishly grimey, because our last washer machine never got the build up like this one has. On my list of chores for the weekend!
ReplyDeleteI was actually wondering how you did that this weekend. Spring fever has hit and I need to clean my oven, washing machine, and coffee machine. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis is WONDERFUL! my husband and I need to clean our because he has a bad habit of leaving wet clothes in it and then we have some slight mold. Bleach time!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much - I thought I just had to live with the grime!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up to New Nostalgia's Anti-Procrastination Tuesday!
ReplyDeleteHope to see you again!!
My dark clothing always comes out of the wash with white all over it - like residue or fluff of some kind. Any thoughts, suggestions?
ReplyDeleteI just did this today to our new-to-us washing machine. The house was a foreclosure and we've found some scary dirt in place. The washing machine was no exception. Thanks for the how-to!
ReplyDeleteExcellent Idea! I"m gonna try it with the water stains in my bathtub. Nothing else can get them off, can't hurt to try!
ReplyDeleteLove this! Mine needs a good clean too! I will be featuring this tip for sure! thanks for linking to my party!
ReplyDeleteDo you know how you could modify this for a front-loader? I want to wash my machine, but I realy don't know how (short of going and buying the super-expensive tablets made for that purpose).
ReplyDeleteAWESOME post! I was just thinking about this the other day, so I ran a couple of cups of bleach through it and wiped down what I could...now I might have to do it again with vinegar. Great idea!
ReplyDeleteWhat kind washing machine that is? From 1950s? What a part is in the middle? I am not never ever seen washing mashine like that.
ReplyDeleteI have the same washing machine as you! I just did this the other week and am so glad that I did. I'm going to do this more regularly now. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI have a front loader too, do you have any suggestions ?
ReplyDeleteAll good.. however, did you hold the agitator, and push it off center... look at the gunk that accumulates around the edge that is not visible or would get removed without some serious scrubbing up the gunk
ReplyDeleteVinegar is the wonder cleaner, I swear!
ReplyDeleteI was really wonder how you did to facilitate this weekend. leap excitement has strike and I require to spotless my range, washing machine.
ReplyDeleteVinegar and bleach are miracle workers, but I can't be around the smell of either of them... any ideas for alternatives other than making the hubby do it?
ReplyDeleteEvery time I do a load of towels I wipe the washer down with one of the older small hand towels. Keeps it pretty clean that way, sure I need to run some vinegar throught he 'inards' though!
ReplyDeleteActually surprise how you did to help this weekend. Leap enthusiasm has strike and I need to clean my range, washing machine.
ReplyDeleteI like how no one has responded to the questions about the front loaders
ReplyDelete@Anonymous: I wrote a post about it here: http://www.askannamoseley.com/2011/04/spring-cleaning-day-8-washing-machine.html
ReplyDeleteand here:
http://www.somewhatsimple.com/2011/08/how-to-clean-your-washing-machine.html
Anna
www.askannamoseley.com
believe it or not, cleaning the washing machine has been on my cleaning routine FOREVER!! but, the inside of my machine never gets too gunky b/c my diaper laundry gets a good vinegar rinse every week anyway. Yours looks fantastic!!
ReplyDeleteFront loader people, put the vinegar where the detergent goes or where the fabric softener goes, hot wash.
ReplyDeleteWhat about the middle part of the washing machine where I put in the liquid fabric softener? That's pretty gunky in there. How would I clean that part?
ReplyDelete@Cara- Here is a post I wrote about that: http://www.askannamoseley.com/2011/03/reader-question-fluff-on-laundry.html.
ReplyDeleteAlso here's another post I wrote about how to activate your email so that I can respond directly to your questions. :) http://www.askannamoseley.com/2011/07/blogging-tip-are-you-no-reply-blogger.html
Anna
I will try this for cleaning the tub/bin. But I have to tell you I popped off the top softener dispenser, which gets very disgusting, and put it in the dishwasher with no heat dry. Worked great!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking to the front loader bit - mine smells a bit off and *nothing* I've tried has made it go away. Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeleteI so need to do this! Thanks very much for the great post :o)
ReplyDeleteHi, I am a new follower. I thought that I was looking straight in to my own washer..I ask myself everytime I was a load how in the world should I clean this...hahathanks great blog..If you would like please stop by and check out my blog if you would like @ http://knottedchain.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteVery helpful! I've been thinking about doing this, but I didn't know how.:) now I know.:)
ReplyDeleteI love this! This is so helpful. I have a front loading washer so I'll try your suggestion. I can't wait to see the results. Thanks Anna!
ReplyDeleteOne other tip for front loaders... they sell expensive "tablets" to clean them out but I simply used a dish washing tablet (one of those with the three different components including a rinse agent) and ran it on high. It got rid of the moldy smell the best since it broke down what I guess was trapped inside that barrel. It really works.
ReplyDeleteI add 3/4 c. of vinegar to all my dark loads. The vinegar helps prevent darks from fading AND maintains cleanliness in the washing machine too! (I do use fabric softener to mask the smell) Works great!
ReplyDeleteA rag and GooGone spray and this chore is done in 10 minutes without wasting any water.
ReplyDeleteyou amaze me :)
ReplyDeleteJust cleaned my washing machine! Love it, Love it Love it!
ReplyDeleteNow if I could only find a way to get my clothes back to being really white!
Kym
I never felt I needed to clean my washer before, until recently when I got so busy that clothes were staying in there for days (sigh) ... and things began to ... smell ... and I finally had to buy this stuff at the grocery store. While using it I realized why it's so effective: it has such a strong (but pleasant) odor it nearly ran me out of the house (allergies). Next time I'll be using your vinegar and bleach idea :)
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I missed it, but since so many people are interested in this idea (and I've noticed it being pinned several times on Pinterest) - do you think you might want to include a warning about MIXING BLEACH AND VINEGAR??
ReplyDeleteYou need to be very careful that the vinegar is completely rinsed from your machine before adding bleach to it or you'll produce a toxic chlorine gas, much in the same way as mixing bleach and ammonia.
Your instructions state that you wiped the interior down with a sponge moistened in vinegar directly before adding a cup of bleach to your machine.... This does cause the deadly gases to be produced.... I wanted to add the comment so others would know, but would like to request that you add it to your post in advance and warn you not to pour bleach in until you've rinsed the machine well!! Be careful!
The Kenmore service man told me to use 1/2 cup of CLR in a normal cycle and that would take care of any hard water build up inside the tub. He said if I did that once a month that my 10-year-old washer would probably work another 10 years.
ReplyDeleteI just went thru this w/a washer I had for only 6 yrs. It started putting dirt into the wash water. I knew it was going to have to be replaced but I took the washer apart and OH BOY!! The dirt between the washer liner & tub looked like a sand box!! When I bought my new washer, mine too had a clean washer cycle. I was told I could use bleach, vinegar, CLR or there are products on the grocery shelf such as Affresh, which is a tablet that is put right into the washer all by itself. I believe Tide has something too. I do it once a week as my husband's work clothes get very dirty. Hope this helps!!
ReplyDeleteTo clean the outside I scrub it with the Mr. Clean Eraser. It looks like a new machine when you are done.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see what you wrote on how to clean the fabric softener dispenser but the above link doesn't go anywhere.
ReplyDeleteTo the previous comment: Here is the direct link for my other post: http://www.askannamoseley.com/2011/03/reader-question-fluff-on-laundry.html.
ReplyDeleteAnna
www.askannamoseley.com
yeah definitely think you should post how vinegar and bleach do NOT mix. These two produce a chlorine gas that is hazardous to your health. You would want to rinse between the vinegar and the bleach cycles...
ReplyDeleteI have to say two things. First of all, our washers never needed cleaning before they took the Phosphates out of them. Phosphates break down the soap and gook and residue and carry them away. Second, there is a great alternative. Fill your machine and stop it. Pour in one bottle of vinegar, about 8 ounces of peroxide, and the juice of one lemon. And if you have a septic tank, by all means, never put bleach down the drain. It will destroy the bacteria that breaks down your septic deposits. Let the machine agitate for one minute, then stop and let it sit for an hour. Restart it and let it finish the cycle. Your machine will be clean and so will all the pump/drain lines in it. No more smell, no more bacteria.
ReplyDeleteMaybe put an old towel in after the initial soak and hopefully then no need to scrub. I have a front loader now and need to clean mine ... should do it on a regular basis, but i have not.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip!
With Kindness,
Mary
I have the same washing machine !!!
ReplyDeleteI did this today ~ AWESOME!! When I did it I used hot water & closed the lid while it sat the hour with the vinegar in it. Then before starting the load I took advantage of the warm vinegar water & did part 2 (taking of the top of the middle piece & cleaning the filter) - even at full water this section on my washer wasn't covered so I was able to do this. I put the two pieces of the top of the filter into the water in the washer to let them sit, then I went about scrubbing the inside area. Once that was done I scrubbed inside of the tub & got most of the grime you said was left after step 2 off & used an old toothbrush to reach the crevices around the lid and on the knobs of the machine. Then I scrubbed the filter top, put it back together & put it back in place & turned the washer on to finish. I think doing it this way saved me a little time, effort scrubbing & from making an extra bowl of vinegar & water to soak the filter top in. Once the washer was done I did one more wipe of the wash basin with a sponge on the scrubber side. It looked awesome! I did go ahead & do the bleach cycle part as well, but I'm not sure it even needed it. I will definitely do this every 6 months or so ~ thank you!!!
ReplyDelete