How to Deep Clean a Washing Machine (Naturally)

Many of us don’t think about cleaning out the washing machine. I mean, it’s supposed to clean our clothes, so how dirty can it get?

Yet, mildew, bacteria, soap scum, and other yucky things build up in a washing machine over time. In this tutorial I’m going to explain how to clean a washing machine using only natural ingredients, like those found in my laundry soap recipes.

Why Does the Inside of a Washing Machine Need Cleaning?

With just a few kids and a more than full schedule, why am I taking the time to clean out my washing machine?

As mentioned before a washing machine can harbor all sorts of undesirable things. Front-loading washers or High Efficiency (HE) washers are prone to mold and mildew growth, especially around the door seal. This can pose a safety hazard (not to mention it doesn’t smell good).

We’ve used cloth diapers in the past, and while the majority of the icky stuff can be rinsed off of the fabric first, fecal matter and urine still makes their way into the washing machine. Add to that microfiber cleaning cloths used in stinky areas like bathrooms and all of the other messes on clothing, and it’s easy to see why the washing machine could use some extra love.

Even machines that don’t see these items are still dealing with bacteria, mold, and mineral buildup because they are dark, closed, and moist by design.

How to Maintain a Clean-Smelling Washing Machine

The recipe below will deep clean your washer. I recommend doing this several times a year. However, when trying to solve my own washing machine woes, I found some best practices for maintaining the machine in between deep cleans:

• Leave the lid open after every wash cycle. This helps to prevent mildew and stale odors.
• Using too much laundry soap or fabric softener can cause soap scum buildup. Use the proper amount (it’s often less than we think) and run an extra rinse after washing if needed.
• For front loaders, wipe down the seal with an anti-fungal cleaner, like vinegar mixed with tea tree essential oil about once a week. Dry the seal and leave the door open after every wash.
• Only use an HE safe, low suds detergent in an HE machine. The extra suds can cause residues to be left behind in the machine.

The Best (Natural) Way to Deep Clean a Washing Machine

If your machine is in need of some TLC, here’s how to tackle it (and ways to avoid):

Ways I Wouldn’t Try

There are so many instructions out there on how to clean a washing machine, but I wouldn’t attempt many of them. Some look more effective than others, and some use cleaners like bleach that I don’t feel comfortable using. (Bleach is a respiratory toxin and doesn’t effectively kill mold, but just whitens it.)

A lot of recipes call for mixing baking soda with vinegar. Even though this combination is completely safe and natural, it may not be all that effective. When alkaline baking soda is combined with the acidic vinegar, the two create the iconic fizzing action. This can help to loosen grime, but they also likely cancel each other’s properties out.

Best Natural Cleaners to Use

So what cleaners are we using?

• Washing soda is fabulous for cleaning different surfaces around the house. This amplified version of baking soda helps to break down hard water deposits, dissolve grease and deodorize. I use it in my laundry detergent and homemade dish soap, but it’s also great for a deep clean on the washing machine.
• Vinegar is an acid that helps tame mineral deposits, grease, mold, and mildew. It can be regularly used on the rinse cycle as a fabric softener, but it’s also effective at cleaning out the machine.
• Borax is a naturally occurring mineral that is known to kill a wide variety of mold and soften water. It’s surprisingly controversial, but after doing the research I feel safe using it as a cleaner, though you won’t see me adding it to lotion or consuming it. I’ve covered the safety of borax here, but for those who still aren’t keen on the idea, it can be replaced with a natural oxygen bleach or omitted.
• Essential oils have a wide range of anti-microbial properties, depending on which ones are used. Tea tree, or melaleuca, is a potent anti-fungal to help with mold growth. Thieves blend helps to fight bacteria and viruses. These are optional, but really help to boost the disinfecting power. I buy most of mine here (use the code WellnessMama for 10% off).

Natural Washing Machine Cleaner Recipe

The exact method will vary slightly by machine model and type, especially depending on whether you have a front loader and a top loader. Also, newer washing machines typically have a filter near the bottom, while older ones don’t.

For those who are wondering, to the best of my knowledge, vinegar, washing soda, natural oxygen bleach, and borax are all safe for HE machines.

For a Front Loading Washing Machine

• 2 TBSP borax or natural oxygen bleach
• 2 TBSP washing soda
• 2 cups white vinegar
• 20 drops germ-fighting blend (Thieves works well too) or tea tree essential oil (optional)

1. Remove the tray dispenser and allow it to soak, fully submerged in hot soapy water. Once the residues are softened, scrub them off with an old toothbrush. Rinse the tray with fresh water, and put it back into the machine.
2. If the tray doesn’t have a release button, then pour some vinegar in the tray, and scrub with a toothbrush.
3. Put washing soda and borax (or oxygen bleach) into the drum. Put the washing machine on the hottest setting, and use the most amount of water. If the machine has a cleaning cycle, then use this. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the machine to see if your model recommends putting the powder in a certain dispenser instead.
4. After the cycle is finished, pour the vinegar, and the essential oils if using, into the liquid dispenser on the tray. Run another cycle on hot, or a cleaning cycle if the machine has that option.
5. Wipe out the drum with a clean microfiber cloth. Use a microfiber cloth with a vinegar solution to wipe the outside of the machine, and the seal around the door.
6. Remove and clean the filter in the bottom with hot, soapy water or vinegar if the machine has one.

For a Top Loading Washing Machine

• 1/2 cup borax or natural oxygen bleach
• 1/2 cup washing soda
• 1 quart white vinegar
• 30 drops germ-fighting blend or tea tree essential oil (optional)

1. Add borax (or oxygen bleach) and washing soda to a full drum of hot water and wash on a heavy duty or cleaning cycle.
2. When the cycle is done, add vinegar to the drum, and the essential oils if using. Run another hot water cycle. Let it agitate for a few minutes, then let the vinegar water solution sit for 30-60 minutes before finishing the cycle.
3. While the vinegar is sitting in the machine, dip a clean microfiber cloth into the water and use it to clean the outside of the machine. Also, be sure to clean under the lip where the drum is. Clean the dispensers to remove the hair, dirt, soap, and other grime. An old toothbrush may be required for stubborn areas.
4. Remove and clean the filter in the bottom with hot, soapy water or vinegar (if the machine has one). There may be bobby pins, a lost sock, or other surprises in there!

Could your washing machine use a good cleaning? Are you afraid to look?!