How to Naturally Clean Your Washing Machine and Eliminate Odours!
Maintaining a clean and odour-free washing machine is essential for ensuring your clothes come out fresh and clean every time. While many commercial cleaning products and vinegar-based solutions are available, you can achieve excellent results without using any chemicals or vinegar. In this guide, we'll walk you through a step-by-step process to naturally clean your washing machine, keep it in top condition, and bid farewell to those unpleasant smells.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before we begin, let's make sure you have all the supplies you'll need for this natural cleaning process. Here's a handy checklist:
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Microfiber cloth
- Toothbrush or soft brush
- Hot water
Step 2: Clean the Drum
Start by removing any visible debris, lint, or residues from the drum of your washing machine. Wipe the interior with a microfiber cloth to remove loose dirt and grime. Pay special attention to the rubber gasket, as this area is prone to mold and mildew buildup.
Step 3: Deodorise with Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural deodoriser and excellent for combating odours in your washing machine. Take half a cup of baking soda and sprinkle it evenly inside the drum. You can also add some baking soda to the detergent dispenser.
Step 4: Freshen Up with Lemon Juice
Lemon juice not only has a pleasant fragrance but also possesses antibacterial properties. Squeeze the juice of two lemons and add it to the drum. Lemon juice helps break down grease, eliminate odours, and leaves your washing machine smelling fresh.
Step 5: Run a Hot Water Cycle
Now that you've added the baking soda and lemon juice, it's time to run a hot water cycle. Set your machine to the highest temperature setting available and let it run through a complete cycle without any clothes. The hot water will activate the baking soda and lemon juice, helping to clean and deodorise your washing machine thoroughly.
Step 6: Clean the Dispensers and Filters
While the hot water cycle is running, take the opportunity to clean the detergent and fabric softener dispensers, as well as any filters in your washing machine. Remove them and rinse them thoroughly with hot water. Use a toothbrush or soft brush to scrub away any accumulated residue. Once clean, dry them completely before reassembling.
Step 7: Wipe Down the Exterior
While the interior of your washing machine is getting a deep clean, don't forget to wipe down the exterior surfaces as well. Use a microfiber cloth dampened with hot water to wipe away dust, fingerprints, and any grime that may have collected over time. Dry the exterior thoroughly to prevent water spots.
Step 8: Maintain Regular Cleaning Habits
To keep your washing machine in top condition, it's important to establish regular cleaning habits. Here are some simple tips:
- Leave the door or lid of your washing machine open between cycles to allow for proper air circulation and prevent mold growth.
- Remove wet clothes promptly after each cycle to avoid creating a damp environment that promotes odours.
- Clean the rubber gasket regularly by wiping it down with a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar.
Additional Tips:
- If you notice persistent odours, you can repeat the natural cleaning process outlined above as needed.
- For tough stains or grime buildup, create a paste using baking soda and water, apply it to the affected area, and scrub gently with a toothbrush or soft brush.
- Consider using natural laundry detergents that are free from harsh chemicals, as they can help maintain a cleaner washing machine over time.