How to Clean a Washing Machine with Vinegar: Step by Step

If your washing machine smells musty or your clothes aren’t coming out fresh, white vinegar can fix it. This natural method really works.

Here’s a simple step-by-step routine you can use for your first deep clean and repeat monthly. Read through all steps before starting and follow the order shown.

You Will Need

• 2 cups plain white vinegar
• Warm water and a bowl or bucket
• Soft cloths or microfibre towels
• An old toothbrush or small scrubbing brush
• Rubber gloves if you prefer
• Optional: spray bottle for a 1:1 vinegar-water solution

Quick Checklist Before You Start

1. Remove all laundry from the drum.
2. Check pockets and the drum for small items like coins, hair ties, or tissues.
3. Locate removable parts: lint filter, detergent and softener drawers, bleach cup. Remove them if possible.

Step 1: Pre-Clean Removable Parts and Seals

1. Place removable drawers and filter parts in a bowl of warm, soapy water. Let them soak while you do the drum cleaning.
2. Use a toothbrush to scrub away softener or detergent residue from the drawers, small holes, and channels. Rinse and set aside to dry.
3. Wipe the rubber door seal and visible gasket area with a damp cloth to remove hair, lint, and lumps of residue. Pull the seal back to reach the fold and clear out debris.

Why this first step helps: it removes loose gunk so the vinegar cycle will focus on deeper buildup rather than surface debris.

Step 2: Run the Basic Vinegar Cleaning Cycle

1. Measure and pour two cups of white vinegar directly into the drum. Do not put it in the detergent drawer.
2. Select the hottest water setting and the longest or tub-clean cycle on your washer. Start the cycle and let it run to completion.
3. Do not add detergent during this cycle.

What happens: hot vinegar water circulates through the drum and internal hoses, dissolving soap scum, breaking down mineral deposits, and reducing bacteria and mildew.

Step 3: Soak for Heavy Buildup (Optional, but Recommended If Needed)

If your machine has visible scale or persistent odor, pause the cycle after the drum fills with hot water and vinegar. Then:

1. Let the machine sit for 30 to 60 minutes so the vinegar has extended contact time.
2. Resume and finish the cycle.
3. After the vinegar cycle finishes, run a second rinse-only cycle with hot water to flush loosened residue.

This pause-and-soak step loosens stubborn deposits that one pass of vinegar might not remove.

Step 4: Clean Dispensers and Small Parts

While the washer runs or after the cycle completes:

1. Scrub the soaked detergent and softener drawers with the toothbrush to remove any softened residue. Rinse thoroughly.
2. For non-removable dispensers, spray a 1:1 vinegar-water mix and scrub with the toothbrush, then wipe clean.
3. Dry all removable parts and reinstall them.

Small channels and holes in dispensers are common places for buildup. Cleaning these improves product flow and prevents future clogs.

Step 5: Target the Gasket and Door Area

1. For front-load washers, spray a 1:1 vinegar-water solution into the folds of the rubber door seal.
2. Use a cloth or toothbrush to scrub all creases, then wipe dry.
3. Leave the door open for several hours after cleaning so the seal and drum can dry completely.

Keeping this area dry and clean is the best way to prevent mold and musty odors.

Step 6: Top-Load Specific Steps

1. If you have a top-loader with an agitator and it can be removed, take it out and clean under the base.
2. Use a long-handled brush or cloth to reach under the rim of the tub and any fabric softener dispensers built into the agitator.
3. Run a hot water rinse cycle when done.

Top-loaders trap residue in different places, so a few extra reach-and-scrub actions are useful.

Step 7: Final Rinse and Dry

1. Run one last hot water rinse cycle to remove any lingering vinegar or loosened debris.
2. Wipe the drum interior, door, and controls with a clean damp cloth.
3. Keep the door or lid open between uses to allow full air circulation.

If you notice a faint vinegar scent on the first load after cleaning, it will fade. If it persists, run an extra rinse cycle.

Monthly Maintenance Schedule

• Monthly: run the vinegar cleaning cycle and wipe the door seal.
• Weekly: leave the door open to air out the drum.
• As needed: clean dispensers and filters if you use a lot of fabric softener or live with hard water.

If you have very hard water or do many loads, consider doing the deep clean every two weeks, but monthly should generally be more than enough for most.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Never mix vinegar and bleach. This can create harmful chlorine gas. Always run a plain water rinse between different cleaners.
• Do not use apple cider vinegar, flavored vinegar, or high-acid cleaning vinegars. Use plain white vinegar.
• Don’t overdo it. Two cups is enough. More vinegar will not clean better and may increase the vinegar smell.
• Avoid pouring vinegar into the detergent dispenser. Put it in the drum so it contacts the whole interior.

Troubleshooting Persistent Odors or Mold

If odors persist after several vinegar cleanings:

• The problem may be in the drain hose, pump, or internal traps that vinegar does not reach.
• Check the drain filter and pump access area according to your manual. Remove debris if safe to do so.
• If you still have odors or visible mold, call a qualified appliance technician for a deeper inspection and a professional cleaning.

Quick Step-by-Step Checklist

1. Empty drum, check pockets.
2. Remove and soak dispensers.
3. Wipe gasket and remove visible debris.
4. Add 2 cups white vinegar to drum.
5. Run hottest, longest cycle. Pause to soak 30-60 minutes if heavy buildup.
6. Run hot rinse cycle.
7. Scrub and reinstall dispensers.
8. Spray and wipe gasket, leave door open to dry.

In Summary

This vinegar cleaning method is an easy, cost-effective, and safe way to keep your washer in top shape. Stick to it monthly, and you’ll not only get rid of odors but also prevent buildup, all while avoiding expensive repairs. If any smell lingers, especially after multiple cleaning sessions, it might be worth calling in a pro for a deeper clean.