Vinegar Cleaning Washer Machine: What Works and What to Avoid

Your washing machine smells sour and has visible residue in the drum. You’ve heard that white vinegar can clean and deodorize it, but you’re not sure how to use it. You don’t want to damage the machine or waste time on a method that doesn’t work. White vinegar can clean your washing machine by breaking down mineral deposits, killing bacteria, and removing odors. But it’s not a complete solution on its own, and using it wrong can damage certain parts. Here’s what works and what to avoid.

Vinegar cleaning a washer machine means adding white vinegar (5% acetic acid) to a hot wash cycle to break down mineral deposits, kill bacteria, and remove odors. Vinegar is a natural descaler and deodorizer that helps clean the drum, dispenser, and internal components. For best results, combine vinegar with baking soda in a two-step cleaning process.

To clean a washer with vinegar, add 2 cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser, run a hot water cycle, then wipe the drum and rubber seal. For best results, add half a cup of baking soda to the drum in the same cycle. Don’t use vinegar on every cycle, don’t use apple cider vinegar, and don’t skip the rubber seal on front loaders.

What Works

Vinegar + Baking Soda Method (Best Overall)

The most effective way to clean a washer with vinegar is to combine it with baking soda.

Step 1: Add vinegar. Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser. The dispenser releases the vinegar during the wash cycle.

Step 2: Add baking soda. Add half a cup of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda directly to the drum.

Step 3: Run a hot cycle. Set the machine to the hottest and longest cycle. The hot water dissolves residue, the vinegar breaks down mineral deposits, and the baking soda absorbs odors.

Step 4: Wipe the drum. After the cycle, wipe the drum with a clean cloth to remove any loosened residue.

Step 5: Clean the dispenser. Remove the detergent dispenser and soak it in warm water with vinegar for 30 minutes. Scrub with an old toothbrush and rinse.

Step 6: Wipe the rubber seal. On front loaders, wipe the rubber seal with a cloth dipped in vinegar solution to remove mold and residue.

Vinegar-Only Method (For Light Cleaning)

For light cleaning and deodorizing:

Step 1: Add vinegar. Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser.

Step 2: Run a hot cycle. Set the machine to the hottest cycle.

Step 3: Wipe the drum and seal. Wipe the drum and rubber seal with a clean cloth after the cycle.

Vinegar Soak for Heavy Buildup

For heavy mineral deposits or persistent odors:

Step 1: Add vinegar. Add 4 cups of white vinegar to the drum.

Step 2: Fill with hot water. Let the machine fill with hot water, then pause the cycle.

Step 3: Soak for 1 hour. Let the vinegar solution soak in the drum for 1 hour.

Step 4: Resume the cycle. Resume the wash cycle to drain and rinse.

Step 5: Wipe the drum and seal.

What to Avoid

Using vinegar on every cycle. In front loaders with rubber seals, frequent vinegar use can degrade the rubber over time. Use vinegar for cleaning once a month, not on every laundry load.

Using apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar can stain the drum and clothes. Use white vinegar only.

Using cold water. Cold water doesn’t dissolve residue or activate vinegar effectively. Always use hot water for cleaning.

Mixing vinegar and bleach. Mixing vinegar and chlorine bleach creates toxic chlorine gas. Never combine them.

Skipping the rubber seal. On front loaders, the rubber seal is where mold and residue collect. Don’t skip cleaning it.

Using vinegar alone for heavy buildup. For heavy buildup, combine vinegar with baking soda or use a dedicated cleaner like affresh Washing Machine Cleaner.

Closing the door between washes. Closing the door traps moisture and promotes mold growth. Leave the door open between washes.

Not cleaning monthly. If you wait too long between cleanings, buildup becomes harder to remove. Clean monthly.

Comparison: What Works vs. What to Avoid

Action	Effect
Vinegar + baking soda + hot cycle	Works (complete clean)
Vinegar soak for heavy buildup	Works (breaks down deposits)
Hot water	Works (dissolves residue)
Wiping rubber seal	Works (removes mold)
Leaving door open	Works (prevents mold)
Apple cider vinegar	Avoid (can stain)
Cold water	Avoid (doesn’t dissolve)
Mixing with bleach	Avoid (toxic gas)
Vinegar on every cycle	Avoid (degrades rubber)
Closing door	Avoid (traps moisture)

For Front Loaders vs. Top Loaders

Feature	Front Loader	Top Loader
Vinegar amount	2 cups	2 to 4 cups
Rubber seal	Wipe after cleaning	No rubber seal
Dispenser	Add vinegar here	Add vinegar to drum
Soak	Pause and soak	Fill and soak
Frequency	Monthly	Monthly
Door	Leave open between washes	Leave lid open between washes

When to Use a Dedicated Cleaner

For heavy buildup, persistent odors, or if vinegar and baking soda don’t work:

affresh Washing Machine Cleaner: Formulated specifically for washing machines. Removes residue, odors, and mineral deposits. Use monthly.

Lysol Laundry Sanitizer: For sanitizing the machine and killing bacteria.

FAQ

Can you clean a washing machine with vinegar? Yes. Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser and half a cup of baking soda to the drum, then run a hot cycle. The vinegar breaks down mineral deposits and the baking soda absorbs odors. Wipe the drum and rubber seal after.

How much vinegar do you use to clean a washing machine? 2 cups of white vinegar for a regular cleaning. 4 cups for a deep clean soak. Add it to the detergent dispenser, not directly to the drum.

Does vinegar damage washing machines? No, when used in moderation. Use vinegar for cleaning once a month. In front loaders with rubber seals, don’t use vinegar on every laundry load, as frequent use can degrade the rubber over time.

Can you mix vinegar and baking soda to clean a washing machine? Add them separately: vinegar to the dispenser and baking soda to the drum. This way they’re released at different times during the cycle. Don’t mix them directly in a container, as they neutralize each other.

How often should you clean your washing machine with vinegar? Once a month. If you have hard water or wash heavily soiled loads, clean every 2 to 3 weeks. For heavy buildup, use a dedicated cleaner like affresh.

References

1. Tide. “How to Clean a Washing Machine.” tide.com.
2. The Spruce. “How to Clean a Washer with Vinegar.” thespruce.com.
3. Good Housekeeping. “Washing Machine Cleaning Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
4. American Cleaning Institute. “Machine Cleaning Guide.” cleaninginstitute.org.