Clean Washing Machine with Bicarb and Vinegar: Settings, Products, and Timing

You want to clean your washing machine with bicarb (baking soda) and vinegar. Maybe your machine smells, or you see residue in the drum. Bicarb and vinegar are two of the best natural cleaning products for washing machines. Here’s how to clean your washing machine with bicarb and vinegar, including the right settings, products, and timing.

Bicarb (baking soda, sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (acetic acid, 5%) are natural cleaning products that remove odors, residue, and mold from washing machines. Bicarb absorbs odors and scrubs away residue. Vinegar dissolves mineral deposits and kills mold. Together they clean the machine naturally. The key is using the right amount, the right settings, and the right timing.

To clean your washing machine with bicarb and vinegar, add 2 cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser, add half a cup of bicarb to the drum, run an empty hot cycle on the longest setting, wipe the drum and seal after, and leave the door open. Do this monthly. Don’t mix bicarb and vinegar before adding, don’t use cold water, and don’t use bleach with vinegar.

Settings

Water Temperature: Hot

Use hot water (120 to 140 degrees F). Hot water activates the cleaning properties of bicarb and vinegar and flushes out buildup. Cold water doesn’t clean effectively.

Cycle: Longest Available

Use the longest cycle available (usually 60 to 90 minutes). The longer cycle gives bicarb and vinegar more time to work. Use the heavy duty or normal cycle.

Load Size: Empty

Run an empty cycle. Don’t add clothes. The bicarb and vinegar need to circulate through the machine without interference.

Spin Speed: High

Use a high spin speed to flush out loosened residue and buildup.

Products

White Vinegar (2 cups)

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

• Dissolves mineral deposits
• Removes detergent residue
• Kills mold and bacteria
• Removes odors

Bicarb (Half a cup)

Add half a cup of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda directly to the washer drum. Bicarb:

• Absorbs odors
• Scrubs away residue
• Boosts cleaning power
• Balances pH

Alternative: affresh Tablets

For a deeper clean, use affresh Washing Machine Cleaner. Place one tablet in the drum and run an empty hot cycle.

Other Products for Laundry

Detergent: Tide Free and Gentle

Stain removers: OxiClean Max Force Spray, Dawn Ultra Dish Soap, Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam

Laundry sanitizer: Lysol Laundry Sanitizer

Ink remover: Amodex Ink and Stain Remover

Timing

Monthly Cleaning

Clean your washing machine with bicarb and vinegar monthly. This prevents buildup, odors, and mold.

Weekly Maintenance

• Wipe the rubber seal after each load
• Leave the door open between loads
• Clean the dispenser every 2 to 4 weeks

Every 3 to 6 Months

• Clean the filter
• Run a second cleaning cycle with affresh for a deeper clean

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Add Vinegar to the Dispenser (1 minute)

Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser.

Step 2: Add Bicarb to the Drum (1 minute)

Add half a cup of bicarb directly to the washer drum.

Step 3: Set the Cycle (1 minute)

Set the machine to the longest hot cycle with high spin speed.

Step 4: Run the Cycle (60 to 90 minutes)

Start the machine and let it run the full cycle.

Step 5: Wipe the Drum and Seal (5 minutes)

After the cycle, wipe the inside of the drum and the rubber seal with a clean cloth.

Step 6: Clean the Dispenser (5 minutes)

Remove the dispenser drawer. Soak in warm water with dish soap. Scrub with a toothbrush. Rinse and replace.

Step 7: Clean the Filter (5 minutes)

Remove and clean the filter.

Step 8: Leave the Door Open (ongoing)

Leave the door open to allow the drum to dry.

What to Avoid

Don’t mix bicarb and vinegar before adding. They react and neutralize each other. Add vinegar to the dispenser and bicarb to the drum separately.

Don’t use cold water. Cold water doesn’t activate the cleaning properties. Use hot water.

Don’t use bleach with vinegar. The combination produces toxic chlorine gas. Use one or the other.

Don’t use apple cider vinegar. It can leave residue and stains. Use white vinegar only.

Don’t use more than 2 cups of vinegar. Excess vinegar can damage rubber seals. Use 2 cups.

Don’t skip monthly cleaning. Monthly cleaning prevents buildup and odors.

Don’t close the door between loads. Closing the door traps moisture and causes mold.

Comparison: Cleaning Products

Product	Cost	Best For	How Often	Ease of Use
Bicarb and vinegar	Low	Monthly maintenance	Monthly	Easy
affresh tablets	Medium	Deep cleaning	Monthly	Very easy
Bleach	Low	Disinfecting	Every 3 to 6 months	Easy (use alone)
Professional service	High	Severe problems	As needed	Not DIY

FAQ

How do you clean a washing machine with bicarb and vinegar? Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser and half a cup of bicarb to the drum. Run an empty hot cycle on the longest setting. Wipe the drum and seal after.

What temperature should you use to clean a washing machine? Use hot water (120 to 140 F) to clean a washing machine. Hot water activates the cleaning properties of bicarb and vinegar.

How often should you clean your washing machine with bicarb and vinegar? Clean monthly with bicarb and vinegar. Wipe the seal and dispenser every 2 to 4 weeks. Clean the filter every 3 to 6 months.

Can you mix bicarb and vinegar before adding to the washer? No. They react and neutralize each other. Add vinegar to the dispenser and bicarb to the drum separately.

Can you use affresh instead of bicarb and vinegar? Yes. affresh tablets are a convenient alternative. Place one tablet in the drum and run an empty hot cycle. Use monthly.

References

1. Tide. “Washer Cleaning Guide.” tide.com.
2. The Spruce. “How to Clean a Washing Machine.” thespruce.com.
3. Good Housekeeping. “Washer Cleaning Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
4. affresh. “Cleaning Guide.” affresh.com.