Should You Use Vinegar To Clean Your Washing Machine?

It's a common suggestion to not only clean your washing machine regularly, but to do it naturally with white vinegar. Some may even pour it directly into the machine, hoping for a quick clean-up job. However, while a lot of people use vinegar as part of their laundry and maintenance routines, some appliance pros firmly disagree, citing the high acidity of vinegar. With time, the same thing that makes vinegar such a beloved household cleaner can actually harm your machine by damaging the rubber in your washer's gasket, seals, and hoses. 

Of course, that doesn't mean you should skip cleaning your washer altogether — or that you can never use vinegar as a cleaning aid in your laundry room. In fact, general guidance is to give your washing machine a fresh rinse every 30 laundry cycles. By breaking down hard mineral deposits, clearing out detergent scum, and flushing away any lingering remnants from your dirty laundry, you can ensure your clothing comes out as clean as you hoped. Regularly cleaning your washing machine also helps manage any odors inside the drum and maximizes your washer's performance, efficiency, and overall lifespan.

Instead of vinegar, most washing machine manufacturers suggest using a chemical cleaner or descaler specifically designed for washing machines. You can still use homemade vinegar-based cleaners on the exterior and the plastic parts of any removable dispensers, but it's recommended that you keep vinegar out of the interior and avoid running it through a cycle to keep from eroding any important internal parts. 

If you're set on cleaning your entire washing machine with a natural remedy, there are a few potential alternatives that aren't vinegar-based — though you may still need a chemical cleaner from time to time. Baking soda is one option that can help combat any lingering odors in your machine. Washing soda is another great option since it can break down hard water. In both cases, simply sprinkle the powder directly into the drum or scrub it on the gasket and around any seals. However, you should avoid running baking soda or washing soda through the dispenser drawer, because this can lead to blockages.

As another alternative, you can consider using a couple of cups each of hydrogen peroxide 3% and baking soda, mixed with a cup of citric acid. Like vinegar, citric acid is still acidic, but it's better able to maintain its pH and is generally less corrosive than vinegar, especially when diluted. Another option is to use non-chlorinated bleach. While it may not be the most natural solution, it's gentler than chlorinated bleach, but can still tackle mold and mildew. No matter the method you choose for giving your washing machine a good cleaning, it's important to check the manufacturer's directions first, since some parts may have specific cleaning requirements.