Here's Why You Should Put Baking Soda And Vinegar In Your Washing Machine

There are few smells as intoxicating as the scent of laundry that's been freshly cleaned and dried. But while we study the cleaning instructions on our clothing, few of us think of cleaning out our washing machines. Believe it or not, this commonly-used household appliance can actually get dirty despite being in constant contact with soap and water. Appliance repair experts admit the concept of needing to clean a machine that cleans may seem far-fetched, but both soap scum and detergent build up, and getting rid of them from time to time can only do our clothes a world of good (via The Kitchn).

It turns out that the most effective cleaning agents for your washing machine aren't hanging out in our cleaning supplies area — they're in our pantry. Cleaning experts say vinegar and baking soda are more than just your run-of-the mill cake ingredients. They actually play an important role in getting your washing machine clean. When used together, a vinegar and baking soda mix can be super-effective against bad odors and mold, which may be lurking inside (via Taste of Home).

There are several ways to use vinegar and baking soda to clean your washing machine. One way is to mix 2 cups of vinegar, and 1/4 cup of baking soda and water each, then pour the mixture into the detergent cache of your washing machine. Simply run a cycle at the highest temperature. You can also use the same mixture to clean the washing machine's door, drum, and detergent drawer.

Another way to use baking soda and vinegar to clean your clothes cleaner is to spray vinegar around the gasket, then use a rag to remove any mold, soap scum, and detergent build-up before running the machine. Be sure to also clean the drum with the vinegar and baking soda solution we just described. You can also use vinegar in a spray to clean the front, or top of the washing machine before wiping that down. 

While some cleaners say once every six months is enough to keep your washing machine spick and span, others advise you'd be better off doing this task at least once a month, and even more often if you catch a whiff of mildew.