Try This All-Natural DIY Washing Machine Cleaner

Is a clean washing machine on your wish list? If you want to tackle mold and mildew, I discovered a DIY washing machine cleaner with natural ingredients that you shouldn’t overlook. It’s a fantastic way to keep your washing machine clean and smelling fresh. You will want to give this washing machine cleaner a try!

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My Washing Machine Experience

Regardless of the type of washing machine you own, mold and mildew will likely develop over time. This can be a frustrating problem to deal with, particularly with older washing machines. 

I have owned a front-load washer for the past 12 years, and I have found that keeping it clean without harsh chemicals has been challenging. I have tried various methods to avoid mold and mildew buildup, including special detergents designed for front-loading machines. However, none of these provided the solution I was looking for. 

I have finally found a solution that works. I have started using this weekly cleaning mixture and a deep-clean formula to clean my washing machine.

This natural cleaning solution is highly effective in removing mold and mildew buildup and does not leave any harsh chemical residue behind, which is always one of my personal goals. I finally switched our home cleaning routine to natural cleaning products, so it was important that I found an all-natural washing machine cleaner that works.

Daily Maintenance and Use

Laundry can be daunting, and for a long time, I struggled to keep up with the never-ending pile. It seemed like no matter how much I washed, there was always more to do, and it was easy to feel overwhelmed.

It did not matter if I had four people in the house or two; I always felt behind. The good news is that I have finally found a regular cleaning system that works for me and has made all the difference.

My secret to success is simple: I do one load of laundry every day. It has become a part of my daily routine, and I actually formed a habit of heading to the laundry room as part of my morning ritual. By tackling a little bit each day, I have been able to stay on top of things and keep the laundry pile from becoming unmanageable.

In addition to doing one load of laundry daily, I have made a few other changes to my laundry routine that have helped me stay organized. For example, I always separate my laundry into different baskets based on whites, darks, linens, and delicates to easily grab what I need when it’s time to do a load.

I also fold and put away each load as soon as it’s done rather than leaving it in the laundry basket for days on end. Did I have that bad habit? Yes! Nothing was worse than putting away wrinkled clothes; sometimes, it was easier to rewash them than iron everything.

Master Laundry Sorting with A Free Printable Guide

Overall, I have found that this new system works well for me and has made doing laundry much more manageable. I no longer dread a so-called “laundry day” and never feel overwhelmed by a mountain of dirty clothes.

Do you find laundry to be a daunting chore? I’ve created a laundry kit that includes my step-by-step tips and a detailed laundry guide that you can frame for future reference. The kit is free of charge and designed to help you easily tackle even the toughest laundry loads. Sign up below to get your free guide!

Another tip I tried that has been successful in reducing mold and mildew is to leave the washing machine door open after each load to prevent mold growth. This allows the door seal to dry out properly, which can be a breeding ground for mold if it stays damp. It’s a simple step, but it has made a big difference in keeping my washing machine clean and odor-free.

In addition, I have started using all-natural laundry detergent from Aspenclean, and it has been a game-changer. Not only is it a healthier option and better for the environment, but it’s also gentle on my clothes and effective at removing stains and odors. 

If you’d like to learn more about my experience with natural cleaning products, I highly recommend you check out the related resource below. I have tried and tested many products over the years and am happy to share which ones have worked best for me.

Related Resource

The Ultimate Guide to Natural Cleaning Products

DIY Washing Machine Cleaner

By following these simple and practical steps, you can enhance the effectiveness of your cleaning routine. I have tried and tested this do-it-yourself washing machine cleaning technique, and I can assure you that it has been as effective as chemical-based cleaners.

The recipe for making the washing machine cleaner is relatively easy. You can mix up a batch of this cleaning solution anytime using the essential cleaning ingredients below. All you need is white vinegar, filtered water, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. When mixed, these ingredients create a powerful cleaning solution that eliminates dirt, grime, and odors from your washing machine. 

The Weekly Clean

For optimal results, you should use this DIY recipe once a week. This simple change to your routine will effectively prevent mold and mildew buildup and eliminate bad smells. 

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup white vinegar
• 10 drops of Tea Tree (Melaleuca) Oil
• 5 drops of Grapefruit Oil
• Filtered Water

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in an eight-ounce glass spray bottle. I always choose a UV-rated amber glass bottle when using essential oils. Shake well before using.
2. For front-load washers, spray the solution around your washing machine’s smachine’ser drum, and door. Remember the outside of the machine.
3. Spray the solution around the washer drum and outside the machine for top-load washers.
4. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the outside and inside of the machine. 
5. Remove your soap dispenser tray, fabric softener, and bleach dispensers. Spray and wipe off the detergent residue before putting it back.
6. Let the washing machine air dry before the next load of laundry.

The Deep Clean

To achieve the best results, deep cleaning should be done once a month. This method is done in two phases, and you will be pleasantly surprised with the outcome!

Ingredients
1/2 teaspoon natural dish soap
4 tablespoons washing soda
1 cup white vinegar
20 drops of tea tree (Melaleuca) Oil

Instructions

Phase 1:

1. Remove the soap and detergent trays and use hot water and natural dish soap to clean the soap scum, dirt, and buildup. An old toothbrush can help you reach hard-to-reach areas. Then, put the soap dispenser back in the machine.
2. Put washing soda in the drum. Run your machine on a regular cycle using the hottest water setting on your washer. If you have a top-load washing machine, fill the drum with water at the hottest setting before adding the washing soda.

Phase 2:

3. After the cycle finishes, if using a front-load washer, pour 1 cup of vinegar and a few drops of essential oil (tea tree essential oil) into your soap dispenser tray and run your washer using the hot water cycle. If using a top-load washer, add vinegar and essential oil directly into the washer drum filled with hot water. 
4. Wipe out the seal, inside of the drum, and door with a damp cloth and let dry completely before doing your next load of laundry.
5. Remove and clean the filter at the bottom of the machine if your washer has one.

Other Benefits of Using this DIY Washing Machine Cleaner

You will also enjoy a fresh scent in your home from the natural essential oils used to clean your washing machine. The fragrance remained in our laundry room after using this DIY washing machine cleaner, which was a bonus.

Keep the washing machine cleaner essentials in your laundry room. Then, you can easily prepare a batch of the cleaning solution whenever needed. One bottle of the solution lasts for several cleaning cycles, making it a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to chemical-based cleaners. 

By incorporating this DIY washing machine cleaning technique into your cleaning routine, you can save money, reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, and ensure that your washing machine operates optimally. Who doesn’t like that idea?

This technique uses natural ingredients to cleanse your machine thoroughly, eliminate unpleasant odors, and prevent future buildup. With regular use, you can maintain the longevity of your washing machine, whether it is a top-loading machine or a front-loading model.

Healthy Home Goals

The most significant benefit is that it ensures the safety of your home, giving you the peace of mind you deserve while cleaning. That has been one of my focuses in our home. I hope you will find it a valuable addition to your cleaning routine. Leave a comment and let me know if you give it a try!

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