Eventually, that trapped build-up will redeposit onto your laundry leaving it dingy and smelling less than fresh.

Regularly cleaning your washing machine will give you cleaner laundry and extend the life of your machine.

Here’s how to clean every jot down of washing machine with vinegar.

white distilled vinegar added to washing machine for second cycle of washing cloth diapers

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

The acid also helps kill bacteria and fungi that cause odors.

Vinegar, when diluted, will not harm clothing and easily rinses away during the washer’s rinse cycle.

Set thewater temperatureto hot water.

Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner

The Spruce / Jorge Gamboa

snag the largest load setting and thelongest wash cycleavailable.

Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and wipe down the machine.

Add two cups of distilled white vinegar to the detergent dispenser.

washing machine with laundry basket in front

If not, snag the longest wash cycle, largest load size, and hot water.

Allow the drawers to air-dry.

Run a Final Rinse Cycle

This will flush away any debris trapped in the washer.

pouring vinegar inside of the washing machine

Should I Use Bleach or Vinegar to Clean My Washing Machine?

Before cleaning any washer, especially a new one, read the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning.

The use of vinegar for cleaning may void some machine warranties.

adding vinegar to the drum

The Spruce / Jorge Gamboa

Standard top-load washing machines can be washed four times a year.

Vinegar is a great all-purpose cleaner to remove mineral build up and help kill odor-causing bacteria and fungi.

Hydrogen peroxide is a less harsh swap for chlorine bleach, but never mix the two.

pouring vinegar inside of the washing machine

​The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Finally, remove the dispenser drawer and give it a good rinse.

Front loading washer with door open wiped down by hand with gray towel

The Spruce / Olivia Inman