Can You Put Vinegar in a Washing Machine? A Practical Guide

Learn whether vinegar is safe for your washer, how to clean effectively, risks to seals, and safe alternatives. A thorough, actionable guide from Best Washing Machine.

Best Washing Machine Team

January 21, 2026·3 min read

Washing Machine Detergent Cleaner Home Appliance

Vinegar Wash Guide - Best Washing Machine — Photo by jarmolukvia Pixabay

Quick AnswerFact

Yes, you can use a small amount of white vinegar for cleaning and deodorizing your washing machine, but it should not replace detergent for regular loads. Vinegar can help dissolve mineral buildup and odors when used sparingly in a dedicated cleaning cycle. Do not mix vinegar with bleach, and avoid frequent heavy use, as acidity can degrade seals over time.

Understanding Vinegar and the Question You Asked

The question can you put vinegar in washing machine is not a simple yes or no. Vinegar is a mild acid (acetic acid) that can help loosen mineral deposits and neutralize odors in a washer. When used correctly, it can be a useful maintenance tool, particularly in homes with hard water. However, vinegar is not a universal laundry solution, and overuse can stress rubber seals, hoses, and gaskets. According to Best Washing Machine analysis, responsible use means treating vinegar as a periodic cleaner rather than a daily detergent. This section lays a foundation for safe practice and helps you decide when vinegar makes sense in your routine, especially if you’re dealing with buildup or lingering smells.

How Vinegar Works in a Washer

White distilled vinegar acts as a weak acid that can dissolve mineral scale and mineral deposits left behind by hard water. It also helps neutralize odors by altering microbial environments in the drum and gasket area. When used sparingly in a hot-water cleaning cycle, vinegar can be part of a routine maintenance plan. This does not replace detergent for laundry; it’s a targeted cleaning step intended to refresh the appliance itself. Best Washing Machine notes that a well-timed cleaning cycle can extend the life of seals and hoses by reducing crusty buildup.

Practical Cleaning Scenarios Where Vinegar Helps

Hard water deposits around the drum and dispenser drawers: a vinegar cleaning rinse can soften deposits and improve water flow. - Persistent musty or sour odors in the drum: vinegar can help reset the odor profile. - Lint or soap scum accumulation near seals: a quick wipe after the cycle improves hygiene. These scenarios illustrate practical, safe uses for white vinegar rather than a wholesale replacement for detergent in every wash.

Safety First: What to Know Before You Start

Vinegar is safe in small amounts for many machines, but it is corrosive to certain rubber components over time. Never mix vinegar with chlorine bleach or products containing bleach, as this can release toxic gases. If your appliance manual warns against any acidic cleaners, follow those guidelines. Always unplug the machine before performing any cleaning and use protective gloves to avoid skin irritation. Be mindful of your model’s age and materials; some washers have gaskets that can degrade with prolonged exposure to acids.

Quick Guide: When to Avoid Vinegar in Your Washer

If your machine is under warranty or has known gasket material concerns, avoid using vinegar regularly. If you notice rubber cracking, leaking, or a strong chemical smell after a vinegar cycle, stop using it and consult the manual or customer support. Vinegar should not be used in front-loading washers that rely heavily on gasket integrity for water-tight seals; in such cases, consider alternative cleaning methods recommended by the manufacturer or a professional.

Outro: A Balanced View on Vinegar Use

Vinegar can be a helpful, inexpensive cleaning aid for specific purposes, but it is not a cure-all for every washer issue. Use it sparingly, follow best practices, and pair it with periodic professional maintenance when needed. By understanding the role vinegar can play in washer maintenance, you can maintain cleaner drums, better odors, and longer-lasting seals while keeping operations safe and efficient.

Tools & Materials

White distilled vinegar (5%)(Use plain, store-brand or generic white vinegar; avoid flavored or cleaning additives.)
Measuring cup(Typically 1 cup / 240 ml for a cleaning cycle.)
Soft microfiber cloth(For wiping seals and dispensers after the cycle.)
Old toothbrush or small brush(For scrubbing around the door seal and detergent drawer.)
Rubber gloves(To protect skin from acidic vapors and residue.)
Clean basin or bucket(Optional, handy for catching drips during the process.)

Steps

Estimated time: 45-60 minutes

1
Power down and prep
Unplug the washer and remove any clothing or lint from the drum. Set aside your cleaning tools and ensure the area around the washer is dry to prevent slips. This step minimizes electrical risk and prepares you for safe handling of liquids.
Tip: Having all supplies within reach reduces the chance of accidents during cleaning.
2
Add vinegar for the cleaning cycle
Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of white distilled vinegar into the detergent dispenser or directly into the drum if your manual allows. Do not mix vinegar with any cleaning agents inside the drum. The vinegar will circulate through the hot water cycle to help dissolve deposits and neutralize odors.
Tip: Pour into the detergent drawer so the vinegar is evenly distributed during the cycle.
3
Run a hot water cleaning cycle
Set the washer to a hot water cycle or the dedicated 'clean washer' cycle if available, and run it full length. The heat helps the vinegar break down mineral buildup more effectively. Do not add detergent for this cleaning run; this step focuses on appliance maintenance.
Tip: Choosing the hottest safe setting available speeds up mineral removal.
4
Rinse, wipe, and inspect
After the cycle completes, run a fresh rinse cycle and use a microfiber cloth to wipe the gasket, door seal, and detergent drawer. Check hoses and connections for any signs of wear or leaks. This helps remove any vinegar residue and spot issues early.
Tip: Wipe the seal while it's still warm; the moisture helps lift residues more easily.
5
Assess results and plan maintenance
Observe the drum for improved odor and smoother water flow. If buildup recurs, repeat the cleaning cycle every few months or adjust frequency based on water hardness. Keep notes about what works best for your machine and household usage.
Tip: Schedule a quarterly cleaning reminder to maintain performance.

Pro Tip: Use vinegar sparingly for cleaning cycles; frequent use can stress seals.

Warning: Never mix vinegar with chlorine bleach or products containing bleach.

Note: Test in a small area of the gasket first if you use vinegar on an unfamiliar model.

Pro Tip: For homes with hard water, consider running a hot-water cleaning cycle monthly.

FAQ

Is vinegar safe for all washers?

Most washers tolerate small amounts of vinegar for periodic cleaning, but always check your owner's manual for model-specific guidance.

How much vinegar should I use?

A standard cleaning cycle uses about 1 cup (240 ml) of white distilled vinegar. Adjust if your machine recommends a different amount or if you’re cleaning a larger drum.

Can vinegar replace detergent?

No. Vinegar is for cleaning the machine itself, not for washing clothes. Use it only as a periodic maintenance step and continue using regular detergent for laundry.

Can vinegar damage rubber parts?

Vinegar is acidic and can degrade rubber seals if used frequently or at high concentrations. Use sparingly and monitor for wear.

What about vinegar and bleach?

Do not mix vinegar with chlorine bleach. This reaction releases harmful gases and can damage your washer and surroundings.

Should I run vinegar through a hot cycle?

Hot-water cycles enhance mineral dissolution, but use only if your machine manual allows it. Some models prefer warm rather than hot cycles for cleaning.