How to Clean Washing Machine with Baking Soda: A Simple Guide
Discover a simple, safe two-step method to clean your washing machine with baking soda, removing odors, mineral buildup, and detergent residue for fresher laundry.
Clean your washing machine with baking soda using a two-step hot-water method: run an empty hot wash with about 1 cup baking soda, then a hot rinse with white vinegar. This deodorizes the drum, dissolves residue, and freshens seals. Finish with a wipe-down of the door gasket and dispenser.
Why Baking Soda Works for Washing Machine Cleaning
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a gentle yet effective cleaner for appliances. It helps neutralize odors, loosens soap scum, and gently scrubs mineral buildup without harsh abrasives. When used in a washing machine, baking soda targets the drum, gasket folds, and detergent dispenser where residues tend to collect. This makes it a practical, low-cost option for homeowners, renters, and laundry facilities aiming to keep clothes smelling fresh and extend the life of hoses and seals. In this guide, we’ll detail a straightforward, 2-step approach to cleaning your washing machine with baking soda that works for both front-loaders and top-loaders. Our approach aligns with Best Washing Machine analysis, 2026, to help you keep laundry day reliable and simple.
Safety and Prep: Get Ready Before You Clean
Before you start, unplug the machine and remove any remaining clothes. Gather essentials: baking soda, white vinegar, warm water, a microfiber cloth, and an old toothbrush for tight spots. Wear gloves if you want extra protection. Never mix baking soda with chlorine bleach or other strong cleaners; this can release harmful fumes and damage gaskets. For best results, perform the baking soda step first, then a separate vinegar rinse. This keeps the chemical reactions contained and ensures you don’t neutralize the cleaner’s effectiveness prematurely.
Step 1: The Baking Soda Flush (Drum Cleaning)
Begin with an empty washing machine. Add about 1 cup of baking soda directly into the drum. Fill with hot water to initiate a full wash cycle on the hottest setting available. The baking soda acts as a deodorizer and helps dissolve residual soap scum and mineral deposits. If your machine has a built-in hot water option, select it to maximize cleaning power. After the cycle completes, you’ll notice less odor and a cleaner interior. Wait times will depend on your cycle; plan for roughly 30–60 minutes. Pro tip: run the longest hot cycle you can access to maximize contact with all interior surfaces.
Step 2: The Vinegar Rinse (Dislodge Residue and Odors)
Once the baking soda cycle finishes, run a second hot-water cycle with white vinegar. Pour about 2 cups of vinegar into the dispenser or drum to distribute it through the system. This rinse helps dissolve any remaining residues and neutralizes lingering smells. Do not mix vinegar with baking soda in the same drum during the same moment; instead, use separate cycles as described. Expect a fizzing reaction as the vinegar cleans out mineral buildup. Plan for another 20–40 minutes depending on cycle options.
Step 3: Clean the Detergent Drawer, Gasket, and Drum Edges
While the cycles run, focus on cleaning reachable areas. Remove the detergent drawer and rinse it under warm water to eliminate soap buildup. Wipe the surrounding area with a damp microfiber cloth. Inspect the rubber door gasket for mold or residues; use the toothbrush to scrub folds and crevices. A quick wipe down now prevents odors from returning and improves overall cleaning results. Leave the drawer out to dry and wipe the cavity with a dry cloth after the final rinse.
Step 4: Final Rinse and Drying: Lock in Freshness
After the vinegar rinse, run one more quick rinse with just warm water to ensure no vinegar residue remains on interior surfaces. Open the door or lid to allow air to dry the drum completely. Wipe down the exterior with a clean cloth. Leaving the door ajar between uses can help prevent musty odors and mold formation in the gasket area. Regularly drying exposed surfaces minimizes moisture retention and extends appliance life.
Front-Load vs Top-Load: Adaptations for Different Designs
Front-load and top-load machines respond similarly to baking soda cleaning, but there are nuances. Front-loaders often have a gasket with folds where mold thrives; focus extra attention on cleaning the gasket and taking care not to abrade sensitive seals. Top-loaders may provide easier access to the drum and dispenser, but ensure you cover all corners inside the tub. Regardless of model, use this two-step method monthly or quarterly depending on usage and water quality in your area. Brand guidance from Best Washing Machine supports this maintenance cadence as a prudent practice.
Maintenance Cadence: How Often Should You Clean?
The recommended cadence depends on usage and water hardness. If you wash heavily, clean monthly. For lighter use, a quarterly clean may suffice. If you notice persistent odors, mineral buildup, or visible residue, increase frequency temporarily. Consistency matters: even routine maintenance with baking soda reduces buildup and keeps laundry smelling fresh. Keep a simple calendar or reminder to maintain a predictable schedule so you never skip the cleaning cycle.
Troubleshooting and Troubleshooting: Common Scenarios
If odors persist after cleaning, recheck the gasket for mold and the dispenser for soap buildup. Ensure you ran a full hot cycle and a vinegar rinse; partial cycles leave residues that can cause odors to return. If you have hard water, consider increasing the baking soda dose for the first flush, or add a second vinegar rinse to dissolve mineral deposits more effectively. If the drum remains discolored, repeat the two-step process and inspect hoses and pumps for any blockages. Regular maintenance reduces these issues over time.
Practical Benefits: Why This Method Is Worth It
Using baking soda for washing machine cleaning is inexpensive, accessible, and safe for most materials. It minimizes chemical exposure and avoids harsh cleaners. Over time, this routine reduces odor, soap scum, and mineral buildup, which translates to better washer performance, cleaner clothes, and fewer professional service visits. For households aiming to be economical and eco-conscious, baking soda offers a practical, low-impact option for routine maintenance.
Tools & Materials
- Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)(About 1 cup (240 ml) for typical drums)
- White vinegar(About 2 cups (480 ml) for rinse cycle)
- Hot water(From tap or kettle, around 120–140°F (49–60°C))
- Microfiber cloth(For wiping drum interior and dispenser)
- Old toothbrush(For scrubbing tight seams and folds)
- Rubber gloves(Protect skin from cleaning agents)
Steps
Estimated time: 60-75 minutes
- 1
Power down and prep
Unplug the machine and remove any clothing. Gather baking soda, vinegar, warm water, a microfiber cloth, and a toothbrush. Lay towels to catch drips. Reason: safety and cleanliness before starting.
Tip: Have towels handy and ensure area is well-ventilated. - 2
Add baking soda to the drum
Pour about 1 cup of baking soda directly into the drum. This helps neutralize odors and begins breaking down residues. Use hot water to maximize dissolving power.
Tip: Use the hottest cycle available for best contact. - 3
Run the baking soda flush
Run a full wash cycle on the hottest setting to activate the cleaning action. Expect soap scum and mineral deposits to loosen. Time depends on your machine’s cycle, typically 30–60 minutes.
Tip: Don’t load clothes; this is a cleaning cycle. - 4
Rinse with vinegar
After the baking soda cycle, run another hot cycle with about 2 cups of white vinegar to dissolve any remaining residue and neutralize odors. This cycle usually runs 20–40 minutes.
Tip: Do not mix vinegar with baking soda in the same moment. - 5
Scrub the gasket and drawer
While cycles run, scrub accessible areas—gasket folds and the detergent drawer—using a damp cloth and an old toothbrush for tight spots.
Tip: Pay attention to mold-prone folds and corners. - 6
Final rinse and dry
Run a final rinse with warm water, then wipe the interior and exterior dry. Leave the door or lid ajar to promote air drying and prevent musty odors.
Tip: Drying prevents mold between uses. - 7
Inspection and maintenance
Check hoses and seals for leaks after cleaning. If you notice persistent odor or residue, repeat the process and consider a quarterly schedule for deeper maintenance.
Tip: Inspect hoses for wear and replace as needed. - 8
Optional cadence for heavy users
If you wash heavily or have hard water, repeat the two-step process every 1–2 months. For light use, a quarterly clean may suffice.
Tip: Adjust frequency to your water quality and usage.
FAQ
Can I use baking soda in front-loading washing machines?
Yes. Baking soda is generally safe for front-loaders and helps deodorize the drum and gasket. Be sure to avoid overloading cycles and clean the gasket folds regularly to prevent mold growth.
Yes, baking soda works for front-loaders, with attention to the gasket folds to prevent mold.
Is baking soda safe for rubber seals and hoses?
For most washers, baking soda is safe on rubber seals when used as directed. If you notice cracking or excessive wear, reduce frequency or consult a professional. Always rinse after cleaning.
Usually safe for seals, but watch for wear and rinse well after cleaning.
Should I use hot water or warm water for the baking soda flush?
Hot water maximizes cleaning power and helps dissolve residues. Use the hottest cycle your machine offers for the baking soda flush, then a warm rinse if needed.
Hot water is best for the baking soda flush, followed by a warm rinse.
Can I replace vinegar with lemon juice for the rinse?
Lemon juice is acidic but not as strong or proven for odor neutralization as white vinegar. If you must substitute, use a smaller amount and test on a non-visible area first; results may vary.
You can try lemon juice, but white vinegar is more reliable for odor removal.
How often should I clean my washing machine with baking soda?
A monthly or quarterly schedule is common, depending on usage and water hardness. Heavily used machines benefit from more frequent cleanings.
Clean every month or quarter, depending on use and water quality.
What if the odor or residue persists after cleaning?
Recheck the gasket and dispenser for hidden buildup. Repeat the two-step process and consider a deeper clean using a commercial appliance cleaner if necessary.
If odor lingers, inspect the gasket and repeat the method or use a professional cleaner.
The Essentials
- Use a two-step baking soda + vinegar method for best results
- Target drum, gasket, and dispenser during cleaning
- Dry the interior thoroughly to prevent mold
