White vinegar can help a washing machine keep running for up to 20 years by breaking down detergent residue and limescale inside the drum, according to a report by Newsweek.
Washing machines need regular upkeep, the outlet said. Over time, the drum, detergent compartment and other parts of the appliance can accumulate leftover detergent, lint, dirt and moisture, which can cause unpleasant odors and reduce how well the machine works.
White vinegar has become a popular household cleaning product. The acetic acid it contains can help dissolve certain detergent deposits and limescale, and can also neutralize some bad smells, Newsweek reported.
Newsweek's authors said that with periodic use, white vinegar can help clean the drum, remove detergent residue and reduce mineral buildup. They said it can also help fight odors caused by moisture accumulating inside the washing machine.
The outlet noted that some people also add vinegar during the wash cycle itself, which it said can help remove detergent residue more effectively, soften fabrics and reduce static electricity. The characteristic smell of vinegar typically disappears once the clothes have dried.
However, Newsweek cautioned that vinegar is not a full disinfectant and cannot replace products specifically designed for cleaning and maintaining washing machines.
How to clean a washing machine with vinegar
To clean a machine, Newsweek recommended pouring one to two cups of white vinegar into the empty drum or into the detergent compartment, then running a full wash cycle with no clothes inside.
Once the cycle finishes, the washing machine door should be left open so the inside of the appliance can dry out properly, the outlet said.
Newsweek stressed that this kind of cleaning should not be done more often than once every one to two months, adding that the right amount of vinegar can depend on the product's concentration and the washing machine model.
Newsweek said it is important to check the manufacturer's instructions before using vinegar, noting that some manufacturers warn that regular exposure to acid can damage rubber seals, hoses and other components of the washing machine.
Can vinegar replace fabric softener?
Some people pour a small amount of white vinegar into the compartment meant for fabric softener. During the rinse cycle, Newsweek said, this can help remove detergent residue and soften certain fabrics.
However, the outlet said this method does not suit every type of material. It advised against using vinegar on delicate fabrics, clothing with elastic fibers, or items that need special care.
Do not mix vinegar with other cleaning products
Newsweek warned that vinegar should never be mixed with chlorine-based bleach, since combining the two substances can release a dangerous gas.
It also advised against using vinegar and baking soda at the same time directly in the washing machine, since the two substances react with each other and reduce each other's cleaning effectiveness.
UNIAN previously reported on why some people put ice cubes in a washing machine. British home expert Mary Marlowe Leverett has recommended the trick to stop clothes from creasing: after washing and spinning, a handful of ice cubes is placed in the drum and the dryer is run for about 15 minutes. As the ice melts, the water turns to steam under the heat, and the resulting moist air softens the fabric fibers, gradually smoothing out creases.
