If your washing machine is full of soap residue, you'll need to clean it to prevent future issues and ensure your laundry comes out clean. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean a washing machine that has accumulated soap residue:
What you'll need:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Microfiber cloth or sponge
- Soft brush (toothbrush or small scrub brush)
- Hot water
Instructions:
Empty the washing machine: Remove any clothes or laundry items from the washing machine.
Wipe down the interior: Use a microfiber cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior of the washing machine, including the drum and agitator (if your machine has one). This will remove any visible soap residue on the surfaces.
Inspect the detergent dispenser: Check the detergent dispenser and remove any built-up soap residue. If it's removable, take it out and wash it separately in hot, soapy water. Use a soft brush to clean any nooks and crannies.
Run a hot water cycle with vinegar: Fill the washing machine with hot water (no clothes), and add two cups of white vinegar to the water. White vinegar will help break down and dissolve the soap residue. Let the machine agitate for a few minutes to mix the vinegar thoroughly.
Pause the cycle and scrub: Pause the washing machine once the water and vinegar mixture have been agitated. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to scrub any stubborn soap residue inside the drum and around the agitator. Focus on areas where soap scum tends to accumulate.
Complete the wash cycle: After scrubbing, resume the washing machine cycle, allowing it to complete the full wash cycle.
Run a second cycle with baking soda: Once the first cycle is complete, run a second cycle with hot water, but this time add one cup of baking soda instead of vinegar. Baking soda will help neutralize any remaining vinegar smell and act as a mild abrasive to remove any remaining soap residue.
Wipe down again: After the second cycle, use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior of the washing machine again to remove any loosened residue.
Rinse thoroughly: To ensure all the vinegar and baking soda are washed away, run an additional cycle with just plain hot water (no vinegar or baking soda) to thoroughly rinse the machine.
Keep the door open: After completing the cleaning process, leave the washing machine door open for a while to allow it to air dry and prevent any potential mold or mildew growth.
Regularly cleaning your washing machine can help prevent soap residue build-up in the future. Additionally, using the recommended amount of soap or detergent for each load can help avoid excessive soap accumulation.