How to Effectively Clean Your Washing Machine Using Essential Oils

Why Cleaning Your Washing Machine Matters

Most people overlook the importance of cleaning their washing machine. After all, it’s designed to wash our clothes, so how could it accumulate dirt? However, over time, mildew, soap residue, and grime can build up inside our washers, leading to several issues. If you neglect to clean your washing machine, it won’t clean your clothes effectively. Moreover, the machine itself can develop an unpleasant odor, which can transfer to your supposedly “clean” laundry. This is particularly true for front-loading washers, where the folds of the door gasket trap lint, moisture, and dirt, creating an ideal environment for mold and mildew to thrive. The result? A nasty, musty smell that no one wants in their laundry room. Top-loading machines are not exempt from this issue either. Excessive use of detergent or low-quality detergent can lead to a build-up in the drum, which prevents clothes from getting truly clean. When too much detergent or fabric softener is used, the water struggles to rinse them away completely. Consequently, a layer of soap scum forms in the drum, attracting dirt and grime, which can foster mold and bacteria growth.

Fortunately, there’s a solution! Just as we can utilize essential oils to create effective DIY laundry detergent, stain removers, and fabric softeners, we can also harness their power to clean the washing machine itself.

Choosing the Right Essential Oils

Essential oils are fantastic natural cleaning agents, but with so many options available, which ones are best for cleaning washing machines? It’s ideal to select essential oils that are antifungal (eliminating mold and mildew), antibacterial (combatting bacteria), and/or antimicrobial (disinfecting and inhibiting microbial growth).

Cinnamon
Citronella
Clove
Eucalyptus
Geranium
Lavender
Lemongrass
Oregano
Palmarosa
Peppermint
Tea Tree (Melaleuca)
Thyme

You can use these essential oils individually or create blends. Personally, I enjoy combining lavender, lemongrass, and tea tree for a refreshing scent that revitalizes the entire home. Check out the cleaning instructions below for more details and suggestions for essential oil combinations to try.

Three Simple Steps to a Spotless Washing Machine

Cleaning your washing machine and maintaining its cleanliness is straightforward. It requires occasional deep cleaning, regular weekly maintenance, and some preventive measures.

1. Deep Clean: Aim to perform this thorough cleaning every month or whenever you notice any issues. Refer to “Step 1: Deep Clean Washing Machine” below. During this deep clean, you’ll tackle both the inside and outside of the machine to eliminate all mold, mildew, detergent residue, and other buildup. Make sure to focus on the drum, detergent dispenser, gasket, and control panel. This periodic cleaning will significantly improve the washer’s smell, cleaning efficiency, and appearance.

2. Regular Cleaning: Conduct this quick cleaning once a week to keep the washer in optimal condition. See “Step 2: Weekly Cleaning” below. You’ll utilize a DIY essential oil spray to clean the washer door, gasket seal, and exterior. Just a few quick sprays and wipes will do the trick—super easy!

3. Preventative Care: Simple practices like avoiding overloading the washing machine and using the correct amount of detergent can help maintain your washer’s performance. Refer below for a complete list of easy preventive measures to implement.

Step 1: Deep Clean Your Washing Machine

First, tackle the inside of the washing machine.

Start with an empty washing machine. Add 1/4 cup of borax and 1/4 cup of washing soda to the drum or tub where you place your clothes.
Set your washer to the hottest water setting. If your machine has a cleaning cycle, use that as it typically uses the highest temperature.
Select the largest load size.
Run the washer.
If you have a top-loading machine, pause the washer before the rinse cycle and allow the cleaning solution to sit in the tub for about an hour.
After the cycle is complete, pour 2 cups of white vinegar and 20 drops of tea tree essential oil into the detergent dispenser. If you prefer not to use tea tree oil, substitute it with another antifungal essential oil like thyme, peppermint, clove, cinnamon, or oregano.
Then, run another wash cycle on the hottest water setting.
Once the cycle is finished, wipe out the drum/tub using a clean microfiber cloth.

Next, deep clean the outside of the washing machine and the gasket.

Put on rubber gloves.
Mix the following in a bowl: 1 cup of hot water, 2 cups of white vinegar, 1/4 cup of borax, 1/4 cup of washing soda, 10 drops of tea tree essential oil, and 10 drops of peppermint essential oil.

Tip: The borax and washing soda may form some small “rocks” or hard bits at the bottom of the bowl. Don’t worry about this; just mix it as best as you can. The liquid portion of the cleaning solution will still be effective even if all the ingredients are not fully blended.

Dip a clean microfiber cloth into the cleaning solution.
Wipe down the exterior of the washing machine, ensuring to clean the control panel, inside the detergent dispenser, all cracks and crevices, lid or door, and all exterior surfaces, including the top and front of the machine. Dip the cloth in the solution and wring it out periodically during the cleaning process. If the washer is particularly dirty, you may need to discard the dirty cleaning solution, rinse the bowl and cloth, and create a new batch to finish the job. Hard-to-reach areas can harbor bacteria and mold, so consider using a toothbrush for difficult spots.
For front-loading machines, use the cloth to clean the gasket/seal around the door. Repeat until the gasket is completely clean, making sure to get into every fold. This area is a prime spot for mold and mildew, so thorough cleaning is essential.

Step 2: Weekly Cleaning

Mix the following in an 8 oz spray bottle: 3/4 cup of white vinegar, 10 drops of tea tree oil, and 5 drops of peppermint essential oil.

Using a microfiber cloth and this spray, wipe down the washing machine door or lid.
For front-loading machines, spray the gasket/seal of the door and wipe it clean, ensuring to clean between all folds.
Clean the soap dispenser/tray.
Wipe down the top and front of the washer, making sure to clean the control panel and any knobs.
Allow to air dry.

Step 3: Preventative Care for a Clean and Fresh Washing Machine

Implementing a few straightforward practices can help keep your washing machine clean and odor-free. This is great news since it means less frequent deep cleaning is required!

Use hot water when washing clothes whenever possible. Hot water not only cleans clothes effectively, but it also helps sanitize the washing machine. The heat kills bacteria and microorganisms, reducing the chances of mold and mildew developing.
Avoid overloading the washing machine. Stuffing too many clothes or linens into the washer makes it challenging for it to clean effectively. Overloading also hampers the machine’s ability to rinse out all the detergent, dirt, and grime. Without adequate space for movement, detergent, dirt, and grime often get trapped in both clothes and the washer itself.
Use the recommended amount of detergent for your washing machine. Excessive detergent will remain in the machine, clinging to the walls and leading to buildup and odors.
Choose a laundry detergent that genuinely cleans your clothes. I’ve experimented with numerous homemade laundry detergents, and regrettably, many of them simply don’t work. Clothes may appear clean, but soaking them in a sink or tub reveals just how much dirt and soap remains trapped. Thankfully, after many failed DIY trials, I developed effective homemade laundry detergent recipes. Check out my powdered laundry soap and liquid laundry detergent recipes.
Remove clothes from the washing machine promptly after the cycle ends. Forgetting clothes in the washer is one of the primary causes of that unpleasant, musty smell. When the wash cycle finishes, damp clothes crumple together. While it’s fine for a short period, leaving them for hours or overnight can trigger mold growth. If you occasionally forget, add 2-3 drops of lemon essential oil to the load and rewash the clothes. Problem solved! Not only will they smell fresh, but they’ll also be genuinely clean. Find more fantastic essential oil tips like this here.
Steer clear of store-bought fabric softeners. They can lead to buildup on clothes and inside the washing machine, contributing to odors. Instead, consider using my homemade essential oil fabric softener (recipe here).
Keep the washing machine door or lid open after every wash to allow air circulation and help moisture evaporate, reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth.
If you live in a humid area or frequently encounter mildew issues with your washer, consider running a fan or dehumidifier in the laundry room.

Where to Find Your Cleaning Supplies

Borax: Available in the laundry aisle at Walmart/Target or online.
Super Washing Soda: Found in the laundry aisle at Walmart/Target or online.
White Vinegar: Available at grocery stores, and Costco offers great deals on large bottles.
Free Printable: Download a guide on how to clean your washing machine.

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Please note: The products mentioned in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information presented here is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your medical doctor regarding your health and never disregard professional medical advice based on something you’ve read on this website.

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