DIY washing machine cleaner is the fastest way to remove detergent buildup, hard-water minerals, and that damp “basement” smell without harsh chemicals.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make a DIY washing machine cleaner with simple pantry ingredients, exactly how to run it through top-loading and front-loading washers, and the easiest cleaning regimen to keep your machine fresh year-round.
If you deal with odors, mold around the gasket, or cloudy residue in the dispenser, start with the all-purpose recipe below, then follow the washer-type steps and schedule for maintenance.
Key Takeaways (3 Things To Do First)
- Use A 2-Cycle DIY Washing Machine Cleaner: Run one hot empty cycle with baking soda, then a second hot empty cycle with white vinegar.
- Clean Different Washer Types The Right Way: For front-loaders, focus on the rubber gasket and detergent drawer where moisture and residue collect. For top-loaders, prioritize the tub rim, lid underside, and dispenser to prevent hidden buildup and musty smells.
- Stick To A Schedule: Leave the door/lid open after loads, do a weekly wipe-down of moisture-prone areas, run a monthly hot tub-clean cycle, and deep clean every 3–6 months (every 3 months if you have hard water).
How To Make A DIY Washing Machine Cleaner (Best All-Purpose Recipe)
To make a DIY washing machine cleaner, run one hot empty cycle with baking soda, then a second hot cycle with white vinegar (plus optional tea tree or lavender oil), and finish by wiping the drum, gasket, and detergent drawer to remove loosened residue and odors.
What You’ll Need (Quick Setup)
- Time: 10 minutes hands-on, plus 2 cycles
- Cost: Low (pantry staples)
- Tools: microfiber cloth, soft-bristle brush or old toothbrush, spray bottle (optional), non-scratch sponge
- Best For: detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, mild mold and mildew odors, hard-water mineral deposits (limescale)
Ingredients And Amounts For DIY Washing Machine Cleaner
| Ingredient | Amount | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) | 1 cup (or up to 2 cups for strong odors) | Gentle scrub, deodorizes, helps lift biofilm |
| White vinegar (diluted acetic acid) | 2 cups | Breaks down mineral deposits and residue |
| Essential oil (optional) | 10 drops | Fresh scent, helps with musty odor (tea tree, lavender) |
How To Use DIY Washing Machine Cleaner (2-Cycle Method)
1. Start Empty
Remove all laundry. Check the drum for forgotten items (especially small socks).
2. Cycle 1: Baking Soda Wash
- Add 1 cup baking soda directly into the drum/tub.
- Run a long, hot cycle (or Tub Clean cycle if your washer has it).
3. Cycle 2: Vinegar Wash
- Pour 2 cups white vinegar into the detergent dispenser (or directly into the drum if your manual allows).
- Add 10 drops essential oil to the dispenser if you want a fresh scent.
- Run another hot cycle.
4. Wipe Down Key Areas (Drum, Detergent Drawer, Rubber Gasket)
When the cycle ends, wipe down:
- Drum (especially the back of the tub)
- Detergent drawer/dispenser
- Door seal / rubber gasket (front-loaders)
- Lid underside (top-loaders)
5. Scrub Stubborn Spots (If Needed)
Make a paste with baking soda + a little water. Apply with a non-scratch sponge to soap scum or cloudy residue.
6. Air-Dry The Washer To Prevent Mold And Mildew
Leave the door or lid open so the tub, seals, and internal moisture can evaporate.
⚠️ Vinegar Safety Note (Important)
White vinegar is popular for odors and mineral residue, but too-frequent use may be tough on some rubber seals/hoses in certain machines. Keep vinegar use occasional, avoid long soaks on rubber parts, scrub gaskets gently, and always check your owner’s manual if you’re unsure.
3 DIY Washing Machine Cleaner Recipes (Choose Based On Your Goal)
The best DIY washing machine cleaner recipe depends on your goal: use vinegar + baking soda for deep deodorizing and mineral buildup, vinegar + essential oils for quick weekly wipe-downs, and washing soda + a little dish soap for heavy grease or soap scum.
Recipe 1: Vinegar + Baking Soda + Essential Oil (For Top- And Front-Loaders)
Best For: deep cleaning, odors, mineral deposits, detergent buildup
| Ingredients | Quantity | ROLE |
|---|---|---|
| White vinegar | 2 to 4 cups | Breaks down mineral deposits |
| Baking soda | ½ to 1 cup | Acts as a gentle scrub |
| Essential oils | 10 drops | Provides a fresh scent and mild disinfection |
Revitalize Your Machine In Easy Steps
- Begin with Baking Soda: Add ½ to 1 cup of baking soda to the drum. Run a long, hot cycle.
- Introduce Vinegar And Essential Oils: Mix 2 cups of vinegar with 10 drops of essential oil (tea tree or lavender). Add to the detergent compartment. Run another hot cycle.
- Final Wipe Down: Wipe the drum, agitator, and dispenser. For front-loaders, focus on the rubber gasket folds.
How Does the Baking Soda and Vinegar Recipe Work?
- Baking soda helps lift grime and deodorize residues.
- Vinegar targets mineral deposits from hard water and helps loosen buildup.
- Used in separate cycles, they work like a one-two punch without canceling each other out.
Recipe 2: Vinegar + Essential Oil (For Weekly Cleaning)
Best For: fast maintenance after loads, seal and door wipe-downs, preventing mildew
| Ingredients | Quantity | ROLE |
|---|---|---|
| White vinegar | ¾ cup | Natural disinfectant |
| Tea tree oil | 10 drops | Known for its antibacterial properties |
| Grapefruit oil | 5 drops | Adds a refreshing scent |
- Mix: Combine ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake before use.
- Spray The Right Areas: Spray the door, gasket, drum rim, and detergent drawer area (front-loaders). For top-loaders, spray the lid underside and tub rim.
- Wait, Then Wipe: Let sit 2–5 minutes, then wipe with a clean cloth.
Tip: This is ideal as a “reset” after laundry day, especially if you use HE detergent, fabric softener, or cold cycles frequently.
Recipe 3: Dish Soap + Washing Soda + Vinegar + Tea Tree Oil (For Deep Grime)
Best For: heavy soap scum, greasy residue, neglected washers
| Ingredients | Quantity | ROLE |
|---|---|---|
| Dish soap | ½ teaspoon | Cuts through grease |
| Washing soda | 4 tablespoons | A powerful stain remover |
| White vinegar | 1 cup | Acts as a natural disinfectant |
| Tea tree oil | 20 drops | Adds antibacterial properties |
- Detergent Drawer First: Remove the drawer and soak in hot water + a drop of dish soap. Scrub with an old toothbrush.
- Washing Soda Cycle: Add washing soda to the drum. Run the hottest cycle.
- Vinegar Finish Cycle: Add vinegar (and tea tree oil if using) to the dispenser. Run another hot cycle.
- Dry Everything: Wipe the drum, gasket, and drawer cavity. Leave the door/lid open.
⚠️ Precaution: Washing soda is more alkaline than baking soda. Wear gloves and avoid inhaling dust.
Cleaning Schedule For Top-Loading And Front-Loading Washing Machines
For a simple washer-cleaning regimen, wipe moisture-prone areas weekly, run a monthly hot tub-clean cycle, and deep clean every 3–6 months (more often for front-loaders or hard water) to prevent mold, mildew, and detergent buildup.
The Simple Schedule (Save This)
| Frequency | Top-Loading Washer | Front-Loading Washer |
|---|---|---|
| After Each Load | Leave lid open to air-dry | Wipe gasket folds, leave door ajar |
| Weekly | Wipe tub rim and lid underside | Wipe door glass, gasket folds, drawer front |
| Monthly | Run hot empty cycle (DIY cleaner or Tub Clean) | Run hot empty cycle (DIY cleaner or Tub Clean) |
| Every 3–6 Months | Deep clean drawer, tub, exterior | Deep clean gasket, drawer, filter area, exterior |
Hard Water Adjustment
If you have hard water and see chalky residue (limescale), aim for every 3 months on the deep-clean routine.
How To Clean A Top-Loading Washing Machine (Deep Clean Steps)
To clean a top-loader, run a hot empty cycle with vinegar, pause to soak if your model allows, then run a second hot cycle with baking soda and finish by scrubbing the dispenser and wiping the tub, lid, and agitator.
Top-loaders are easier to access, but the tub rim, lid underside, and dispenser area can hide detergent buildup and biofilm.
Step-By-Step: Top-Loader Deep Clean
1. The Vinegar Soak
Select the largest load size and the hottest water temperature setting. As the drum fills, add 4 cups of white vinegar. Once full, pause the machine. Let this solution sit for one hour. The acidity needs time to break down the detergent scum and mineral buildup on the agitator and walls.
2. Exterior & Dispenser Detail
While soaking, use a vinegar spray to wipe down the exterior. Remove the fabric softener dispenser (if applicable) and scrub it with an old toothbrush to remove gooey residue.
3. Run the Cycle
After the hour soak, restart the machine and let the vinegar cycle finish draining.
4. The Baking Soda Cycle
Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda and 10 drops of essential oil (Tea Tree or Lavender) directly into the drum. Run a second hot cycle. The baking soda acts as a mild abrasive to polish the drum.
5. Air-Dry
Once finished, wipe the inside with a dry cloth and leave the lid open.
How To Clean A Front-Loading Washing Machine (Deep Clean Steps)
To clean a front-loader, scrub the rubber gasket and detergent drawer first, run a hot empty cycle with cleaner, then run a second hot cycle with baking soda and wipe the door seal dry to prevent recurring mold and odors.
Front-loaders often trap moisture in the door gasket, which is why they can get musty faster.
Step-By-Step: Front-Loader Deep Clean
1. Clean the Gasket (Critical Step)
The rubber seal is the #1 spot for mold. Spray it liberally with vinegar. Use a cloth (or a toothbrush) to pull back the folds of the seal and scrub out any black mildew or trapped lint.
2. Scrub the Detergent Tray
Remove the detergent drawer. Soak it in hot soapy water and scrub away any hardened powder or liquid softener.
3. The Vinegar Wash
Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser. Select the “Tub Clean” or the hottest cycle available. This clears out the internal pipes.
4. The Baking Soda Rinse
When the first cycle ends, pour ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drum (not the dispenser). Run a second hot cycle. This neutralizes any lingering vinegary smell and scrubs the stainless steel.
5. Final Wipe Down
Wipe the glass door and the gasket one last time. Leave the door ajar to dry.
How To Fix Odors With A DIY Washing Machine Cleaner (Troubleshooting)
If washer smells keep coming back, focus on the places water sits: the door gasket, detergent drawer, and filter area, then finish every wash day by wiping seals dry and leaving the door ajar so moisture can’t feed mildew.
If you’ve cleaned the tub but the odor returns, the smell is usually hiding where water collects and airflow is poor.
Where Smells Hide Most Often
- Front-load door gasket folds (mold and mildew hotspot)
- Detergent drawer and drawer cavity (sticky residue and biofilm)
- Drum rim and tub edges
- Drain/filter area (varies by model, check your manual)
What To Do When The Smell Won’t Quit
- Repeat the deep-clean routine and spend extra time on the gasket and drawer.
- Switch to a simple habit: wipe the gasket and door after laundry day.
- Reduce residue by using the correct detergent dose (overuse is a common cause of buildup).
- If you still have a persistent odor, consider rotating in a manufacturer-recommended tub-clean option for your washer type.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
Clean your washing machine about once a month (or every 30–40 loads), and increase frequency if you use lots of cold washes, fabric softener, or have hard water and recurring odors.
A practical guideline is once a month, with extra attention if:
- You wash sweaty towels or gym clothes often,
- You use cold cycles frequently,
- You use fabric softener,
- You have hard water, soap scum, or recurring musty smells.
Always check your owner’s manual for model-specific recommendations.
How to Keep Your Washing Machine Cleaner for Longer
To keep your washer cleaner longer, use the correct detergent dose, clean the dispenser and filter regularly, wipe moisture-prone areas after use, and keep the door or lid open to air-dry between loads.
Simple Habits That Prevent Buildup
- Use less detergent than you think you need. Overdosing is residue fuel.
- Use HE detergent if you have a high-efficiency washer.
- Leave the door or lid open after loads so the tub can dry.
- Clean the detergent drawer regularly (quick scrub beats crusty archaeology).
- Wipe the gasket and door (front-loaders) after laundry day.
- Run a monthly hot empty cycle to dissolve lingering residues.
- Check the filter area if your model has one, especially if odors persist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You can use white vinegar, baking soda, washing soda, and essential oils.
Yes, vinegar can damage rubber seals and hoses in some machines, so you should always consult the owner’s manual before using vinegar as a cleaner.
No, baking soda doesn’t ruin your washing machine. Still, make sure you use it in moderate amounts, as given in the natural washing machine cleaner recipes on this page.
Yes, distilled vinegar is the same as white vinegar.
Dip a cotton cloth into vinegar and wipe the washing machine seal to remove any mildew, hair, and residue. If it still hangs on, make a paste of baking soda and water and gently scrub away using a soft-bristle nylon brush.
For deep cleaning, you first need to remove the detergent tray and clean it with dishwashing soap. Put it back and pour 4 tablespoons of washing soda into the drum. Run a hot cycle, let it drain, and repeat the cycle but this time, pour 1 cup of white vinegar and 20 drops of essential oil into the dispenser tray. When the water drains, open the machine to dry out.
You can use white vinegar, baking or washing soda, and essential oils.
Yes, you can clean your washing machine with baking soda and vinegar at the same time. Just make sure not to mix them in equal parts because they neutralize each other, canceling out the benefits of vinegar’s low PH and baking soda’s high pH.
Final Words: DIY Washing Machine Cleaner
A DIY washing machine cleaner works best when you deep clean on a schedule and keep moisture under control, especially around the gasket and dispenser where residue and mold love to settle.
A washing machine can make clothes smell clean while quietly collecting detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, and moisture that feeds musty odors.
The fix is simple: use a DIY washing machine cleaner on a consistent schedule, focus on the gasket and dispenser, and let your washer dry out between loads. With the recipes and regimen above, you can keep your washing machine fresh, efficient, and ready for every load.
