How to Make DIY Washer Cleaner

Welcome to our guide on creating your own DIY washer cleaner! Keeping your washing machine clean is essential for maintaining its efficiency and ensuring your clothes come out fresh and clean every time. In this post, we’ll walk you through a simple yet effective method for making your own washer cleaner using common household ingredients. Say goodbye to expensive store-bought cleaners and hello to a sparkling clean machine with our easy-to-follow recipe.

Why Clean Your Washer?

Before we dive into the DIY washer cleaner recipe, let’s briefly discuss why it’s important to clean your washing machine regularly. Over time, dirt, grime, and detergent residue can build up inside the drum and other components of your washer. This buildup not only leads to unpleasant odors but can also affect the cleanliness of your laundry and even cause your machine to malfunction. By cleaning your washer regularly, you’ll ensure it operates efficiently and prolong its lifespan.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make your own washer cleaner, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. White vinegar
2. Baking soda
3. Water
4. Essential oils (optional, for fragrance)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get started with making your DIY washer cleaner:

1. In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and helps break down stubborn dirt and grime inside your washer.
2. Sprinkle baking soda directly into the drum of your washing machine. Baking soda is a mild abrasive cleaning agent and helps to scrub away residue and odors.
3. Pour the vinegar and water mixture into the detergent dispenser of your washing machine. If your machine doesn’t have a dispenser, you can pour the mixture directly into the drum.
4. If you’d like to add a pleasant fragrance to your washer cleaner, you can mix in a few drops of your favorite essential oils. Lavender, lemon, and tea tree oil are all popular choices.
5. Close the door of your washing machine and set it to run a cleaning cycle using hot water. If your machine doesn’t have a specific cleaning cycle, you can use the hottest water setting available.
6. While the cleaning cycle is running, take a damp cloth and wipe down the exterior of your washing machine. Pay special attention to any buttons, knobs, or crevices where dirt and grime may accumulate.
7. For best results, repeat this cleaning process once a month to keep your washing machine in top condition.

Cleaning Agents to Avoid for Washers

When it comes to cleaning your washing machine, certain cleaning agents should be avoided as they can damage the machine or leave behind harmful residues. Here are some cleaning agents to steer clear of:

1. Bleach

While it is a powerful disinfectant, using bleach like Clorox for cleaning can be too harsh for washing machine components and may cause corrosion or damage to seals and gaskets.

2. Abrasive Cleaners

Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads inside your washing machine, as they can scratch the surfaces and potentially damage the drum or other parts.

3. Harsh Chemicals

Cleaning products containing harsh chemicals such as ammonia or chlorine should be avoided, as they can leave behind harmful residues that may affect the cleanliness of your laundry or cause skin irritation.

4. Fabric Softeners

While fabric softeners are commonly used in laundry, they should not be used as a cleaner for your washing machine. Fabric softeners can leave behind a sticky residue that can build up over time and attract dirt and grime.

Pros and Cons of DIY Washer Cleaner

Here are pros and cons if you use DIY for your washer:

Pros:

1. DIY washer cleaner saves you money compared to store-bought cleaners.
2. Safer for your health and the environment compared to harsh chemicals found in commercial cleaners.
3. You can adjust the ingredients and fragrance to suit your preferences, giving you more control over the cleaning process.
4. Reduces the need for plastic packaging and transportation associated with store-bought cleaners, making it a more eco-friendly option.

Cons:

1. DIY cleaner recipes may require more time and effort to prepare compared to simply purchasing a pre-made cleaner from the store.
2. Finding the right combination of ingredients and proportions for your DIY cleaner may involve some trial and error, especially if you’re new to making your own cleaning products.
3. Scent may not last as long: While essential oils can add a pleasant fragrance to your DIY cleaner, the scent may not last as long as commercial cleaners that are formulated with longer-lasting fragrances.
4. The effectiveness of DIY washer cleaners may vary depending on factors such as the type and severity of the dirt and grime in your washing machine. Some commercial cleaners may be more powerful in tackling tough stains and odors while DIY cleaning may missed some areas.

Maintaining a clean washing machine is essential for ensuring your laundry comes out fresh and clean every time. With our easy DIY washer cleaner recipe, you can keep your machine in top condition using simple, natural ingredients found right in your kitchen. Say goodbye to odors and residue buildup and hello to a sparkling clean washer with our effective cleaning solution. Try it out today and enjoy the benefits of a cleaner, more efficient washing machine!