How much vinegar to clean a washing machine? And how getting it wrong can ruin your washer

When it comes to household cleaning, there are a few spots that tend to slip most people’s minds – specifically, anything with 'wash' in the name. Washing machines and dishwashers are frequently left off of our must-wash lists, but they actually need to be cleaned as well. And you can use vinegar – in the right quantities.

Cleaning a washing machine is particularly important as they can develop an odor, and bacteria, mold, and mildew can begin to grow the longer you leave the appliance unwashed. Luckily, there’s an easy, natural way to clean your washing machine that only requires one main ingredient: vinegar. 

According to cleaning expert Becky Rapinchuk, the founder of Clean Mama, white vinegar is the secret to keeping both top and front load washing machines clean so you’re left with 'fresh smelling laundry and an odorless washing machine'.

The methods do vary slightly depending on your style of washing machine, so read on to find out how much vinegar your specific model requires. 

How much vinegar to clean a top load washing machine?

The answer is: four cups. Cleaning a top load washing machine with vinegar is a relatively simple process with just a few key steps.

1. Set the cycle

Set your washing machine to its hottest and longest setting, and make sure you select the highest capacity as well. 

2. Add the vinegar

Once the cycle starts and the machine is filled with water it’s time to add the vinegar. Open the lid and add in four cups (945 mL) of white vinegar.

3. Run the cycle

Allow the cycle to run for about five to 10 minutes so the vinegar and water mixture has time to agitate and loosen any grime within the machine. 

4. Pause the cycle

Open the lid and pause the cycle. Rapinchuk suggests letting the cycle sit for at least 'an hour so that the vinegar can do its job to get rid of the bacteria, mold and mildew'.

As the vinegar and water sit for an hour, you can take advantage of the time to clean the exterior of your machine as well. You can either dip a cleaning rag into the vinegar and water itself and use that to clean the exterior, or employ your favorite cleaning solution.

5. Restart the cycle

After an hour has passed, start the machine cycle again and let it run until it’s finished and fully drained. If any grime or smells linger, you can repeat the process until you’re satisfied 

How much vinegar to clean a front load washing machine?

The answer is: one cup. Front load washers also benefit from vinegar, as they tend to trap unwanted smells even more than top load washing machines. The process is a bit different though, so make sure to follow the directions specific to your appliance. 

1. Select the cycle

Select the hot water setting on your machine. If your machine does not have a hot water option, choose either the 'whites' or 'stain' setting. If your washer has an 'extra rinse' setting, select that as well. 

2. Add the vinegar

Add one cup (250 mL) of white vinegar to the drum or detergent dispenser.

3. Start the cycle

Start the cycle and allow it to run until completion. While the cycle runs clean the exterior of your machine using either vinegar and hot water or your favorite cleaning solution. 

4. Rinse

Once the cycle is finished take a few moments to wipe down the rubber seal on the door and the machine’s dispensers using a cloth dipped in white vinegar. Follow up by rinsing with a damp cloth and dry them with a separate dry cloth to keep moisture from building up. 

Can using too much vinegar ruin your washer?

Using too much vinegar or the wrong type can actually harm the rubber seals in your washer, so it’s important to make sure you only use white vinegar and do so in moderation. 

Stick to the recommended amounts of white vinegar above and your washing machine will remain in tip top shape. 

How do I deep clean my washing machine with vinegar?

If using vinegar to clean your washing machine hasn't produced the thorough results you wanted, you can follow up with a second cycle, but use baking soda for cleaning rather than vinegar. That done, follow up with a hot cycle and rinse well before running a wash load, ensuring all traces of baking soda are removed.