If you have ever wondered why your washing machine smelled funny, it is probably because of limescale or mold build up inside the washing machine. If you are skeptical to using chemicals and other products to clean your washing machine, then are some washing machine cleaning ideas that you can apply to clean your washing machine naturally.

If you have a top loading washing machine use vinegar or non-chlorinated bleach and all-natural solutions as they are safe.

Washing machine cleaning ideas for top loaders
To clean your top loading washing machine, you need white vinegar and cleaning cloths. Set your washer to the hottest temperature in the highest capacity and longest cycle. Add 4 cups of vinegar and hot water and allow it to agitate for one cycle. Pause the machine and open the lid and allow it to sit for an hour so that vinegar can do its job and get rid of the bacteria, mold and mildew in your machine.

Repeat the process if your machine is extra dirty. Vinegar is beneficial in removing any buildup and softening the soap scum and residues that may be settled in washer and hoses. While you allow the solution to sit for an hour, clean the exterior of the washer, fabric softeners and bleach reservoirs. Wipe the lid and the control panel. Rinse the cloth clean before wiping off the softener reservoir from the machine. Close the lid and allow the washer to complete its cycle.

High efficiency Front load
Front load washing machines have quickly gained their popularity for their efficient cleaning abilities. Despite all its efficiency, the drum of HE washing machines, be it front load or top load, does not cease to stink post washing dirty laundry. No amount of detergent laden hottest, and longest cycle seem to help.

However, there some easy steps that can help you get rid of that stinky odor from your HE front load washing machines.

• Select the hot water setting. Then select rinse option.
• Add less than a cup of white vinegar or non-chlorinated bleach to the dispenser and fill it to the max level.
• Allow the cycle to complete. Once completed, manually select an additional rinse cycle to ensure that no vinegar remains in your washer.

Clean the dispenser with warm water to remove any bleach or detergent residue that might have left in the dispenser. Wipe the rubber gasket with a dry cloth (to prevent moisture build up) as it is a perfect breeding spot for mold and mildews. To ensure that molds and mildews do not develop in the drum, keep the lid open, and clean your machine inside out twice every month.