For many years, white vinegar and baking soda have been the go-to cleaning solutions. However, professional cleaners now recommend a more effective alternative for washing machine maintenance: soda crystals.
Commonly referred to as washing soda, this natural, water-soluble salt creates an alkaline solution that effectively eliminates stubborn dirt and odors, making it one of the most efficient eco-friendly cleaning agents available.
Experts swear by soda crystals for cleaning washing machines, asserting that they can reach grime that baking soda cannot. Here's how you can use them.
Steps to Clean Your Washing Machine with Soda Crystals
Taylor Sutherland, president at Charlie's Soaps, explains, 'Soda crystals, or washing soda (sodium carbonate, Na2CO3), increase the pH of water, aiding in grime removal. Unlike baking soda (NaHCO3), which I find largely ineffective.'
Soda crystals possess a significantly higher alkalinity than baking soda, enhancing their ability to cut through grease and facilitate washing machine upkeep.
To create this DIY washing machine cleaner using soda crystals, gather the following items:
- Soda crystals, such as Dri-Pak Soda Crystals, from Amazon
- White vinegar, such as Great Value Distilled White Vinegar from Walmart
- Microfiber cleaning cloths from Walmart
- Optional: Rubber cleaning gloves, from Amazon, to protect your hands
Step 1: Measure Out the Soda Crystals
To effectively sanitize your washer, measure two cups of soda crystals and place them in the drum. Remember, too much can cause excessive foaming, making it difficult to rinse clean.
Step 2: Run a Hot Wash
Alicia Sokolowski, a professional cleaner and co-CEO of Aspen Clean, recommends using a hot cycle to eliminate bacteria and maintain clean tools.
She advises, 'Set your washing machine to the hottest cycle available. After it finishes, use a clean microfiber cloth or sponge dipped in vinegar to wipe down the interior. Finally, leave the door open for a few hours to allow it to dry completely.'
Step 3: Soak the Detergent Drawer in Vinegar
Since the soda crystals are added to the drum, it's necessary to clean the detergent drawer separately.
Ken Doty, cleaning expert and COO at The Maids, recommends removing the fabric softener tray and cleaning it with vinegar or hot water and dish soap [like Dawn Powerwash, from Walmart] to remove grime.
An old toothbrush or a detail cleaning brush, from Walmart can help you reach into tight spots to eliminate black mold from the drawer and its cavity. Pay special attention to the jets at the top of the drawer cavity, as they can become clogged with limescale. Spray these jets with vinegar and let them soak for five minutes before scrubbing them clean.
Store any homemade cleaning solutions in sturdy glass spray bottles, keeping them out of sunlight to prevent the natural ingredients from breaking down.
Step 4: Wipe Down the Seals
Once the wash cycle is finished, Tim Conn, cleaning expert at Image One USA, states, 'Use a damp cloth with mild soap to wipe down the seals and other damp areas that tend to trap mold and grime. This method helps eliminate odors, dissolve detergent residue, and reduce mineral buildup.'
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Soda Crystals Bleach Clothes?
No, soda crystals do not contain any bleaching agents, so they won't alter the color of your clothes. This makes them an excellent laundry addition for removing tough stains and a safe option for cleaning your washing machine without risking damage to your laundry in the next wash.
Can Soda Crystals Eliminate Odors in Washing Machines?
Soda crystals are highly effective at breaking down buildup and eliminating bacteria, making them ideal for cleaning a smelly washing machine by addressing odors at their source. Additionally, keeping the washing machine door open between uses allows the drum and seals to dry, preventing lingering smells.
If you're still having trouble with persistent odors, many people find success with this commercial washing machine cleaner: the Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner available on Amazon.
Understanding how often you should clean your washing machine is just as crucial as the cleaning method you choose. Regular cleaning every two months with soda crystals helps prevent buildup and odors, ensuring a fresher wash and a longer-lasting machine.
