3 Steps for Cleaning Your Washing Machine With Soda Crystals

Got a smelly washing machine? Here’s a three-step method for cleaning out your appliance with natural soda crystals (aka washing soda).

I’m going to be honest with you. I had no idea you were supposed to clean your washing machine on a regular basis until I was in my late twenties.

Now that I know the benefits (like how it reduces your energy bills), I make sure I do it every month

…or two. I’m only human so I sometimes forget!

As a tired, working mum, any job that requires a lot of effort isn’t going to happen.

Luckily, cleaning your washing machine is a simple job that requires very little time and minimal energy.

Today I’m going to tell you how to clean your washing machine using soda crystals (aka washing soda) and why it is important to do it regularly. I’ve also included a FAQ section and a free printable at the end so you can remember what to do each time.

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COMING UP

1. Where can you buy soda crystals (or washing soda)

2. 3 step instruction for your monthly washing machine clean

3. What happens if you don’t clean your washing machine?

4. What are soda crystals

5. Are soda crystals natural?

6. FAQ about cleaning a washing machine

7. Free printable instructions

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1. Where can you buy soda crystals?

My blog post titled Where To Buy The Ingredients For Homemade Cleaning Products will tell you where you can buy soda crystals (or washing soda if you’re in America!).

2. How to clean your washing machine with washing soda

What you need:

• A cloth

• 500g of soda crystals or washing soda

• An *acidic cleaning spray, such as diluted white vinegar — see my simple DIY limescale spray

*Soap and hard water minerals are both alkaline, so it is beneficial to use an acidic spray if you live in a hard water area. Vinegar (or citric acid) has antifungal and antibacterial properties so it is an ideal choice for both limescale and mould.

Method

1. Clean the detergent drawer and door seals with your spray, this is where bacteria and fungus accumulate.

2. Add 500g (2 cups) of soda crystals to your empty washing machine drum

3. Set your machine to 90 degrees and run a long wash (2-3 hours)

4. Repeat every 1 - 3 months (you will need to do it more often if you wash heavily soiled items, like reusable nappies, or have very hard water). Some people like to do it on the 1st so it’s easier to remember.

Note

If this is the first time you’ve done this and your washing is very dirty, you may see black gunk at the end. If so, you will need to repeat steps 2 and 3. This is okay, it just means it’s working and the grime and detergent build-up is still coming out.

3. What happens if you don’t clean your washing machine?

You've probably heard that if you don't clean your washing machine regularly, it can start to smell. But what exactly are the consequences of not doing so?

Here are some issues that can happen without regular maintenance:

1. A build-up of detergent and fabric softener residue:
   Over time, detergent and fabric softener residue can build up inside the washing machine, particularly in the detergent dispenser, and on the drum and other internal parts. This can lead to musty odours, and it can also affect the cleanliness of your clothes.
   
   
   

2. Mould and mildew growth:
   Moist environments like washing machines can be a breeding ground for mould and mildew. If you don't clean your washing machine regularly, mould and mildew can begin to grow inside the drum, around the door seal, and in other areas. This can cause an unpleasant odour in your machine, and it can also transfer onto your clothes during the wash cycle.
   
   
   

3. Clogging of drain and filters:
   Dirt, lint, and other debris from your laundry can accumulate in the washing machine's drain and filters, causing them to clog. This can lead to poor water drainage and even cause the washing machine to stop working altogether.
   
   
   

4. Reduced lifespan of your washing machine:
   Neglecting to clean your washing machine can lead to mechanical problems, damage to internal components, and even corrosion of metal parts. Over time, this can reduce the lifespan of your washing machine, requiring you to replace it sooner than you would have otherwise.
   
   

To avoid these issues, it is recommended to clean your washing machine every 1-3 months.

4. What are soda crystals?

Soda crystals—also known as washing soda, sodium carbonate, and soda ash—is a white, odourless powder. looks similar to bicarbonate of soda (or baking soda), though the texture is a bit grittier.

5. Are soda crystals natural?

Soda crystals are a naturally occurring substance that is sourced from the ash of plants high in sodium.

Washing soda can also be manufactured synthetically, but whether it is manmade or natural, it is just a chemical compound consisting of sodium, carbon, and oxygen.

6. Frequently asked questions

Here are some FAQs about cleaning and maintaining your washing machine.

How do you store soda crystals?

You should store soda crystals (washing soda) in a dry area. It absorbs moisture and will turn brick-hard when it does. Once you’ve opened a new packet, either put a peg over the top to seal it, transfer it into a clean container - plastic or glass will do.

How do you clean a rubber door seal?

To clean a rubber door seal, simply get a clean, damp cloth and wipe it along the inside and outside of the door seal. If it’s extra grubby, add a bit of washing-up liquid to your cloth.

Follow this by running your monthly washing machine maintenance cycle.

Do you need to clean a washing machine?

Yes, cleaning your washing machine regularly can provide several benefits, such as:

1. Improving the performance of your machine

2. Preventing mould and mildew growth

3. Removing detergent build-up, dirt and grime

4. Increasing the lifespan of your machine

5. Keeping your clothes clean and fresh

How do you clean a smelly washing machine?

If your washing machine smells, it is likely a combination of detergent build-up, mould, and grime. You can clean a smelly washing machine by doing a long, empty, hot wash cycle with soda crystals. See the method above.

Does a dishwasher tablet clean a washing machine?

There is a viral hack on social media from a mum who used a dishwasher tablet to clean her machine. While this may appear to be detoxing your machine, who knows what it’s actually doing inside because it wasn’t made for this purpose?

We clean out our washing machine to remove detergent, but dishwasher tablets contain detergent. They also contain enzymes, bleaching agents, and perfume.

It may not damage your machine, but it may not be cleaning it out properly either.

It may also void your warranty if you encounter any problems. I would stick to manufacturers’ guidelines and use simple ingredients like soda crystals.

7. Free natural cleaning printable

To make natural cleaning easier, I’ve made a selection of printables with instructions for my cleaning routines and how to make all my favourite DIY products.

(No email or sign-up required!)

You can either laminate them and stick them to the wall by your machine, or you could pop them into a cleaning folder. Whatever works for you!

You can find all my free cleaning printables here

I hope you found this post useful, if you have any more questions about cleaning your washing machine naturally, feel free to leave them in the comments below and I’ll get back to you ASAP.