Homemade Washing Machine Cleaner with Natural Ingredients
Keeping your washing machine fresh is one of those simple chores that pays off big. Over time, detergent residue, hard water deposits, mildew, and even bits of grime from dirty laundry can build up inside your washer, making your clothes smell less than fresh. If you’re a homesteader like me, you’re probably looking for a homemade washing machine cleaner, a natural, effective way to clean your appliance without reaching for harsh chemicals.
I personally use a combination of Thieves Household Cleaner and white vinegar to deep clean my washer. It’s quick, easy, and leaves the machine smelling fresh. But I also know not everyone has Thieves on hand, so I’m sharing an easy homemade washing machine cleaner recipe you can make with a few pantry staples. You can also try our homemade laundry detergent, which also helps keep your washing machine clean.
Why You Should Clean Your Washing Machine
Even though it’s constantly running water and detergent, your washing machine can collect a surprising amount of buildup. This includes:
- Soap scum and residue from detergent or fabric softener
- Hard water minerals and limescale
- Mildew or mold around the door seal or detergent tray
- Lingering odors from dirty laundry or dampness
Regularly cleaning your washer—ideally once a month—helps eliminate those issues, keeps your machine running efficiently, and extends its lifespan.
How I Clean My Washing Machine Naturally
Here’s my go-to method using Thieves cleaner and white vinegar:
For front or top-load washers:
- Add ½ cup Thieves Household Cleaner directly into the washer drum
- Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent tray
- Run your washing machine on the hottest and longest cycle (make sure it’s empty)
- After the cycle, wipe down the rubber seals, inside of the drum, and detergent compartments with a rag soaked in vinegar
This method works beautifully, especially if your machine gets a lot of use, as mine does.
Homemade Washing Machine Cleaner Without Thieves
If you don’t have Thieves cleaner or prefer to make your own, here’s a simple recipe that still uses natural ingredients.
Ingredients to make Homemade Washing Machine Cleaner
- 2 cups white vinegar
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 10 drops lemon essential oil (optional, but adds a fresh scent)
- 5 drops of tea tree oil or lavender oil for their natural antibacterial properties (also optional)
Instructions to make Homemade Washing Machine Cleaner
- Pour the baking soda directly into the drum of your washing machine
- Add the essential oils (if using)
- Pour the vinegar into the detergent dispenser or directly into the drum for top-load machines
- Run your machine on the hottest, longest cycle without clothes
- Once finished, wipe down the interior with a damp cloth, paying attention to the seals and detergent trays
This recipe is safe, affordable, and uses items most homesteaders already have in the pantry or essential oil stash.
Tips for Maintaining a Clean Washer
- Leave the washer door open after each use to allow air circulation and prevent mold and mildew
- Wipe down the rubber gasket and drum regularly, especially after heavy or dirty loads
- Avoid using too much detergent—excess soap can leave residue and cause odors over time
- Occasionally, run a cycle with distilled white vinegar in the fabric softener compartment to reduce buildup
- Run a monthly cleaning cycle (or hot wash) with no laundry to flush out residue
- Remove wet laundry promptly to prevent musty smells
- Clean the detergent and fabric softener dispensers periodically
Final Thoughts
A homemade washing machine cleaner is a simple way to keep your appliance running smoothly and your laundry smelling fresh. Whether you use Thieves cleaner like I do or mix up your own solution with vinegar and essential oils, your washer will thank you for the care.
Homemade Washing Machine Cleaner
Easy washing machine cleaner
Materials
- 2 cups white vinegar
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 10 drops lemon essential oil (optional but adds a fresh scent)
- 5 drops tea tree oil or lavender oil for their natural antibacterial properties (also optional)
Tools
- Glass Jar
Instructions
- Pour the baking soda directly into the drum of your washing machine
- Add the essential oils (if using)
- Pour the vinegar into the detergent dispenser or directly into the drum for top-load machines
- Run your machine on the hottest, longest cycle without clothes
- Once finished, wipe down the interior with a damp cloth, paying attention to the seals and detergent trays
Notes
This recipe is safe, affordable, and uses items most homesteaders already have in the pantry or essential oil stash.
-
Homemade Pine Cleaner with Real Pine Needles and Lemon
Make your own homemade pine cleaner using real pine needles, lemon, and vinegar. Natural, effective, and chemical-free!
-
How to Make a Jelly Jar Soap Dispenser (Yes, We’re the First to Write It Down!)
Turn a Smucker’s jelly jar into a DIY soap dispenser with this fun and easy step-by-step tutorial. How to Make a Jelly Jar Soap Dispenser.
-
Homemade Disinfecting Wipes
Make homemade disinfecting wipes with natural ingredients and essential oils. A safe, non-toxic alternative to store-bought wipes.
-
Homemade Disinfectant Spray: Rosemary & Mint
Fresh, crisp, and naturally powerful—this rosemary and mint disinfectant spray is a simple way to clean your home without harsh chemicals. Rosemary brings antibacterial benefits and a grounding herbal scent, while mint adds a refreshing burst that energizes any room. Perfect for everyday use on countertops, doorknobs, and more, this DIY spray is safe, effective, and smells like a breath of fresh air.
