Have you ever pulled your freshly washed clothes out of the machine only to find they still smell musty?
It happens to the best of us. Many of us are guilty of neglect when it comes to washing our washing machines. After all, it’s easy to assume that washing machines clean themselves in the process of washing our clothes. However, one study of 70 laundry machines found that 70% had harmful fungi that can develop into mold [1]. Pathogens known to dwell in washing machines may be linked to potential health issues like allergies and respiratory problems [2]. Before scrubbing your washing machine with any old cleaner, know that these products may contain harmful preservatives and fragrances. Instead of relying on these potentially toxic products, follow these tips for deep cleaning your washing machine naturally and effectively.
Why Is It Important to Clean Your Washing Machine?
Clothes can only become as clean as the machine washing them. More than just your clothes enter a washing machine. Water, detergent, bleach, and other chemicals also enter the machine. And while your clothes may come out of the washing machine, water and chemicals used to wash them may remain.
Over time, washing machines can accumulate a significant amount of buildup from detergent residue, minerals from hard water, and bacteria. This buildup can create a perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive, leading to unpleasant odors that transfer to your clothes. Additionally, this accumulation can interfere with your machine's performance, potentially reducing its efficiency and lifespan.
Clean your washing machine regularly. This ensures that your clothes come out nice and fresh. It also protects the health of your loved ones. Exposure to mold can lead to many allergic reactions and illnesses.
How Often Should I Clean My Washing Machine?
Help your family (and washing machine) feel and look their best. Add cleaning the washing machine to your regular cleaning schedule.
To reduce the growth of mold and maintain the integrity of your washing machine, we recommend cleaning it every 30 wash cycles or once a month [3].
However, if you notice any unpleasant odors or visible residue, it's best to clean your machine immediately. Regular maintenance can prevent major buildup and keep your washer running smoothly.
Toxic Chemicals In Washing Machine Cleaners
While it's crucial to keep your washing machine clean, it's equally important to avoid introducing harmful chemicals into the mix. Many washing machine cleaners contain toxic ingredients that can be harmful to both your health and the environment.
Bleach
Perhaps no color is harder to keep clean than white. That’s why millions of people turn to bleach to make their whites shine.
Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that effectively kills germs. However, it's crucial to be aware of the potential health risks associated with using bleach.
Bleach releases chlorine gas, which can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. It can pose significant health hazards if inhaled in high concentrations [4]. Consider wearing a mask if you work in a profession that regularly exposes you to bleach.
Options like vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and plant-based cleaners offer safe and effective ways to keep your home clean, ensuring both a healthy environment and peace of mind.
Ammonia
Ammonia is a common chemical used to wash clothes because it can break down tough stains and grease. However, ammonia releases fumes that can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Repeated ammonia exposure can lead to more severe health issues such as chronic bronchitis or asthma [5].
To ensure safety while still achieving excellent cleaning results, consider non-toxic alternatives like baking soda, white vinegar, and lemon juice. These options are effective at removing stains and odors without the harmful effects of ammonia, promoting a healthier and safer environment for you and your loved ones.
Fragrance/Phthalates
Inhale clean air, not fragrances. Many of us imagine that clean laundry must smell like something, otherwise it’s not clean. Unfortunately, that something usually contains phthalates.
“Clean-smelling” scents contain chemicals that are known to disrupt your hormones. Phthalate exposure has been linked to infertility and cancer [6]. They’ve also been shown to interfere with brain and growth development in children [7].
Always opt for fragrance-free laundry detergent when shopping for clothes. Just because it doesn’t smell like rainfall doesn’t mean your clothes weren’t cleaned with soap and water. Wash with peace of mind by shopping Million Marker Approved Cleaning Products.
Parabens
Parabens are preservatives commonly used in a variety of personal care and household products to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, thereby extending the shelf life of these products.
However, their presence in laundry detergents is less common compared to other products like cosmetics and lotions.
With that said, some products may contain parabens. Look for products that state they are “paraben-free.” Read ingredient labels and avoid anything that contains a chemical ending in paraben.
How Do I Clean My Washing Machine Without Chemicals That Are Harmful?
Don’t agitate your hormones by agitating toxic chemicals in your washing machine. Keep your washing machine free from mold without the use of harmful chemicals. Follow these non-toxic tips for cleaning your washing machine.
Natural Cleaners for Washing Machines
- White vinegar: A natural disinfectant and deodorizer that can break down mineral deposits and soap scum.
- Baking soda: An excellent natural cleaner that can neutralize odors and gently scrub away residue.
- Hydrogen peroxide: A mild bleaching agent that can help remove stains and kill bacteria.
While these natural cleaners are generally safe, excessive use of vinegar can potentially damage rubber seals over time. Use it sparingly, and always dilute it properly.
Cleaning Process for Top-Loading Machines
Start by emptying the washing machine and wiping down the interior with a damp cloth to remove any loose debris. Then, follow this process to clean your top-loading washing machine with natural ingredients.
Vinegar Wash Cycle
Fill the machine with hot water and add 2 cups of white or apple cider vinegar. Run a complete wash cycle. The vinegar will help break down any mineral deposits and soap scum.
Baking Soda Wash Cycle
After the vinegar cycle, add 1/2 cup of baking soda directly to the drum and run another hot water cycle. This will help neutralize any remaining odors and provide a gentle scrubbing action.
Wiping down exterior and components
Once the cycles are complete, wipe down the exterior of the machine. Make sure to get the lid, control panel, and any detergent dispensers. Spray these areas with a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar.
Cleaning Process for Front-Loading Machines
Due to their design, front-loading machines require a slightly different approach to cleaning than the one you’d take for top-loading machines. Front-loading machines are at a slightly greater risk of harboring harmful chemicals.
Particularly, the rubber seal around the door has been known to trap moisture and debris. It can also become a breeding ground for mildew and mold, which could contaminate your clean clothes.
Cleaning the Rubber Seal
Carefully pull back the rubber seal. Wipe the grooves clean with a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar. Pay special attention to any folds or crevices where mold can grow.
Follow the same processes as above. Run a vinegar cycle, followed by a baking soda cycle. Wipe down the exterior when the washing machine cycles are complete.
Maintenance Tips for Cleaning Your Washing Machine
Keep your clean and functioning optimally while keeping your clothes fresh and protecting your family’s health. Follow these tips for maintaining a clean washing machine.
- Keep the doors open after use, if possible.
- Stick to a monthly cleaning routine to prevent buildup and maintain freshness.
- Use the correct amount of detergent for each load to prevent excess residue buildup.
- Wipe down any mold at first signs to prevent spreading.
- Avoid extra harmful chemicals by using Million Marker Approved Products.
If you use harsh chemicals while cleaning your washing machine, consider using gloves and wearing a mask. You don’t want to absorb harmful chemicals through your skin or by inhaling them into your body.
Additional Non-Toxic Cleaners for Washing Clothes
Need to do a load of laundry and want some non-toxic solutions for getting rid of dirt and grime? Try these non-toxic cleaners for your next wash cycle!
Oxygen Bleach
Sodium percarbonate, or oxygen bleach, is an eco-friendly alternative to chlorine bleach. It works by releasing oxygen when mixed with water. This natural reaction helps to lift stains and brighten fabrics without the harsh chemicals found in chlorine bleach.
Oxygen bleach is safer than chlorine bleach because it is less corrosive, does not produce toxic fumes, and is biodegradable. Its components break down into water, oxygen, and soda ash, which are harmless to the environment.
To use oxygen bleach, you can add it directly to your washing machine along with your regular detergent. You can also dissolve it in water to pretreat stains by soaking the stained items for at least an hour before washing them.
Washing Soda
Sodium carbonate, also known as washing soda or soda ash, is a powerful cleaning agent often used in laundry and household cleaning. Washing soda is stronger than baking soda. It has a pH level of 11 compared to baking soda, which is 8.3.
Since washing soda has high alkalinity, it’s great for breaking down stains, grease, and oils that could ruin your clothes or washing machine. However, due to its strong alkaline nature, it can also be irritating to the skin and eyes.
It’s important to handle washing soda with care. Wear gloves and avoid contact with your eyes and skin to ensure safe usage.
Lemon juice
When life hands you stains, make lemon juice. The citric acid in lemon juice can help break down mineral deposits in the washing machine.
It also leaves behind a natural, fresh scent. Mix equal parts lemon juice and water for a natural cleaning solution.
How to Clean Washing Machine Drum
Cleaning your washing machine drum is an essential maintenance task that ensures your appliance runs efficiently and your clothes come out fresh and clean.
To clean the drum of your washing machine, start by running an empty cycle with hot water and adding two cups of white vinegar. This helps to eliminate any built-up soap scum and bacteria.
Once the cycle is complete, sprinkle a half-cup of baking soda inside the drum and run another hot water cycle. This combination of vinegar and baking soda effectively removes odors and residues.
After cleaning, leave the door open to allow the drum to dry completely, preventing mold and mildew growth. It's recommended to perform this cleaning routine once a month to keep your washing machine in optimal condition and extend its lifespan.
Get More Home-Healthy Tips
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Resources
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8231443/
[2] https://www.news-medical.net/news/20190930/Antibiotic-resistant-bacteria-could-be-transmitted-via-the-washing-machine.aspx
[3] https://www.today.com/series/how-often-should-you/how-clean-washing-machine-t20131
[4] https://www.cdc.gov/chemicalemergencies/factsheets/chlorine.html
[5] https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/emergency/chemical_terrorism/ammonia_tech.htm
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8157593/
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8070995/