So you go to do your laundry, and the machine smells before you even put the first pair of sock in.  Chances are your clothes are going to smell worse coming out of the machine then they did going in.

Your front-loading washing machine may be more energy efficient than top loading machines, but as you may have already discovered, they do have a downside. Front-loading machines have a tendency to build up mould and unpleasant smells. Perhaps your washing machine does this, and you haven’t been able to do anything about it? By following this simple, cheap, and eco-friendly cleaning method, you’ll be able to keep your washing machine fresh.

Items needed:

• 2 cups vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• Scrubbing sponge

Method:

1. Mix the baking soda and water in a small bowl. This is going to be the “detergent” we use to clean the washing machine. Pour the vinegar into a measuring cup and head over to your washing machine.
2. Place the baking soda mixture into the detergent container of your machine and pour the vinegar into the drum. Start your washer on a normal load cycle at the hottest water setting. Close the door and let the machine do all the hard work for you. The baking soda and vinegar naturally break up mineral deposits and any mould growth while cleaning and refreshing your washing machine.
3. Wait for the cycle to end, then grab your clean scrubbing sponge and rub around the opening of the washing machine, Wipe clean with fresh water and you are done! Perform this once a month to keep the inside of your machine clean. Cleaner washing machines means cleaner clothes after each cycle.

Have you tried this?  How did it work for you?