Beat mould and musty laundry with this easy guide. Learn how to deep clean and maintain your washer using natural products — better for your family and your cloth nappies.
How to Clean Your Washing Machine (With Natural Products)
Cleaning your washing machine isn’t just about sparkling appliances—it’s essential for keeping your clothes fresh, fighting mould, and protecting your eco-friendly cloth nappies!
Here’s a complete Aussie parent-friendly guide to maintaining your washer:
1. Why Clean Your Machine?
Over time, detergent residue, fabric softener, body oils, and moisture build up—leading to:
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Musty smells that linger on clothes
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Breeding grounds for mould and bacteria
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Clogged filters and stiff seals
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Reduced efficiency and energy waste (up to 30%)
2. Freshen Up with Natural Products
Skip the harsh chemicals—opt for pantry staples that are gentle, eco-friendly, and baby-safe:
You’ll need:
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2 cups white vinegar
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½ cup baking soda
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Soft cloth, toothbrush, microfiber towel
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Rubber gloves (if you prefer)
3. Monthly Deep Clean: Step-by-Step
A. Clean the Drawer & Seal
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Remove your detergent drawer, soak in hot soapy water, scrub with toothbrush
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Wipe the rubber door seal thoroughly—lift each fold and clean behind it
B. Run a Hot Cycle with Vinegar
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Front loaders: Add 2 cups of vinegar to detergent drawer + hot cycle
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Top loaders: Fill with hot water, pour in vinegar once filled, let soak during the cycle
C. Optional Baking Soda Boost
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After vinegar cycle, add half a cup of baking soda directly to drum and run another hot cycle. This deodourises and clears lingering grime
D. Clean the Filter (Front Loaders)
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Locate filter (usually bottom front), place a towel underneath, unscrew and rinse out lint/debris
E. Wipe Down Exterior & Leave Open
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Wipe control panels and door; then leave the door and drawer open to air dry between washes
4. Simple Weekly Upkeep
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Wipe seals and gaskets dry after each wash
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Leave door ajar for airflow
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Use correct & minimal detergent
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Avoid fabric softener (it creates waxy buildup)
5. Pro Tips from Real Families 💡
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Using baking soda and vinegar in separate cycles prevents clogs
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Add essential oils like lavender to your rinse for extra freshness — just a few drops, not directly on machine parts
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In hard-water areas, use a vinegar soak in drawer and filter more frequently
6. Why It Matters for Cloth Nappies
A clean washing machine means:
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Better absorbency and lifespan for your cloth nappies
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Reduced need for blow-out washes
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Odour-free cloth and sew-bags, keeping your little one comfy
Final Word
A monthly vinegar + baking soda clean clears buildup and smells, while weekly maintenance steps help prevent issues before they start. A well-maintained machine doesn’t just keep your nappies clean—it keeps your family healthy and laundry fresh-long term!
