The Amazing Benefits of Salt for Cleaning Your Washing Machine
Nowadays, washing machines are an indispensable appliance in every household, saving us time and effort. However, regular use can lead to the accumulation of bacteria and dirt, which can compromise the health of your clothes and the machine itself. One clever trick that many people employ is adding a cup of salt to the washer, effectively cleaning it and making it look brand new.
Cleaning Your Washing Machine with Salt
After prolonged use, the interior of your washing machine becomes contaminated with bacteria and dirt particles that cling to clothes throughout the day. These contaminants accumulate in the crevices of the machine, and if not cleaned promptly, they can lead to further contamination of freshly laundered clothes.

Dissolve the salt in hot water, then add some detergent, stir until foam forms, and pour it into the washing machine.
Salt is known for its disinfecting and antibacterial properties, making it ideal for cleaning washing machines. Begin by dissolving salt in hot water, then add a small amount of detergent. Stir until foam forms and pour the solution into the washing machine.
Next, fill the machine with water and let it soak for half an hour. Then, turn on the machine and let it run through a complete cycle. The dirt adhering to the walls of the washing machine will be carried away with the water and drained out.
Alternatively, you can substitute regular salt with baking soda. This substance is commonly used in cooking, but not many are aware of its effectiveness as a cleaning agent for cookware, kitchen appliances, and washing machines.
To remove stains from the surface of your washing machine, mix baking soda with a little water to form a slightly thick paste. Dip a damp cloth into the mixture and wipe away the stains. Baking soda contains natural disinfecting agents, eliminating bacteria that cannot be removed with a regular damp cloth.
Additional Washing Machine Cleaning Methods
+ Using Hot Water and Bleach
Most modern front-loading and top-loading washing machines have a self-cleaning cycle. However, if your machine lacks this feature, select a washing program with a hot water setting to clean it.
Add a small amount of bleach to the washer to expedite the removal of stains. Note that you should not add clothes until the cleaning cycle is complete, as they may be contaminated by the dirt and grime dislodged from the machine.
+ Using Disinfectant

Add a small amount of bleach to the washer to expedite the removal of stains.
Gather some natural cleaning agents and a clean cloth to disinfect the interior of your washing machine. Use the cloth to wipe down the entire washing drum, ensuring its cleanliness.
Next, spray disinfectant into the drum to eliminate long-standing dirt and dust accumulated in the machine’s ventilation holes. Thoroughly clean any accessible areas where dirt has accumulated.
Employ a handheld vacuum cleaner or a standard vacuum to meticulously clean the ventilation holes and internal compartments where dirt tends to gather.
+ Using White Vinegar and Baking Soda
For top-loading washing machines, fill the drum with hot water and add 3-4 cups of white vinegar and half a cup of baking soda. For front-loading machines, add the vinegar and baking soda to the drum before starting a wash cycle.
Set the machine to a wash cycle, allowing the vinegar and baking soda to dissolve completely and penetrate the nooks and crannies of the drum, removing any lingering mold or mildew. Let the machine soak for 30 minutes to an hour, allowing the acidic and alkaline properties to neutralize dirt and grime. Subsequently, drain the water. Once the cycle is complete, use a clean, dry towel to absorb any remaining water, completing the cleaning process.