Are you looking to clean your washing machine? You come to the right place. Today, we will look at different cleaning methods and their effects on the washing machine.
We all know vinegar is an excellent cleaning material. It has powerful ingredients to clean any surface properly. On the other hand, it has some adverse effects as well.
Therefore, you must know how to use vinegar in your washing machine. Some users shared their experience and said that vinegar is not safe for washing machines to some extent.
Can vinegar damage your washing machine?
Vinegar damages your washing machine. Notably, it will ruin the rubber parts of the engine and destroy them if you continuously use vinegar to clean the washing machine. Besides, if you use too much vinegar in cleaning, it may also lead to leaks. That’s why you should avoid using vinegar.
There are three different types of vinegar you will find in the market. All of them have various purposes. However, we will explain them below and tell you if you can use vinegar in the washing machine.
White vinegar:
You can use white vinegar to clean the washing machine. In that case, you don’t need to use any other detergent; vinegar can clean the interior parts perfectly and reduce the odor.
However, you cannot use white vinegar frequently. It can damage your washing machine. Particularly, white vinegar will decay the rubber parts of the washing machine. If you use white vinegar regularly, it may leak the rubber surface.
Apple cider vinegar:
If you want to clean any laundry machine or other rubber-made surface too often, you can use apple cider vinegar. It is non-toxic, but it can remove bacteria and remove odor. However, ACV is not an ideal cleaning material.
Mainly, it is used for health purposes. For example, you can use ACV in your face to make it smooth and acne-free; whatever apple cider vinegar won’t damage your washing machine like others. But it is not an ideal cleaner.
Distilled vinegar:
Here comes the most helpful vinegar that people usually use to clean washing machines or other laundry items. The best way to clean the washing machine is to make a mixture of warm water along with distilled white vinegar.
Then, run the machine for a minute.
You are done cleaning and making your washing machine for further use. Among the other types of vinegar, distilled vinegar is specially made for cleaning purposes. Therefore, it will not damage your washing machine.
So, these are the three popular kinds of vinegar that you can buy from the grocery shop. Among them, distilled white vinegar is the best to clean your washing machine. It will not damage the rubber parts or washing machine like others.
But you need to use it once a week or twice. If you use it frequently, it will also damage the washing machine.
Can vinegar break the washing machine?
Vinegar cannot break the washing machine. But it can damage the rubber parts and create holes on the different parts. That’s why you should not use vinegar too often; it can’t break the machine but do some damage for sure.
The washing machine consists of metal frames and rubber-made parts. You can surely use vinegar to get rid of the odor and clean the entire area perfectly. You cannot reach every internal corner. That’s why vinegar is an ideal option.
But you can do it once a week. Not more than that. It can create holes and damages the internal parts of your washing machine.
“5” reason why not to use vinegar in the washing machine
Some reasons will tell you why you should not use vinegar in the washing machine. We have already explained one reason. But we are counting more. Let’s see.
Damage surfaces:
The first reason is vinegar’s downside. Among them, damaging surfaces is one. If you use vinegar in your washing machine, it will damage the internal parts.
Decays the rubber parts:
Secondly, vinegar decays the rubber parts of the washing machines. Therefore, if you use vinegar to clean the interior regularly, it will damage the rubber parts in a couple of months.
Make holes:
Excess use of vinegar will make holes on the rubber parts or internal machines. That may turn into leaks. That’s another reason why you should not use vinegar in the washing machine.
Discolor the metal parts:
Vinegar can discolor the metal parts if you deep clean the washing machine too often. It damages the paint and coat as well. That’s why you should not use vinegar in your laundry accessories.
Use distilled white vinegar:
You can only use distilled white vinegar. It is safe for internal cleaning or washing machines. If you use any other vinegar, it will damage a lot and ruin the structure.
These are the top 5 reasons why you should not use vinegar in your washing machine. But you can count more.
Apart from these opposing sides, vinegar has some positive sides as well. For instance, vinegar can deep clean the washer interior and eradicate odor ideally. You cannot do it using any other cleaning detergents or chemicals.
Therefore, you can use vinegar to some extent and once a week or month. It is safe too. You need to avoid using it frequently.
Will vinegar damage rubber in the washing machine?
Vinegar will damage the rubber in the washing machine. It has string ingredients that help to deep clean the metal surface. When you use it for internal cleaning and use it in the washing machine, it will clean the surface.
But there is some rubber in your laundry accessories. It will be in trouble. Vinegar will try to go through it and damage the rubber indeed. Mainly, vinegar will decay rubber slowly. If you use it for a long time and clean regularly using vinegar, the rubber will be ruined.
After a couple of months, you will find holes and holes in your washing machine. That’s why you should not use vinegar too often because it will damage the rubber in the washing machine.
Where do you put vinegar in a washing machine?
You can put vinegar in three different places in a washing machine. These three have other purposes. One is for cleaning clothes and making them soft. Another one is to clean the washer. Finally, you may place vinegar in a detergent place.
Let’s start with the dispenser. In the washing machine, you will find a place to put vinegar or other cleaning material to soften your clothes. It is also known as the dispenser.
Secondly, you have a machine basin in the washer. You can add vinegar to the rinse cycle and clean the entire washing machine deeply. It is called the rinse cycle.
There is another place that is a detergent place. In the washing machine, you must have a place to add detergent that ultimately cleans the clothes perfectly. You can use it for vinegar too.
So, these are the three ways where you can put the vinegar and clean your washing machine. It will be best to use both the basin and detergent place to deep clean the washing machine.
How to use vinegar in the washing machine?
You can use vinegar in the washing machine in different ways. However, there are two reasons for using vinegar. One reason is to clean the clothes; another reason is to clean the washing machine.
Whatever the reason is, you can follow our steps and use the vinegar successfully.
Along with detergent:
If you want to clean the clothes and make them soft, you can put the vinegar along with detergent. It will be the best way to use vinegar in the washing machine.
Pour in hot water:
When you need to clean the washing machine, pour hot water and fill the machine. After that, add one or two cups of vinegar. Be sure to use the right amount.
Turn on and hold:
Turn on the machine and hold on for a minute. You can now add some detergent to remove strong odor and make your device fresh.
Check for odor:
Now, it’s time to check whether there is any strong odor left or not. If you still find any odor or debris, or stain, you can follow the previous steps once more.
Dry it:
After cleaning the entire machine, you should let it dry for hours. You can start using the machine after that. But it would be better if you let it dry.
If your washing machine has any rubber parts, you should clean them with warm water. It will stay safe and will not be damaged soon.
Final Thoughts
Vinegar comes with strong cleaning ingredients that are not safe for every surface. Significantly, if you have any rubber inside your washing machine, vinegar will damage the washing machine. But, you can use vinegar in small amounts and use it once a week or month. It will be better for the washer.