How to clean a washing machine with soda crystals – experts say it beats 'inefficient' baking soda

For years, many of us have been reaching for white vinegar and baking soda for various cleaning jobs, but now now professional cleaners say there is a far better and more efficient option for cleaning your washer – soda crystals.

Also known as washing soda, this natural and water-soluble salt forms an alkaline solution that breaks down tough dirt and odors, making it one of the most versatile eco-friendly cleaning powders on the market.

It’s so effective that our experts now swear by it for cleaning washing machines, and say it breaks down dirt even baking soda can’t reach. Here’s how.

How to clean a washing machine with soda crystals

Taylor Sutherland, president at Charlie’s Soaps explains, ‘Soda crystals, or washing soda (sodium carbonate, NACO2) raise water's pH to help remove grime and such. This is not to be confused with cleaning with baking soda (NaHCO3) which I find, for the most part, ineffective.’

Soda crystals are significantly more alkaline than baking soda, making them more effective at breaking through grease.

To make this DIY washing machine cleaner and clean with soda crystals, you will need:

• Soda crystals, such as Dri-Pak Soda Crystals, from Amazon
• White vinegar, such as Walmart’s Great Value Distilled White Vinegar
• Microfiber cleaning cloths, from Walmart
• Optional: Rubber cleaning gloves, from Amazon, to protect your skin from irritation

Step 1: Measure out the crystals

To properly sanitize a washer, measure out two cups of soda crystals and place into the drum of your washing machine. No matter how dirty you think your washing machine is, avoid using too much, as it can foam up and make it harder to rinse residue away.

2. Run a hot wash

Alicia Sokolowski, professional cleaner, president, and co-CEO at Aspen Clean always recommends using a hot cycle to help kill bacteria and keep your cleaning supplies clean.

She says, ‘Set your washing machine to run a regular wash cycle at the hottest water temperature available. Once the cycle is complete, use a clean microfiber cloth or sponge dipped in vinegar to wipe down the inside of the machine. Then, leave the washing machine door open for a few hours to air dry completely.’

3. Soak the drawer in vinegar

Because the crystals go into the drum, you will need to clean the washing machine detergent drawer separately.

Ken Doty, cleaning expert and COO at The Maids says, ‘Remove the fabric softener tray and clean with vinegar or hot water with dish soap [such as Dawn Powerwash, from Walmart] to remove the grime.’

An old toothbrush, or a detail cleaning brush, from Walmart, makes it easier to get into the little nooks and crannies to get rid of black mold on the drawer and inside the cavity it sits in. Pay close attention to the water jets at the top of the drawer cavity, as they may be blocked by limescale. Like removing limescale from taps, spray these jets with vinegar and let them soak for five minutes before scrubbing.

4. Wipe down the seals

With the cycle complete, Tim Conn, cleaning expert at Image One USA says, ‘Wipe down seals and other high-moisture areas that often harbor mold and grime using a damp cloth and mild soap. This combination helps eliminate odors, dissolve detergent residue, and combat mineral buildup.’

FAQs

Will soda crystals bleach clothes?

Soda crystals do not contain a bleaching agent, so they will not affect the color of your clothing. This makes it a great laundry additive to break down tough stains, and a good option for cleaning a washing machine without the risk of residue damaging clothing on your next laundry cycle.

Do soda crystals clean smelly washing machines?

Soda crystals are brilliantly effective at breaking down product build-up and removing bacteria, helping to clean a washing machine that smells by tackling odors at the source. It also helps to leave your washing machine door open between cycles to allow the drum and seals to dry out to prevent smells from lingering in the first place.

If you're still struggling to banish bad odors, people swear by this commercial washing machine cleaner: the Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner available at Amazon.

Understanding how often you should clean your washing machine is just as important as the method you use. Cleaning your washing machine at least every two months with soda crystals will help to prevent product build-up and odors that could transfer to your clothing, resulting in more satisfying results and a longer-lasting machine.