Never Put Baking Soda in Your Washing Machine! Experts Reveal an Affordable Solution That 'Flushes Out Seaweed-Like Slime,' Making Mold and Black Gunk Automatically Surface

Many people, aiming to save money and pursue natural cleaning methods, prefer using inexpensive baking soda to clean their washing machines. However, this seemingly cost-effective practice carries significant risks of machine damage. Home cleaning expert Jiekebang warns on its official website that baking soda should never be used as a washing machine cleaner. Residual baking soda can clump and get stuck in the machine’s base, potentially corroding metal parts and causing irreversible damage.

Can baking soda really not be used to clean washing machines?

Unlike baking soda, which tends to clump and damage components, sodium percarbonate is a common active ingredient in commercial washing machine cleaners. Sodium percarbonate dissolves exceptionally well in water and has strong bleaching properties, making it ideal for routine washing machine maintenance. To use, dissolve 10 grams of sodium percarbonate completely in 2 liters of warm water between 30°C and 50°C.

In addition to sodium percarbonate, white vinegar is another practical cleaning aid. Soak a large towel in white vinegar, then place it in the washing machine and run a spin cycle. This evenly distributes the vinegar throughout the machine’s interior. After spinning, start a normal wash cycle, optionally adding sodium percarbonate. Once the tub fills with water, let it sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour before draining. Then, run a full wash cycle again for optimal results.

How to properly perform DIY washing machine drum cleaning?

Whether using sodium percarbonate, commercial washing machine cleaners, or cleaning tablets, the key principle is to “fully dissolve in water” before use. Failure to dissolve properly can leave residue and make the machine dirtier. Follow these five standard steps for effective self-cleaning:

First, start the machine. Newer models often have a built-in “drum clean” mode—use it. For older machines without this function, switch to the regular wash cycle and set the water level to maximum to achieve a similar cleaning effect.

Second, add the cleaning agent. Commercial washing machine cleaners typically require one packet per use. For sodium percarbonate, use 5 grams per liter of water, based on your machine’s full capacity. Always wait until the drum is completely filled with water before adding the cleaner.

Third, pause mid-cycle to remove floating debris if necessary. If the machine hasn’t been cleaned for a long time, a surprising amount of grime may surface. Pausing to manually remove visible sludge helps the cleaner work more effectively.

How to clean residual gunk after washing?

After the first cleaning or spin cycle, significant debris may settle at the bottom of the drum. Wipe it clean with a damp cloth for best results. Alternatively, toss in an old towel before starting the cleaning cycle. The dirt will adhere to the towel, making post-cleaning cleanup much easier.

After completing the initial wash and wiping, the final step is to run a rinse cycle using the highest water level without adding any cleaning agents. Repeat this clean water rinse until no visible residue remains in the drum.