Put This in Your Washing Machine Instead of Vinegar? What Actually Works for Mold, Odors, and Buildup
Vinegar and citric acid are often promoted online as simple ways to clean a washing machine. They are said to remove mineral buildup, eliminate unpleasant odors, and leave the machine smelling fresh without the strong smell associated with commercial cleaners.Shop Condiments
But there is an important detail that many cleaning hacks leave out: acidic cleaners are not automatically safe for every washing machine.
Citric acid can dissolve mineral deposits such as limescale.
However, that does not mean you should pour it into any washing machine. Bosch, for example, advises against using vinegar and citric acid in its machines because acids can affect rubber components and contribute to deterioration over time.Identify Plants
Miele, on the other hand, specifies in instructions for some models that a particular citric-acid-based descaling product may be used according to the product and machine instructions.
The safest rule is simple: check your washing machine’s manual before putting citric acid, vinegar, bleach, or any other cleaning chemical inside the