简介
Mold, soap scum, and stale odors in a washing machine usually come from buildup hiding on the inside surfaces and in the drain path. This guide shows a cheap DIY cleaning method using citric acid and oxygenated bleach (oxygen bleach) to break down grime and help remove moldy smells. Regular use can keep the washer fresh and reduce the need for hands-on scrubbing.
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步骤 2 Measure the DIY cleaning agents
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Measure about one cup of citric acid for a heavy-duty clean on a dirty or smelly washer.
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Measure about one quarter cup of oxygenated bleach powder for a heavy-duty clean.
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Use about one half cup of citric acid if you clean the washer often and only need maintenance cleaning.
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Use about one tablespoon of oxygenated bleach powder for maintenance cleaning.
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步骤 3 Run a hot cleaning cycle
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Pour the measured citric acid into the empty wash tub.
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Pour the measured oxygenated bleach into the empty wash tub.
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Run a normal wash cycle or a washer-cleaning cycle with hot water and no laundry.
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Let the washer agitate so the mixture can circulate and start breaking down soap scum and moldy residue.
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步骤 4 Maximize contact time to fight odors
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Use the longest wash cycle you can so the solution has more time to work.
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Pause the cycle and let the solution soak if the washer allows it.
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步骤 5 Soak problem areas the waterline misses
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Check for grime at the extreme bottom or at areas that don’t get washed by normal water levels.
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Add citric acid, fill the washer only slightly with water, and let it soak to loosen bottom debris.
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Run a wash cycle after soaking to flush the loosened buildup out of the tub.
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步骤 6 Scrub stubborn mold and soap scum by hand
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Use a scrub brush to break loose any remaining grime that didn’t wash away.
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Use a condenser brush to reach and scrub tight spaces between the inner and outer tub if you can access them safely.
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步骤 7 Clean the drain path to reduce drain odors
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Measure about one third cup of citric acid and about one half teaspoon of oxygenated bleach powder.
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Put the mixture into the empty drum, and run a hot rinse-and-drain cycle to flush the solution through the drain system.
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步骤 8 Dry out the washer and maintain it
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Wipe the inside surfaces you can reach, especially under the top rim or around the door opening.
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Leave the lid or door open to help the washer dry out and reduce mold regrowth.
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Repeat maintenance cleaning with one half cup to one cup of citric acid every two weeks to once a month.
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询问修复机器人
If odors or visible buildup persist, repeat the deep-clean dose, extend the soak time, and scrub the remaining residue you can safely reach before running another hot cycle. Once the washer is clean, keep the lid or door open between loads and repeat maintenance cleaning regularly to slow new buildup. Repair didn't go as planned? Ask our Answers community for help.
