Your washer and dryer are two of the hardest-working machines in your home. They keep your clothes fresh, fluffy, and ready to wear—but when was the last time you gave them a little TLC?
Here’s the truth: even though they clean your clothes, washers and dryers don’t clean themselves. Dirt, detergent, lint, and even mold build up over time, causing bad smells, longer drying times, and sometimes even costly breakdowns.
The good news? You don’t need fancy products to keep your laundry room smelling fresh and running smoothly. With a few everyday household items (lemon juice, toothpaste, vinegar, and more), you can deep clean your machines the smart way.
Why Cleaning Your Washer and Dryer Matters
- Stops bad smells – No more musty clothes or sour towels.
- Prevents breakdowns – Simple cleaning can save you from expensive repairs.
- Saves money – A clean machine runs more efficiently and uses less energy.
- Keeps laundry fresh – No lingering odors or detergent residue on your clothes.
Think of this as giving your machines a mini spa day—they deserve it!
Genius Ways to Clean Your Washing Machine
🍋 Lemon Juice for a Fresh Drum
Forget store-bought cleaners—lemon juice is a natural deodorizer and antibacterial powerhouse.
- Mix ½ cup lemon juice with 2 cups hot water.
- Pour directly into the drum and run a hot cycle.
- Bonus: your washer will smell citrus-fresh instead of “chemically clean.”
🪥 Toothpaste for Stubborn Stains
Got grime in small, hard-to-reach spots? Regular white toothpaste works like a gentle scrub.
- Squeeze a little on an old toothbrush.
- Scrub around the detergent drawer, rubber gasket, or buttons.
- Rinse with warm water.
The mild abrasives in toothpaste lift stains without damaging surfaces.
🧂 Baking Soda + Vinegar Bomb
This is the ultimate DIY cleaning combo.
- Sprinkle ½ cup baking soda directly into the drum.
- Add 2 cups vinegar to the detergent tray.
- Run on the hottest cycle.
The fizzing action cuts through detergent buildup and kills odors naturally.
🥤 Cola for Rust Spots
Yes, cola! The phosphoric acid breaks down rust.
- Pour a small amount on a cloth.
- Rub gently on any rust stains in or around the drum.
- Rinse with water to prevent stickiness.
🌬️ Hair Dryer for the Rubber Seal
Mold loves to hide in the rubber gasket of front loaders.
- After wiping it clean with vinegar, blast it with a hair dryer on low heat.
- This ensures every bit of moisture is gone so mildew can’t grow back.
Brilliant Dryer Cleaning Hacks
🧼 Toothpaste on the Drum (Again!)
Dryer drum scuffs or melted crayon marks? Toothpaste saves the day.
- Dab toothpaste on a cloth.
- Rub stains in small circles until they fade.
- Wipe with a damp towel.
🧴 Baby Oil for Sticky Residue
Fabric softener sheets sometimes leave a sticky film inside the dryer.
- Put a few drops of baby oil on a cloth.
- Wipe the drum to break down residue.
- Follow with a mild soap rinse so clothes don’t smell oily.
🧊 Ice Cubes for Gum in the Dryer
Nothing’s worse than gum stuck in the drum. Instead of panicking:
- Rub an ice cube directly on the gum.
- Once it hardens, peel it off easily.
🌿 Dryer Sheets for Dusting
Here’s a bonus hack: used dryer sheets are perfect dusters.
- Wipe lint off the top of your dryer, baseboards, or even blinds.
- They leave behind a light anti-static coat that helps repel dust.
🌀 Vacuum Hose Trick
Slip an empty paper towel tube on the end of your vacuum hose.
- Use it to suck lint from tiny dryer crevices.
- Perfect for the lint trap slot where buildup hides.
Natural DIY Cleaners That Actually Work
- Vinegar + Lemon → kills bacteria and smells refreshing.
- Hydrogen Peroxide → disinfects mold spots.
- Baking Soda Paste → gentle scrub for trays and knobs.
- Salt + Lemon Juice → amazing for removing rust or hard water marks.
Maintenance Tips to Make Cleaning Easier
- Always leave the washer door open to air out moisture.
- Empty the lint trap every load (and wash it monthly with soap).
- Run a vinegar rinse once a month to keep odors away.
- Switch to dryer balls instead of dryer sheets—less residue, more eco-friendly.
- Clean the dryer vent hose every 6 months to prevent fires.
When to Call in a Pro
These tricks cover everyday cleaning, but if you notice:
- Clothes taking forever to dry,
- A strong burning smell,
- Leaks around the washer,
…then it’s time for a professional check-up.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your washer and dryer doesn’t have to be a chore—or expensive. With everyday items like lemon juice, toothpaste, and baking soda, you can keep your machines fresh, safe, and working like new.
A little effort goes a long way: fewer odors, shorter drying times, and longer-lasting appliances. Plus, these hacks are fun and budget-friendly—you’ll feel like a cleaning genius every time you use one.
✨ Pro Tip: Save this list and make it part of your monthly routine. Your machines (and your laundry) will thank you!