Yes, vinegar helps clean the washing machine thoroughly: here’s how to use it

🧺 Yes, Vinegar Can Help Clean a Washing Machine—Here’s How

White vinegar can help reduce some odors and loosen mineral buildup, but it isn’t a complete disinfectant and shouldn’t be used as a substitute for a washing-machine cleaner when the manufacturer recommends one.

Simple method
Empty the washing machine completely.
Add about 1–2 cups of white distilled vinegar to the drum.
Run the machine on its hottest, longest cleaning cycle allowed by the manufacturer.
When finished, wipe the door seal, detergent drawer, and other accessible areas with a clean damp cloth.
Leave the door/lid and detergent drawer open to dry.
⚠️ Important safety tip

Never mix vinegar with chlorine bleach. The combination can produce dangerous chlorine gas. If your machine’s manufacturer advises against vinegar, use a commercial washing-machine cleaner instead.

For front-loading machines, regularly cleaning the rubber door gasket and leaving the door ajar between washes can be just as important as running a cleaning cycle.