The Hidden Reason Your Laundry Smells Musty — And the Simple Kitchen Ingredient That Can Help Fix It

To address these issues, many household guides recommend regular maintenance cleaning of the washing machine. One commonly used and widely available cleaning agent is white vinegar, which is a mild acidic solution made from acetic acid. White vinegar is effective because it can help dissolve mineral deposits such as limescale. It can also assist in breaking down soap residue that accumulates inside the drum and internal pipes during normal washing cycles.

When used for cleaning purposes, vinegar is typically added to an empty machine cycle. The goal is to allow the solution to circulate through the system so it can reach areas that are not easily accessible through manual cleaning. For a basic maintenance wash, the machine is usually set to its hottest cycle without any laundry inside. A moderate amount of white vinegar is then added either directly into the drum or into the detergent compartment.