by Barbara
I need to clean built up gunk in the washing machine
+4
What can I use that is inexpensive and will make the inside of my washer shine? The top edge and lid build up is gross.
7 answers
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Those areas can be wiped down pretty easily, beyond that use vinegar in a load & cut down on the amount of soap you have been using
![SLS Construction & Building Solutions LLC]()
SLS Construction & Building Solutions LLC
on May 25, 2015
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Yes, and use liquid soap. I have used Tide liquid for years. I find that the only build up I was getting was from the liquid Downy and I stopped using it in the washer and I pour it directly on the clothes before putting them in the dryer. No build up for over a year! I still wipe out the washer every week with some vinegar and make sure to do under the rim. Be careful not to cut yourself on any of the not so dull edges.
![Shirley Kalinosky]()
Shirley Kalinosky
on May 25, 2015
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My Late Husband had a appliance business they used The Works toilet bowl cleaner and really bad ones they used muratic acid. They used. It in the tub and in the lids. And rinse it. The Works is a weak soultion of acid and easier to use,
![Sherrie]()
Sherrie
on May 25, 2015
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A lot of laundry soaps (liquid and dry) have a lot of fillers that can leave residue on your clothes and washing machine. Use only concentrated detergents that don't have phosphates, either. Charlie's soap is one of the best. To clean the existing gunk, do an empty load with vinegar and hot water. Wipe off any remaining with vinegar in water. If it's really stuck on, you can use a baking soda paste. If you have hard water, that also contributes to gunk, but worse if you're using detergent with fillers, colors, chemical scents, etc.
![Connie Mar]()
Connie Mar
on May 25, 2015
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I recently heard from our serviceman that liquid detergent was the cause and we should use the powdered after we put it through an empty hot water cycle with a cleaner. It is a front load machine and we use the kind for it,but it had gotten a terrible odor and sticky goo but Is fine now.
![Vir1681507]()
Vir1681507
on May 25, 2015
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Also if you have the rubber on it pull it open and clean it.
![Sherrie]()
Sherrie
on May 25, 2015
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Since you mention a top edge and lid, I am guessing your machine is a top-loader. Although wiping with white vinegar would work to cut scum buildup, I can only use it sparingly because the smell makes me gag, even when it is diluted. Who wants to have their head bent over the drum of washer with vinegar fumes wafting up? Not me! I would buy a package/box of Mr. Clean Magic Eraser sponges (no smell!) and use them to wipe out the drum and around the top edge. They work exceptionally well at removing soap scum from the shower tiles and bathtub so I have no doubt they would easily clean all the parts of the washer you can reach/wipe.
![Shari]()
Shari
on May 25, 2015
SLS Construction & Building Solutions LLC
on May 25, 2015
Shirley Kalinosky
on May 25, 2015
Connie Mar
on May 25, 2015
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