How to Get Rid of Residue in a Washing Machine

Take out all removable parts, including soap and fabric softener dispensers. Soak the parts in hot water for 15 to 20 minutes. Scrub them clean with a scrub brush and rinse with plain water. If the removable parts have an oily residue, add 1/2 tsp. of a commercially available degreasing agent to the soaking water. If the removable parts have soap scum or hard water spots, add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the soaking water.

Wet a rag with water and scrub the inside of the washing machine to remove dirt residue. Wet a toothbrush with water and scrub crevices to loosen built up dirt and grime. Set the washer to the hottest water setting and add 1/4 cup laundry detergent. Allow the washer to run through a full cycle to remove dirt residue.

Fill a small bucket with hot water and 2 tbsp. of a commercially available degreasing agent to remove oily or greasy residue. Dip a scrub brush into the mixture and scrub the inside of the washing machine. Fill the washer with hot water and add 1/4 cup of degreasing agent. Let the machine run through one full cycle plus an extra rinse cycle. If the washing machine does not have the option for an extra rinse, run the washing machine through another cycle with plain water.

Set the washing machine to the hottest water setting and add 4 cups of white vinegar to clean soap scum residue or hard water stains. Allow the washing machine to agitate for one to two minutes. Turn the washing machine off and let the vinegar and water mixture soak off lime scale and hard water deposits. Turn the washing machine back on, and allow it to finish the cycle.