Are you looking for an affordable and effective way to clean your washing machine?
You may have heard that vinegar is a great option, but with so many types of vinegar available, it can be confusing to know which one to use.
In particular, you may be wondering if distilled malt vinegar is a suitable choice.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between distilled malt vinegar and other types of vinegar, and whether or not it’s safe to use on your washing machine.
So, let’s dive in and find out if distilled malt vinegar is the right solution for your cleaning needs!
Can I Use Distilled Malt Vinegar To Clean Washing Machine?
Distilled malt vinegar is a type of vinegar that is commonly used in cooking and as a condiment. However, when it comes to cleaning your washing machine, it may not be the best choice.
While distilled malt vinegar can be effective in removing stains and grime, it has a strong odor that can linger in your washing machine and throughout your home. Additionally, its dark color can potentially stain light-colored surfaces.
On the other hand, white distilled vinegar is a better option for cleaning your washing machine. It contains a similar acidity level to many multipurpose cleaners and doesn’t contain any coloring agents, making it less likely to stain surfaces or fabrics. It also has a milder odor compared to other types of vinegar.
To use white distilled vinegar to clean your washing machine, simply measure out two cups and pour them directly into the liquid detergent dispenser. Set your machine on its longest cycle with the hottest water. Once the cycle is finished, sprinkle half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum of the washing machine and run it on the same settings.
This will effectively dissolve any soap scum and other build-up in your machine, leaving it clean and fresh-smelling. It’s recommended to do this every three months to maintain the efficiency of your washing machine.
Understanding Distilled Malt Vinegar
Distilled malt vinegar is a type of vinegar that is made by fermenting a barley-based liquid similar to beer. Acetic acid bacteria break down the alcohol in this liquid to make acetic acid, resulting in a raw brown malt vinegar. This vinegar is then distilled to remove the color and create a clear, colorless liquid.
While distilled malt vinegar has a unique flavor and is commonly used in cooking and as a condiment, it may not be the best choice for cleaning your washing machine. Its strong odor can linger and its dark color can potentially stain light-colored surfaces.
It’s important to note that distilled malt vinegar contains gluten, making it unsuitable for people with gluten allergies. If you’re looking for a vinegar to use for cleaning your washing machine, white distilled vinegar is a better option due to its milder odor and lack of coloring agents.
Benefits Of Using Vinegar To Clean Your Washing Machine
Using vinegar to clean your washing machine has several benefits. Firstly, it is a natural and eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemical cleaners, making it safer for your family and the environment. It is also inexpensive and readily available at most grocery stores.
Vinegar is effective in removing soap scum, mineral deposits, and other build-up that can accumulate in your washing machine over time. This build-up can cause your machine to work less efficiently, resulting in longer wash times and higher energy bills. By regularly cleaning your washing machine with vinegar, you can help it operate at its best.
Another benefit of using vinegar is that it can help eliminate odors caused by bacteria and mildew. This is especially important if you have a front-loading washing machine, which is more prone to developing foul odors due to the design of the door seal.
Finally, using vinegar to clean your washing machine is easy and requires minimal effort. Simply pour the vinegar into the detergent dispenser and run a cycle on the hottest setting. Adding baking soda to the drum during the second cycle will further help to clean and freshen your machine.
Types Of Vinegar And Their Differences
There are several types of vinegar available in the market, including malt vinegar, white vinegar, and apple cider vinegar. While all of these vinegars are members of the vinegar family, they have some significant differences that make some types better suited for cleaning than others.
Malt vinegar, also known as brown vinegar, has a stronger smell and darker color compared to other types of vinegar. It may be effective in removing stains and grime, but its strong odor can be unpleasant and may linger in your washing machine or other surfaces. Additionally, its dark color can potentially stain light-colored surfaces and fabrics.
White distilled vinegar, on the other hand, is the preferred choice for cleaning purposes. It contains about 5% acetic acid and 95% water, which is a similar acidity level to many multipurpose cleaners. It doesn’t contain any coloring agents, making it less likely to stain surfaces or fabrics. It also has a milder odor compared to other types of vinegar, making your cleaning chores more pleasant.
Apple cider vinegar is another type of vinegar that can be used as a substitute for white distilled vinegar. It has the same cleaning properties but has a slightly sweet scent due to its fermentation process. However, it’s darker in color and can potentially leave stains on some materials.
Is Distilled Malt Vinegar Safe For Your Washing Machine?
When it comes to using distilled malt vinegar to clean your washing machine, it’s not the safest option. The strong odor and dark color of distilled malt vinegar can potentially stain surfaces and fabrics, making it less suitable for cleaning purposes. Additionally, extensive use of vinegar can damage your washer by melting the rubber seals and hoses, which inevitably leads to leakage.
It’s important to note that white distilled vinegar is a safer option for cleaning your washing machine. It’s non-toxic and contains a similar acidity level to many multipurpose cleaners, making it effective in removing stains and grime. It also doesn’t contain any coloring agents, making it less likely to stain surfaces or fabrics.
How To Clean Your Washing Machine With Distilled Malt Vinegar
While distilled malt vinegar is not the best choice for cleaning your washing machine, it can still be effective in certain situations. For example, it can be used to descale coffee pots and teapots or even help to loosen and remove rusty items.
If you do decide to use distilled malt vinegar to clean your washing machine, it’s important to dilute it with water first. Mix one part vinegar with one part water and pour the solution into the liquid detergent dispenser. Set your machine on its longest cycle with the hottest water.
Once the cycle is finished, rinse the inside of your washing machine with clean water to remove any remaining vinegar solution. It’s important to note that distilled malt vinegar has a stronger odor than white distilled vinegar, so you may need to open windows or use a fan to ventilate your home.
Tips For Maintaining A Clean Washing Machine
Keeping your washing machine clean is important to ensure it continues to work efficiently and effectively. Here are some tips to maintain a clean washing machine:
1. Use white distilled vinegar: As mentioned earlier, white distilled vinegar is a great option for cleaning your washing machine. Use it regularly to prevent the build-up of soap scum and other residues.
2. Clean the drain: People often forget to sanitize the drain of their washing machine, but it’s an important step in maintaining a clean machine. Disconnect the drain and soak it in vinegar to remove mildew and grime.
3. Check the filter: Some washing machines have filters that can catch lint and other debris. Check your owner’s manual to locate the filter and clean it regularly.
4. Wipe down the rubber gaskets: The rubber gaskets around the door of a front-loading washing machine can collect gunk, mildew, lint, and hair. Use a microfiber cloth and white vinegar to wipe them down regularly.
5. Run regular cleaning cycles: Set your washing machine on its longest cycle with hot water and use white vinegar or a mixture of washing soda and borax to deep-clean your machine every three months.
By following these tips, you can maintain a clean and efficient washing machine that will last for years to come.
