In no particular order, here are the individual tasks I am tackling each day this month:
- Make cleaning supplies
- Cycle clean appliances
- Clean out cars
- Clean out microwave
- Wipe down cabinets/appliances
- Wipe down trim/doors
- Clean out one drawer
- Clean out fridge
- Clean out freezer
- Vacuum under furniture
- Vacuum mattresses
- Clean oven
- Clean out one closet
- Wash out garbage can/recycle bin
- Wash windows
- Scrub grout
- Clean out one cabinet
- File paper piles
- Purge bathroom toiletries
- Clean out pantry
Today I am chatting about the extra task: Cycle Clean Appliances
I try to run a cleaning cycle on my dishwasher and washer at least once per month, but it has been a little more than that so this task couldn't be more timely.
I beg you not to judge, but the inside of our dishwasher looked like this....
Pesky hard water!
Cycle cleaning your appliances is a bit of a "hurry up and wait" process, although, it couldn't be easier.
For the dishwasher, I started by placing a bowl of vinegar on the top rack.
You should do this with an empty dishwasher, but I killed two birds with one stone and tossed my shower caddy on the bottom rack for this process as well.
I ran the dishwasher on the hottest cycle, which is our sanitary cycle. Once it was complete, it was much better already. However, I wanted to leave it sparkling and fresh so I sprinkled a dusting of baking soda in the bottom and ran another rinse cycle.
What a difference the two cycles made!
Next, I grabbed my vinegar/water combo spray and sprayed the interior and door of the dishwasher. Using a warm sponge, I wiped it down inside and out. Getting down into the cracks of the door proved to be more than disgusting removing all sorts of gunk. Brace yourselves....
I may have gagged...
Once it was wiped down, there were still water marks and it wasn't really as clean as I was hoping. I really wanted the interior to shine, so I sprinkled another thin layer of baking soda on the door and used the same sponge {after I rinsed it out of course}, to scrub. I rinsed and repeated until all of the baking soda was gone. I followed up with a damp microfiber rag to really polish it up.
Almost as shiny as the day we brought it home! Such a good feeling!
Next up was the washing machine. We have a front loader and without proper care, it can quickly start smelling like mildew.
To cycle clean the washer, I start with washing soda and vinegar.
I put a small amount of washing soda within the detergent dispenser, and poured vinegar into both the fabric softener dispenser and the bleach dispenser.
I then ran the washer on the hottest cycle, again the sanitary cycle. Once it was complete, I opened the door and wiped out the inside of the washer along with the interior of the rubber sock catcher. That is the technical name for it right?
I also wiped down the inside of washer door.
So pretty, fresh smelling and clean!
Once the interior is clean, I proceeded to wipe down the exterior of both the washer and dryer. Oh, hello there!
To prevent the washer from molding/smelling, we always leave the door cracked in-between uses. I have also noticed that our washer seems to stay fresh just by using the homemade laundry detergent and vinegar fabric softener. Last but not least, I recently added a towel right above the washer so that we can wipe down the interior after each load.
The scrubbing and wiping down process probably totaled ten minutes. Running each cycle was about an hour each, but I had a long list of things to keep me busy while that was happening.
Another day, not too much time invested but a huge sense of accomplishment is definitely present.
Looking for something? Check out my favorite cleaning products below:
These are all cleaners/products that work for us and our current home finishes. It is important to research the cleaners prior to using them on your specific counter and flooring selections.
Cleaning the dishwasher with vinegar in the sanitize cycle. *headsmack* Why did I never think of that. How big is that bowl, and approximately how much vinegar do you use?
ReplyDeleteOur dishwasher grows gunk inside at an alarming rate and if I don't clean it on a regular basis it gets disgusting. The cleaner you can buy works well, but dang it's expensive. I'd much rather use your methods!
Hello! You should only need 1 cup of vinegar to run the clean cycle. :) xo!
DeleteThank you! I'm starting my sanitizing cycle right now!
DeleteA MILLION THANK YOUS! The vinegar actually cleaned my dishwasher *better* than the stuff I bought at the store!!! We live in a rental and some of the stains I could not clean out - they are ALL gone now! THANK YOU!!!
DeleteIs it funny that I sort of want to get up and do a happy dance for you right now? I am honestly excited to hear that! Glad it worked so well for you. :)
DeleteIam loving this series you are doing this month! Definitely has pushed me to get my cleaning game on and get the house in order.
ReplyDeleteWoah. So clean.
ReplyDeleteCan you do a video tour of your house? I would love to see it in one piece!
Sarah
www.sarahsdaybook.wordpress.com
I enjoyed reading about this post Jen, I am so into using natural alternative cleaning options too. Would you please confirm that, Soda Crystals is the same as Super Washing Soda. Thank you Marcia
ReplyDeleteI did a quick Google search and it sounds to me as though they are the same type of product. :) xo!
DeleteThey look amazing!! What is your recipe for homemade detergent and fabric softeners?
ReplyDeleteThe soap recipe is as follows:
Delete1 cup soap flakes {I used Fels-Naptha by grating a bar of soap}, 1 cup washing soda, 1 cup borax - Mix together and store.
I use two tablespoons per load of the mixture and have found it to be better to place right within the washer vs. the dispenser.
The fabric softener is a combination of distilled white vinegar and a few drops lavender essential oil per cup.
xoxo!
It's going to break my heart when you go back to just one post a day. I love these extra posts; they motivate me!
ReplyDelete~Megan
Loving this series so motivating
ReplyDeleteThis cleaning system is a great idea. My husband and I both work full time and we would clean on Saturday but we always ended up really tired and we didn't enjoy our Saturday as we should plus by Thursday the house was a mess. I always had the all or nothing approach haha but these posts made me realize that there are different approaches. Today I did the daily tasks we have defined plus cleaned the microwave oven. Thank you!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove this - one quick question - I have always read that using softener in the wash cycle diminishes the effectiveness of microfibre clothes. Do you have any thoughts on this. Thanks. First time commenter from Australia - love your site.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I understand about microfiber rags is no fabric softener, no bleach and no heat. :) I still use my vinegar/essential oils in the cycle and tumble dry them with no heat in the dryer and they seem to hold up OK.
Deletexo!
I love your blog! you are an inspiration!!! I love how you organise things so beautifully and everything is neat, tidy AND pretty!!
ReplyDeletei mentioned you (and put a link to your blog) on a blog post i just wrote, as I am so very impressed, http://empressbat.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/organised-chaos-part-one-of-organise.html)
Wow great post. Umm I'm embarrassed to say I've never cycled through our dishwasher or washing machine to clean it. I guess I'll be doing that this weekend! I'll try both of these methods, although may have to adjust for a top loader machine.
ReplyDeleteI have never clean cycled anything either, I would do it right now but i need vinegar and baking soda, neither of which we keep in house, so.... guess its on the list!
ReplyDeleteIf my washer isn't front loading (TOP LOADER) is it all the same? or different cleaning directions? i dont even think i have a spot for bleach, detergent etc- it just goes directly in the wash cylinder. Help?!
Hi Nora!
DeleteI believe the soap is OK to use in both types of washers since I place the soap right into the drum directly {not through any dispenser}, I am guessing you could do the same.
xoxo!
I think Jen's reply was referring to her homemade laundry detergent. About the cleaning process, remember that top loads use way more water than front loads. For cleaning a top load washer, I've heard of using 1cup of vinegar in a hot water full load, and rinse as usual, then 1cup of baking (or washing) soda in a hot water full load, then rinse as usual. My top load washer has a cup for fabric softener (where I put vinegar for each load) right on top of the center post agitator. Jen also mentioned putting vinegar in the bleach cup, which probably is ok in a front load because water rinses the cup out, but I'd worry about doing that in a top load. Bleach and vinegar should never be mixed, it can cause bad fumes.
DeleteThank you so much for following up with the great details! I really appreciate it!!
DeleteHi! I used to run the washer but also found a GREAT alternative. It sounds weird but I came across this on the web... I run a fast cycle on high temp and instead of the cascade I fill it with kool aid lemonade mix and and an extra squeeze of lime juice and comes out SO clean and removes the hard water. I just go around the rim of the washer with some cleaner and it's good as new.
ReplyDeleteI have heard that too! Just never knew how well it worked. Love hearing it gets the thumbs up!
DeleteI love this series!! Such great ideas!! Thanks for taking the time to walk us through your processes it is really motivating. Do you make a fabric softener mix ready made or just pour the vinegar then essential oil right into the fabric softener cup in your washer? I'm assuming the clothes don't smell like vinegar? Where did you get the detergent and fabric softener recipes?
ReplyDeleteHi Valerie! I combine the vinegar and oil in an old fabric softener container and shake it up and store it near the washer. Each time I run a load, I shake it again and pour it into the fabric softener dispenser of the washer. The clothes come out scentless. :)
DeleteHope that helps! xo!
Thanks for posting about appliance maintenance. I am a sales person for a major appliance manufacturer, and it is frustrating when consumers complain about poor performance but refuse to maintain them. The changes to both washers and dishwashers to keep up with energy regulations, and changes in detergents over the years have changed the way they work! I love your use of natural cleaners. There's also a brand of product called Affresh that are tablets you can just pop in and do the job, but are also designed to be run with your dishes, and can remove the pesky cloudy buildup that results from washing in a dirty dishwasher. Sorry to be long winded, I have strong feelings about taking care of your appliances!!!! Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteWith your front loading washing machine, do you find that the inside of the detergent drawer gets moldy? We are on our second machine and have had the same problem with both. If the drawer is left closed, it never fully dries in there and eventually the mold starts to appear. Blech! To avoid this, I have to pull the whole drawer out at the end of that day's laundry, and then take it apart and leave all of the pieces in our utility sink to air dry. Just leaving the drawer open when not in use does not work. We also leave the washer door open when not in use.
ReplyDeleteI haven't noticed that? So strange. I wonder if it is the type of detergent? We use ours almost daily and use natural powders/vinegar, so maybe that helps?
DeleteHi Jen,
ReplyDeleteI also do those same things too! Also, most dishwashers have a filter on the bottom of the dishwasher that catches food and other things. You should take the filter out about once a month and give it a good cleaning. It helps with the performance of your dishwasher and also nasty smells!
Lauren @ Simply the Sims
Thank you for the reminder Lauren! My hubby typically takes care of that every couple of months, but we really should just do it with the monthly cycle cleaning. xoxo!
DeleteHi Jen! In our last house, we didn't have soft water and had a stainless interior in the dishwasher. We used a capful of bottled Calgon water softener in each cycle, and it was amazing. The interior looked as good after 10 years as it did when new. ( I wiped the gaskets down periodically.) I also think that Calgon saved that appliance, because it let the softened water go thru the drain lines and extended its life by preventing hard water build up. All I know is, our neighbors replaced their dishwashers while ours was still going strong! It was an extra expense, but worth it for me. I also learned from a friend that it is necessary to run the dishwasher regularly to keep the seal and gaskets moist and supple...if not, those cracks can lead to leaks. I had no idea! Love your series of ideas here! Rosie
ReplyDeleteWow, I have never heard of that Rosie! That is an amazing tip! And it sounds totally worth it since the cost of appliances can be so much to replace! I will have to see if I can find some of that, I really appreciate you sharing.
Deletexoxo!
Love your blog! I've been on the hunt for a wire basket to hold file folders...your blue one (holding your towel) looks like what I want; can you tell me where you bought it from?
ReplyDeletePatty
Hello Patty! The basket is from Willow House and I spray painted it Lagoon by Rustoleum. :)
Deletexo!
Can you tell me where you got the towel from? It's adorable!
DeleteHi Rachel! I found it on One Kings Lane during a flash sale a few months ago. xo!
DeleteOh! But HomeGoods recently had some similar styled ones!
DeleteGreat post! Just curious – when you run the vinegar through the dishwasher, does it produce a strong vinegar smell? My husband cannot stand the smell of vinegar (isn’t it funny how many of us have said that when commenting on it!), so I was wondering how strong it was. Maybe I’ll give it a try one day while he’s out.
ReplyDeleteHi Julie!
DeleteI didn't even notice any vinegar smell, but I am scared I am becoming immune to it?! Maybe give a packet of lemon Kool-aid a try? :)
We have the exact same dishwasher.... want to come clean mine? Since your already experienced ;) Just kidding... ours is actually pretty clean. We must have softer water than you. Hard water is frustrating though.... then again I prefer it to really soft water where you feel like the soap never comes off.
ReplyDeleteLoving your posts - with winter dragging on forever, it's nice to have a few areas of my house sparkly clean! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I've cleaned my washer before (those front loaders take extra work), but not my dishwasher. I know I really need to do it, and now I know how.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Yay! Someone else who thinks the washing machine should be clean...before and after...use! Like a dirty bathtub...don't you put things in there to get them cleaner. When they come out they should not have to be raked across a dirty surface...just sayin!
ReplyDeleteI'm embarrassed to admit that I've never cleaned out my dishwashers {I have 2 in my kitchen}. Yikes. I'll be following your step-by-step instructions twice today. Happy Friday!
ReplyDeleteI love that little blue basket! Where is from? Please share!
ReplyDeleteHello! The basket is from Willow House and I spray painted it Lagoon by Rustoleum. :)
Deletexo!
Thank you for doing this monthly home challenge! It's very motivating!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great series. I am afraid that I will need to do a lot of work before I could get to the four daily and weekly tasks + one.
ReplyDeleteWe do a cycle clean on our front loader (the same as yours!) every month. The washer always smells so good afterwards!
I'm loving this series! I am addicted to seeing what comes next and I'm learning a TON!
ReplyDeleteI am going out tonight to buy a (biG) bottle of vinegar, a spray bottle and a few microfiber rags to get really started. And after our present laundry soap is done I am going to try my hand at making some.
I'm actually weirdly excited about it. :)
Rubber sock catcher.... yep I call it that too!! =)
ReplyDeleteWhere did you get the yellow tin on top of the washer? Love it!!!
ReplyDeleteThe yellow tin was from Crate & Barrel: http://www.crateandbarrel.com/rectangular-yellow-bin-with-lid/s679567
DeleteI just added the Lavanderie label with vinyl.
xoxo!
Oh my gosh, I had no idea I was supposed to be cycle cleaning the dishwasher! No wonder it's so gross! Thank goodness for you and your awesome blog. Seriously!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog! Thank you for helping me get my house organized and keeping it that way. I just bought an HE top loading washing machine. Do you know if I can use the homemade soap? I use to make my own laundry detergent all the time with my old standard machine. I can't wait to see what you come up with next!!
ReplyDeleteHi Jenna!
DeleteI believe the soap is OK to use in both types of washers since I place the soap right into the drum directly {not through any dispenser}, I am guessing you could do the same.
xoxo!
Awesome article! I am in the process of starting my spring garden and cleaning! Thanks for the ideas! This week, during spring break, I will be preforming a cleancation in our home!
ReplyDeletehttp://theladyprefersparis.com
"I recently added a towel right above the washer so that we can wipe down the interior after each load." Why do you do this? Isn't this overkill? Maybe I am missing something...
ReplyDeleteLove this series and everything you write. :)
The inside face of the door and inside the rubber always have excess water, so I just wipe it up quick to prevent any mildew/mold from forming. It is easier for me to do it quick after the load when it is still wet, vs. trying to scrub it monthly after it has build-up.
Deletexo!
my rubber sock catcher has a lot of mold on it, how do I get rid of it?
DeleteOh no! Here is a post that might help you out: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/clean-mold-off-rubber-seal-front-load-washer-26981.html
DeleteI will also start making my spring cleaning
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness I am going to implement these things TODAY! I work part time and I am blogging full time and my life is crazy right now; me and hubs spend the weekend running errands and cleaning and fixing things that we don't get to during the week and seems these days that the house is always a wreck and on top of it that it leaves us no time to just enjoy our time together or to relax. We went from having nice home cooked meals and a tidy organized house to "hey what happened here?". I have been trying to figure out what to do, but today I am going to buckle down and I am going to either buy or make my own chore checklists to make sure everything gets done and everyone is on the same page. I was just leaving hubby notes for the things I needed done, but I have been forgetting to do that. I am just shaking my head while I look around. I have a fire lit under me and I am going to get on it baby! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWe have that same dishwasher! Your looks SO MUCH BETTER than mine, so I will definitely do this soon.
ReplyDeleteWow, I really need to do this!
ReplyDeleteHave you ever heard of running your dishwasher with Tang in order to clean? This was something that my mother passed down to me from my grandmother. I know it sounds weird, but it actually works!
ReplyDeleteOooh! I have heard of lemon flavored Kool-aid, but never Tang! I bet it smells good! :) I love when cleaning tips are handed down through the generations!
Deletexo!
I saw your recipe for homemade laundry detergent. I had used it for over a year but then I had to buy a new HE washer and I was afraid it might void my warranty. I wasn't sure where to put the powder in the HE. Do you just add it to the drum before adding your clothes? Also,have you had any trouble with homemade fabric softner? I assume you use the dispenser for this. I would love to go back to my homemade stuff. It sure would help my budget. Thank you for your time!!
ReplyDeleteHello!
DeleteI have seen a few liquid versions on other blogs, may be worth googling around for. With the powder, I put my clothes in the washer and then sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of the detergent right inside of the washer with the clothes.
Vinegar is typically good for descaling items, so I put that in the fabric softener dispenser without worry. It is also good for brightening whites and softening clothing, so it seems perfect!
xo!
I started my cleaning challenge today! A little behind...oops! But i did the microwave, the dishwasher, and the washer cleanout....inside and out! Plus i turned on the self cleaning oven...i say what the heck? Plus i cleaned out one cabinet! Took less than an hour to finish all of it! Thank you for all your wonderful ideas! I love your blog, and i tell everyone i know about you! Chris Ayde, white bear lake, mn.
ReplyDeleteI sincerely appreciate you sharing the blog! And a huge KUDOS to all you were able to accomplish in an hour! I bet it feels absolutely amazing!
DeleteI am running the cleaning cycle on my dishwasher right now. Seriously! How did I miss this idea? I have wiped it down many times (and yes, it is gag-worthy), but I bet it helps a ton to do this vinegar cycle. I am a multi-tasker like you, so I put the coffee pot and filter parts into the dishwasher as it ran the cycles. Can't wait to tackle the washing machine. By the way, we leave a washcloth in our door, so the door does not close all the way (when we are not using it, of course). You cannot even notice it, but we NEVER have any mildew or smell issues. It has worked for us for over 3 years now.
ReplyDeleteI've been scared to use the sanitize cycle on my washer ever since a repairman told me he sees more leaks from the sanitizing heat melting the rubber sock catcher than anything else! Yikes!
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I have never heard of that. Maybe try an alternative high-heat setting if that worries you? xo!
DeleteI'm really LOVING this series. I just switched from full time work to part time work and wanted to use some of my extra time to deep clean some of the neglected areas of our home. Perfect timing! I kinda cleaned the dishwasher yesterday and got all the gunky stuff out. I'll have to go back and do it right now! Looks so good!
ReplyDeleteI am really enjoying this series too! I've been on the kick of making my own cleaners but I can't find washing soda. Any advice on where to purchase?
ReplyDeleteThank you!
I find it on Amazon, I have a hard time finding it locally as well.
DeleteI was going to mention Tang, also. It works really well!
ReplyDeleteawesome thank you!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love this series! My dishwasher looks awesome! I'm doing my front loader as I type. I do have a question. The rubber seal in the washing machine has gotten stains on it. I've asked the washing machine repair guy about it and he says it isn't mold. It seems impossible to scrub off. Any suggestions??
ReplyDeleteHmmm, not sure about that? Maybe a vinegar/baking soda scrub combo?
DeleteThese cleaning tips have really inspired me lately! Saturday I tried cleaning the microwave with a bowl of vinegar, water, and some lemon essential oil. Worked great! I also wiped down the cabinets in the kitchen with a rag and vinegar. My kitchen instantly felt cleaner! Its really been motivational to read your blog and kind of follow along with the cleaning tips, keeps me from forgetting things! I actually ended up wiping down my washing machine this weekend, too. Ours is a top loader and I've never had a problem with it gettin nasty in there. Thanks for all the tips, and keep them coming!! ( :
ReplyDeleteI never thought to wipe under the door of the dishwasher. Wow! What a discustingly mess. Thank you so much for your hints.
ReplyDeleteYour washer looks amazing!! I have had my front loader for maybe a year I have been running the affresh cleaning cycle. It does smell like mildew should I run your cleaning cycle more than once for the first time? Also I think I will try out your homemade soaps! :) loving your blog right now!! So helpful!!
ReplyDeleteHello!
DeleteI don't know if it would hurt to run it more than once, but I am guessing you wouldn't need too. Once you run it and wipe things down, it should help immediately. Also, switching to the natural cleaners should also assist with that smell moving forward.
xo!
Thanks so much for getting back to me!! :) Melanie
ReplyDeleteYou have the prettiest towels around! Where is the blue striped one from?
ReplyDeleteThank you! The stripe towel was from One Kings Lane a few months ago, however, I have also seen similar types at HomeGoods.
Deletexo!
I'm curious as to how you wash your whites...I'm assuming with all of your green cleaning, you don't use bleach. I've been making your homemade cleaners and wondering what to use in place of bleach with my whites. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHello!
DeleteWe have been using Nellie's Oxygen Brightener for quite awhile and have been pretty happy with it. I also recently found a few homemade bleach recipes online with water, lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide, which I am thinking of giving a try as well.
xo!
Love reading all the suggestions/comments! I've been on my own quest to "discovering" the best way for me/us to keep our HE washer clean. We've had it a year and I'm pretty sure just about the only thing I've done with it has been purchasing those expensive Tide Washing Machine cleaner packets. (SO not what I want to spend our $$ on!) Recently I've goggled a bit and I've found some DIY stuff (including this now- thanks =) ) First-- I'm wondering, doing your own homemade cleaning is safe for HE appliances?? (I had no idea). Second-- about the Top Loading Washing Machine: I think I goggled that about 4 or 5 yrs ago? When we became it's lovely owners. =) I saw a blog ("Ask Anna", I think, or "One More Thing by Jillee" ((Or something like that)) ) (And sorry, not trying to advertise others' blogs elsewhere. =/ =) ) One of those (or both for all I know), shared filling the machine with the HOT cycle, I'm assuming with Heavy Duty, and a quart of bleach. Let that agitate for a couple mins, then sit for an hour. At this time, I like to use gloves and a cleaning pad to wipe everything in and on the washer down. After your hr, let it run as usual. When that's done, do the same process over again but with a quart of vinegar this time. Sit for an hr. Then, run again, to completion. I've tried to stay on top of this (when we got the HE washer, our older one became my husband's washer- for his dirtier, ickier work clothes // pipefitter/welder). It gets SO grimy, SO fast! =( I've never heard of having issues with the bleach/vinegar combo, and I've never personally had problems so far. Just an FYI for others, and thank you for the tips as well! "Happy Cleaning!" (I put that in quotes because it's not really getting any easier doing this stuff during our last month of pregnancy AND our 4 & 1 y/o's. Oiy! ;-) ) Thanks so much though!! Excited for March and Sorry for being SUPER long-winded!!!
ReplyDeleteHi! I absolutly love this blog. While I am not able to do these task everyday because I work outside of the home and have two kiddo's. I am however trying to tackle these tasks as I can. I have a question about the cleaning the washing machine. You instructed us to put the vinegar and washing soda in the dispensers. Well, I have a boring old top loader that does not have dispensers. So should I just pour the vinegar and washing soda in the machine and run the clean cycle? Thanks!
ReplyDeletedo you have any tips on cleaning out the "interior of the rubber sock catcher" as you call it? it's full of gunk and I don't know how to clean it. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOh no! Here is a post that might help you out: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/clean-mold-off-rubber-seal-front-load-washer-26981.html
DeleteIs there a brand associated with the towel? Also wondering where your striped taupe and white rug is from/brand? Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteFrom what I can still make out on the tag, it appears to be "Nine Space". Hope you can track it down. :)
Delete