How to Clean a Portable Washing Machine? (Full Guide)

Portable washing machines were created for those living in an apartment or small house where having a full-sized washing machine is impossible. These convenient machines can be stored in a closet, crawlspace, or other storage area and pulled out when you’re ready to use them. It’s a great alternative to having to run to the laundromat once a week.

As convenient as these machines are, they aren’t self-cleaning. So, you may be wondering how to clean a portable washing machine. Don’t worry because our detailed guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to clean it, as well as answer all of your questions about portable washing machines.

How to Clean a Portable Washing Machine (Step-By-Step)

Wondering how to clean your portable washing machine? It’s surprisingly simple, and we’ve outlined how to do so step-by-step. Also, make sure your machine is completely empty before you begin cleaning it!

1. Add 2 cups of vinegar to the detergent dispenser.
2. Fill your portable washing machine with water.
3. Run a cycle with the highest settings and temperature possible for 2-3 minutes.
4. After the cycle has stopped, flush the water out of your machine and wipe the inside of the drum with a clean cloth.
5. Next, add 1 cup of baking soda to the drum.
6. Fill  your machine with fresh water.
7. Run a second cycle with the highest settings and temperature possible.
8. Once that cycle is complete, wipe the inside of your drum again.
9. Run one final cycle, but don’t add anything to it this time. The water will help flush out any remnants of the vinegar and baking soda.
10. Once the final cycle with just water has finished running, wipe out the inside of your drum again.

And that’s it! You can clean your portable washing machine with these 10 easy steps. This will help rid your machine of any odor or dirt build up from the laundry you’ve done.

Can You Use Bleach in a Portable Washing Machine?

Yes, you can use bleach in a portable washing machine. As long as you use the correct amount so that it’s diluted in the water, then it won’t damage your machine. As a general rule of thumb, you should use ½ to 1 cup of bleach per quart of water. Mixing it before adding it to your washer will allow the bleach to completely mix with the water before the wash cycle begins.

Can I Use a Floating Washing Machine Filter Bag in a Portable Washer?

Yes, you can use a floating washing machine filer bag in a portable washer. These bags work to catch hair, fur, and lint so that it doesn’t stick to your laundry. They’re perfectly safe to use in a portable washing machine, and are a great way to keep your laundry lint and hair-free.

Can I Use Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner in My Portable Washer?

Affresh washing machine cleaner is safe to use in all washing machines, including front-loading, top-loading, high-efficiency, and portable washing machines. All you need to do is make sure that your washer is empty, put 1 tab of Affresh in the drum, fill your washer, and run the empty cycle on the highest settings and temperatures possible. When the cycle is complete, you wipe out the inside of your drum.

Read our Affresh vs Wash Warrior washer cleaner article here!

Can I Use Vinegar to Clean a Portable Washing Machine?

Vinegar is the perfect choice for cleaning your washing machine. It’s a natural deodorizer and disinfectant that will remove tough odors and debris build-up from you machine. For best results, follow the steps outlined above in this guide to use vinegar to clean your portable washing machine.

Final Thoughts

Portable washing machines are an amazing option for the millions of people who live in apartments or small homes that can’t accommodate a full sized washing machine. They work well to clean your clothes, and it’s easy to keep up on cleaning them. Simply follow the steps outlined above whenever your portable washing machine needs a good clean and it’ll be ready for your next load in no time.