Have you ever done a complete load of laundry, only to discover that your clothes don’t really seem to be all that clean after? Sure, it might just be because your clothing was super filthy. But it also might be because your washing machine needs to be cleaned — something most of us never think to do.

First of all, let’s start with the tub part of the washing machine. To disinfect and thoroughly clean it, you’ll want to add a cup or two of distilled vinegar in the machine and run it on an empty cycle. Choose the hottest water setting possible, and running a long cycle will also give the vinegar a better chance of working its magic.

After this cycle has finished, run another empty cycle, but toss in a cup of baking soda instead of vinegar. The baking soda helps to neutralize the odor of the vinegar, while also taking care of any leftover residue in the machine.source: Reader’s Digest / istockphoto.com

You’ll also want to address the other parts of the washing machine. This includes the detergent compartments, the rim, under the lid, and any other nooks and crannies you can see. Make a paste using baking soda and vinegar, or use bleach if you want a really good clean. Use an old toothpaste to scrub all of those areas thoroughly, then wipe down with a damp cloth.