Freedom Forest Farm Was Included in a Redfin Article!

How to Naturally Clean Your Washing Machine: Homestead Tips Featured by Redfin

We’re so excited to share that Freedom Forest Farm was recently featured in a Redfin article all about cleaning your washing machine the right way! The piece is full of expert advice from professionals across the country—including a little homestead wisdom straight from us here in rural South Carolina. 🧺🌿

📰 Read the full Redfin article here:

How to Clean Your Washing Machine Naturally: Experts Share Their Best Tips – Redfin

Why This Matters on the Homestead

Even out here on the farm, where fresh air is abundant and the soil is under our nails, our washing machine works just as hard as we do. Between muddy boots, dirty jeans, farm chores, and the occasional emu-feather-covered shirt, our washer runs more than most. That’s why we rely on simple, effective, and low-tox methods to keep it clean and running strong.

Redfin reached out looking for natural cleaning tips from folks who live more intentionally, and I was honored to share one of the methods we personally use on the farm. It’s always encouraging to see mainstream platforms recognizing the value of living simply and sustainably—and we’re grateful to be included.

As we mentioned in the article, white vinegar and baking soda are our go-to combo for a safe, chemical-free deep clean. It’s natural, budget-friendly, and you probably already have both in your pantry.

🧼 Our Simple Monthly Washer Refresh

Whether you’re living the city life or tending to your own slice of land, this method works beautifully for both front-load and top-load washers:

What You’ll Need:

2 cups white vinegar
½ cup baking soda
A clean cloth or microfiber towel

How to Do It:

Add vinegar – Pour 2 cups into the detergent tray (front-loader) or directly into the drum (top-loader).
Add baking soda – Sprinkle ½ cup directly into the drum.
Run the hottest cycle (no clothes inside).
Wipe down the drum, rubber gasket, and door with your cloth.
Leave the door open to dry completely and prevent mildew.
Bonus tip: Leave your detergent drawer cracked open too—moisture loves to hide there!

Why We Keep It Natural

At Freedom Forest Farm, we believe in knowing what’s going into and onto everything we use. From the soil in our garden beds to the soap in our laundry room, natural matters. Harsh chemical cleaners can leave residues on clothing, irritate sensitive skin, and disrupt our bodies’ natural balance. This simple routine lets us keep our washer—and our family—fresh, clean, and chemical-free.

We’d Love to Hear From You!

Do you have a favorite natural appliance-cleaning hack or a laundry tip passed down through generations? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below! 💬 Community knowledge is a huge part of what makes homesteading and homemaking so special.

In addition to running our homestead at Freedom Forest Farm, I’m also a Land Specialist and Realtor® with Mossy Oak Properties Land and Farms Realty, proudly licensed in both South Carolina and North Carolina. Whether you’re dreaming of finding your first piece of land to build your homestead, searching for that perfect tucked-away rural home, or feeling ready to pass your property on to the next steward—I’d be honored to walk that journey with you.

Let’s talk land, lifestyle, or laundry tips—anytime 🌾🏡

Thanks for being here!

Happy homesteading & homemaking,
🪵🌱 Jalena Borders
The Homestead Hunter