How to Clean Your Washing Machine
- Aqeel U.
- May 13
- 6 min read
Your washing machine helps keep your clothes clean, soft, and fresh. But have you ever thought about how clean your washing machine is? Over time, soap scum, dirt, fabric softener, and even mold can build up inside your washer. This can cause bad smells, dirty clothes, and even machine damage.
Don’t worry — cleaning your washing machine is not hard. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to clean your washing machine (both top-load and front-load), how often to clean it, what to use, and a few easy tricks to keep it fresh.
Let’s get started!
Check Price: Mini Washing Machines
Why You Should Clean Your Washing Machine
Even though your washer uses soap and water, it doesn’t clean itself. Every time you wash your clothes, bits of dirt, detergent, and lint stay behind. If you don’t clean your machine regularly, it can cause:
Bad odors
Bacteria and mold
Poor washing performance
Longer drying time (especially in washer dryer combos)
Stains on your clothes
Shorter lifespan of your washing machine
Cleaning your washing machine helps it work better and keeps your laundry smelling fresh.
What You’ll Need
You don’t need any fancy tools or strong chemicals to clean your washer. Most items can be found in your kitchen. Here’s a simple list:
Cleaning Items:
White vinegar
Baking soda
Microfiber cloth or sponge
Old toothbrush
Dish soap
Hot water
Optional: hydrogen peroxide or bleach (for mold)
How Often Should You Clean It?
Here’s a simple cleaning schedule to follow:
Part of Machine | How Often to Clean |
Drum | Once a month |
Filter/Drain | Every 1-3 months |
Door/Gasket | Weekly |
Dispenser Tray | Monthly |
How to Clean a Top-Loading Washing Machine
If you have a top-load washer, follow these steps:
Step 1: Run a Hot Vinegar Cycle
Set your machine to the hottest water setting and largest load size.
Add 4 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum (no clothes).
Close the lid and run the longest wash cycle.
Halfway through, pause the machine and let it soak for 1 hour.
Step 2: Clean the Drum and Agitator
While the vinegar is soaking:
Use a cloth dipped in warm vinegar water to wipe the inside of the drum.
Use a toothbrush to scrub the top rim, lid, and corners.
Don’t forget the fabric softener dispenser, if you have one.
Step 3: Run a Baking Soda Cycle
After the vinegar cycle finishes, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda directly into the drum.
Run another full hot wash cycle. This helps scrub away any vinegar or dirt left behind.
Step 4: Wipe It Dry
After the second cycle, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the drum, lid, and inside edges.
How to Clean a Front-Loading Washing Machine
Front-load washers are great, but they can build up mold around the rubber door seal. Here’s how to clean it.
Step 1: Clean the Gasket (Rubber Seal)
Open the door and gently pull back the rubber seal.
Use a cloth soaked in vinegar to wipe under the gasket.
Scrub any mold or black spots using an old toothbrush.
If mold is heavy, use hydrogen peroxide or a bit of bleach.
Step 2: Clean the Detergent Drawer
Pull out the detergent tray and wash it in warm, soapy water.
Use a toothbrush to remove gunk from inside the tray slot.
Step 3: Run a Cleaning Cycle
Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the detergent tray.
Run the washer on the hottest setting with an empty drum.
After that, add ½ cup of baking soda directly to the drum.
Run another hot cycle to rinse and refresh.
Step 4: Dry It
When you’re done, wipe down the drum, door, and rubber seal. Leave the door open for a few hours to dry out and prevent mold.
Cleaning the Filter and Drain Pump
Many washers have a filter or drain pump that collects hair, lint, and debris. If your washer smells or drains slowly, it might be clogged.
How to Clean the Filter:
Unplug your washer.
Look for the filter (usually near the bottom front panel).
Place a towel and a shallow pan under it.
Open the panel and twist the filter out slowly — water will come out!
Rinse the filter under running water and remove any debris.
Wipe the area and screw the filter back in.
Extra Tips for Keeping Your Washer Clean
Here are some simple habits to make sure your washer stays clean longer:
1. Leave the Door Open
After every wash, leave the lid or door open to let moisture escape. This helps stop mold and mildew.
2. Use Less Detergent
Too much soap creates buildup. Follow the recommended amount on the label, especially if you use high-efficiency (HE) detergent.
3. Avoid Fabric Softener
Fabric softener leaves sticky residue. Try using white vinegar as a natural fabric softener instead.
4. Clean the Outside
Wipe the machine’s outside with a damp cloth every week. Don’t let dust or spills sit for too long.
5. Wash Smaller Loads
Overloading the washer makes it harder to clean clothes and increases wear. Stick to the recommended load size.
Can I Use Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets?
Yes! There are many washer cleaning tablets like Affresh or Tide Washing Machine Cleaner. Just drop one into the drum and run a hot cycle.
They work well, especially if you’re in a hurry or don’t want to use vinegar. But they cost more than DIY methods like vinegar and baking soda.
Natural vs. Chemical Cleaners – Which is Better?
Cleaner | Pros | Cons |
White Vinegar | Natural, cheap, safe | Smell may be strong |
Baking Soda | Deodorizes, gentle scrubber | Doesn’t kill mold by itself |
Bleach | Kills mold and bacteria | Strong chemical, toxic fumes |
Hydrogen Peroxide | Antibacterial, natural-ish | Takes time to work |
Cleaning Tablets | Easy and fast | Cost more, not eco-friendly |
How to Know If Your Washer Needs Cleaning
Here are signs your washing machine needs cleaning right away:
Clothes smell weird after washing
Moldy or sour smell when you open the lid
Water drains slowly
You see black gunk or slime around seals or dispensers
Your washer is louder or shakes more than usual
If you notice these, follow the steps above to deep clean it.
A Real-Life Story
I once helped my aunt clean her 5-year-old front-loading washer. She always used fabric softener and kept the door closed. When we opened the rubber gasket, it was full of black mold!
The smell was awful, and her white clothes were coming out with gray stains. We used vinegar, baking soda, and lots of scrubbing. After two deep cleanings, the smell went away, and her clothes were fresh again.
Since then, she leaves the door open and uses vinegar instead of softener. Problem solved!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use bleach to clean my washing machine?
Yes, but use it carefully. Use 1 cup of bleach in a hot cycle, and never mix it with vinegar. Make sure the room is ventilated.
Is vinegar safe for my washing machine?
What if my washer still smells bad after cleaning?
Can I clean a washer with cold water?
How do I clean a washer that hasn’t been cleaned in years?
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your washing machine is easy, cheap, and super important. You don’t need a professional or expensive cleaner — just a little vinegar, baking soda, and time.
Make it a habit to clean your washer once a month, leave the door open, and use the right amount of detergent. You’ll enjoy better-smelling clothes, a longer-lasting machine, and peace of mind.
So go ahead — give your washer a good clean today. Your nose (and your laundry) will thank you!
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