How to Clean a Washing Machine the Right Way: Step-by-Step Guide
Refresh laundry with odor-free garments and enhanced appliance performance.
Keeping your washing machine clean is crucial not just for spotless laundry but also for extending the life of your appliance. Over time, detergent residues, mineral deposits, and trapped lint can cause unpleasant odors and reduce efficiency. This comprehensive guide explains why and how to clean both front-loading and top-loading washing machines, provides expert-backed cleaning routines, and answers common maintenance questions to help you achieve the freshest laundry possible.
Why Cleaning Your Washing Machine Matters
Even the best washing machines need regular maintenance to remain effective. Accumulated dirt, detergent scum, body oils, and mildew can collect in various parts of the machine, resulting in:
- Odors: Musty or sour smells transferred to clothes.
- Mold and Mildew: Especially around rubber seals and detergent drawers.
- Residue Buildup: Reducing the machine’s cleaning power.
- Uninvited Guests: Lint, hair, or even coins can clog up drainage and filters.
- Shortened Appliance Lifespan: Internal deposits strain motor and pump mechanisms.
What You’ll Need
Gather your cleaning supplies before starting:
- Microfiber cloths
- An old toothbrush
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Mild dish soap
- Optional: essential oils (for scent), specialized machine cleaners
- Small towel and a shallow tray (for cleaning the filter)
How to Clean a Front-Loading Washing Machine
Step 1: Clean the Rubber Gasket and Door
Front-load washers are prone to mold and buildup around the door seal. Follow these steps:
- Mix 1/4 cup white vinegar with 1 quart warm water.
Dip a microfiber cloth or an old toothbrush in the solution and thoroughly wipe around and inside the rubber gasket, removing any hair, grime, or visible mold. - Wipe down the inside of the door with the same vinegar solution.
Step 2: Freshen the Drum with Baking Soda
- Pour one box (about 1 cup) of baking soda directly into the empty drum.
- Run the machine on the longest, hottest setting (or the “Cleaning” cycle if available).
Step 3: Cleanse with Vinegar
- For a second wash, pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser.
You can add 5–10 drops of your favorite essential oil for a fresh scent. - Run another cycle: longest and hottest setting.
Step 4 (Optional): Rinse Again
- If you wish, run an extra rinse cycle to eliminate any leftover vinegar smell.
Step 5: Clean the Detergent Drawer
- Remove the drawer if possible and soak it in warm, soapy water.
- Gently scrub away all soap and residue with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Rinse and dry before replacing.
Step 6: Clean the Filter
- The filter is usually behind a small door near the bottom of your machine.
- Place a towel and shallow tray beneath to catch water.
- Carefully remove and clean out the filter—pull out any debris, coins, or lint, and rinse under hot water using a toothbrush as needed.
- Replace the filter securely.
Step 7: Final Wipe Down
- Wipe down the outside of the machine with a microfiber cloth and the remaining vinegar solution.
How to Clean a Top-Loading Washing Machine
Step 1: Deodorize with Baking Soda
- Pour one box of baking soda directly into the drum.
- Run the washer on the hottest, longest cycle and allow the drum to fill.
- Once filled, pause the cycle by lifting the lid and let the baking soda and water soak for one hour. Then resume and finish the cycle.
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Step 2: Cleanse with Vinegar
- Start a new, empty cycle on the hottest, longest setting.
- Once the tub fills, add one quart of white vinegar and 10–15 drops of essential oil (optional).
- Let it agitate for a few minutes, then lift the lid and allow it to soak for an hour.
Step 3: Clean the Rest of the Machine
- During the soak, use the microfiber cloth and vinegar solution to wipe down:
- Agitator (the central post in the drum)
- Lid edges and underside
- Soap dispenser and any other accessible crevices
Step 4: Finish and Rinse
- After an hour, close the lid and complete the wash cycle so any loosened grime is flushed away.
- Run an optional extra rinse for thoroughness.
Step 5: Final Clean and Exterior Care
- Once the interior is clean, wipe down any leftover residue using your cloth soaked in vinegar solution.
- Finish by wiping the exterior surfaces for a spotless look.
Key Maintenance Tips for a Fresh Washing Machine
- Leave the door or lid open: After each wash, keep the door or lid ajar to allow air circulation and reduce moisture, preventing mildew growth.
- Wipe down seals regularly: The rubber gasket attracts lint, soap, and hair—wipe it at least once a week.
- Empty pockets: Always check for coins, tissues, hairpins, and other debris before loading laundry to avoid filter blockages.
- Clean detergent drawers: Pull out and wash detergent compartments monthly to prevent mold and buildup.
- Use the cleaning cycle: Many modern machines have a dedicated self-cleaning mode—use it monthly as recommended by the manufacturer.
Natural vs Commercial Washing Machine Cleaners
| Cleaner Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| White Vinegar & Baking Soda | Natural, inexpensive, effective for odors and light buildup | May leave lingering scent, not as strong on tough buildup |
| Commercial Cleaners (e.g., OxiClean, Eco-Gals) | Designed for heavy residue, quick and easy to use | More expensive, may contain chemicals |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I clean my washing machine?
For best results, clean your washing machine once every month. If you frequently wash heavily soiled or pet bedding, consider cleaning more often.
Can I use bleach to clean my washing machine?
Bleach can be used sparingly to disinfect your machine, but natural alternatives like vinegar and baking soda are typically safer for both your appliance and the environment. If using bleach, ensure you run several rinse cycles afterward to avoid residue on future loads.
What causes bad smells in washing machines?
Mildew, soap scum, and trapped debris (like lint or hair) are the primary causes. Regular cleaning and leaving the door open after washes can prevent most odor issues.
Why is my washing machine leaving marks or residue on clothes?
This usually results from detergent buildup, fabric softener residue, or mold in the seal and drum. A thorough cleaning should resolve the issue, but always avoid overloading and use only the recommended amount of detergent.
Can cleaning tablets or store-bought cleaners replace manual cleaning?
Certainly, but they are most effective when paired with regular manual cleaning of seals, drawers, and filters. Tablets or powder cleaners help break down internal scum, but wiping surfaces remains vital for hygiene.
Troubleshooting & Extra Tips
- If your machine still smells: Repeat the vinegar and baking soda treatment, and check for hidden mildew around seals and the filter.
- For persistent residue or mold: Use a specialized washing machine cleaning product for deeper sanitization.
- Prevent hard water buildup: Consider descaling your machine periodically if you live in an area with hard water. There are dedicated descaler products available.
- Always dry components: After deep cleaning, leave the drawer, drum, and filter out to air dry before running your next laundry load.
Washing Machine Cleaning Glossary
- Drum: The central tub where clothes are placed for washing.
- Gasket: A rubber ring sealing the door, preventing leaks; a common area for mold buildup.
- Detergent Drawer: The compartment holding detergent, fabric softener, or bleach for easy dispensing into the wash.
- Filter: A screen or mesh designed to catch lint, coins, and other debris before water drains out of the machine.
Final Checklist: Keeping Your Washing Machine Fresh
- Run a deep-clean cycle (using vinegar and baking soda or a machine cleaning tablet) once a month.
- Wipe down seals, drawers, and filters regularly.
- Leave the door/lid open after each wash to air out the interior.
- Use high-efficiency (HE) detergent if recommended by your manufacturer.
- Check your user manual for machine-specific cleaning instructions and filter locations.
Explore More Home Cleaning Tips
- How to Clean Walls So They Sparkle
- The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist
- How to Clean Leather Items
- Getting Rid of Gnats and Houseflies
References
- https://www.countryliving.com/uk/homes-interiors/interiors/a62114690/how-to-clean-washing-machine/
- https://www.countryliving.com/home-maintenance/cleaning/a29789305/how-to-clean-washing-machine/
- https://www.countryliving.com/uk/homes-interiors/interiors/a35477093/cleaning-tips-household-appliances/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/home-lifestyle/a63979664/how-to-clean-washing-machine-expert-tips/
- https://www.countryliving.com/how-to-clean/
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