A washing machine is one of the most used appliances in any home, yet it’s often one of the most neglected when it comes to cleaning. You expect it to clean your clothes, but over time, detergent residue, lint, hard-water deposits, and trapped moisture can make your washer itself dirty and smelly.

That musty odor you notice when you open the lid or door? It’s not your imagination it’s mold, bacteria, and detergent buildup hiding inside the machine. If left untreated, it can lead to unpleasant smells in your clothes, machine damage, and even skin irritation caused by bacteria transferred to your laundry.

The good news is that learning how to clean a washing machine is simple. With regular maintenance and the right cleaning methods, you can keep your washer smelling fresh and running efficiently for years. This complete guide explains how to clean both front-load and top-load washers using natural or chemical cleaners, how often to clean, and what mistakes to avoid.

Why You Need to Clean Your Washing Machine

Your washer constantly handles dirt, sweat, detergent, and fabric softener. All these substances leave residues that accumulate in hidden areas such as the drum, rubber gasket, detergent drawer, and drainage system. Warm, damp conditions inside the washer make it the perfect environment for bacteria and mold to grow.

A dirty washing machine can:

• Produce musty or sour odors.
• Transfer residue and lint to freshly washed clothes.
• Trigger skin allergies from leftover detergent or mold.
• Reduce the efficiency of the motor and water drainage system.
• Shorten the appliance’s lifespan.

Cleaning your washing machine regularly prevents these issues, ensuring your laundry smells fresh and your appliance runs smoothly.

How Often Should You Clean Your Washer?

The general recommendation is to deep clean your washing machine once a month. However, your cleaning frequency depends on usage and conditions:

• Heavy users (daily loads): Clean every two weeks.
• Front-load washers: Clean monthly or more often due to moisture trapped in seals.
• Top-load washers: Clean every 1–2 months.
• Hard-water areas: Clean more frequently to prevent mineral deposits.

In addition to monthly deep cleaning, make it a habit to wipe down the drum, seals, and detergent drawer weekly and leave the door or lid open after every wash to allow air circulation.

Supplies You’ll Need

Before you begin cleaning, gather these materials:

• White vinegar (2 cups): Removes mineral buildup and deodorizes naturally.
• Baking soda (½ cup): Neutralizes odors and softens residues.
• Bleach (optional): Kills mold and disinfects.
• Microfiber cloths: For wiping surfaces without scratching.
• Old toothbrush: For scrubbing corners, seals, and dispensers.
• Soft sponge: Useful for the drum and exterior cleaning.
• Rubber gloves: Protects your hands when using bleach.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Washing Machine

Step 1: Clean the Detergent Drawer

1. Remove the detergent drawer or tray completely.
2. Soak it in warm, soapy water for 10–15 minutes to loosen buildup.
3. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away any detergent or mold.
4. Rinse thoroughly and dry before reinstalling.

This area often harbors hidden mold, especially in front-load washers, so be thorough.

Step 2: Clean the Door Seal (Front-Load Washers)

The rubber gasket around the door is one of the dirtiest areas. Moisture and detergent residue collect under the fold, creating a breeding ground for mold.

1. Mix a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and warm water.
2. Dip a cloth into the solution and wipe around the seal.
3. For tough mold spots, apply a small amount of bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
4. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing and drying completely.

Tip: After each laundry cycle, wipe the seal dry and leave the door open to prevent moisture buildup.

Step 3: Run a Hot Wash Cycle with Vinegar

Once the visible parts are clean, it’s time to sanitize the internal components.

1. Set the washer to the hottest and longest wash cycle.
2. Pour 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum.
3. Start the cycle and let it complete fully.

The hot water combined with vinegar dissolves soap scum, mineral deposits, and bacteria. If your washer has a self-cleaning or “tub clean” mode, use it for this step.

Step 4: Run a Second Cycle with Baking Soda

Vinegar alone removes most buildup, but baking soda helps neutralize any lingering odors.

1. Add ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drum.
2. Run another hot cycle (without detergent or clothes).
3. When the cycle finishes, open the lid or door to let the drum air-dry.

This combination of vinegar and baking soda leaves your washing machine clean, deodorized, and residue-free.

Step 5: Clean the Drum and Filters

After both cycles, use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the inside of the drum, the door, and any reachable surfaces.

• Drain pump filter: Check your machine’s manual to locate it. Remove the filter, rinse it under warm water, and remove any lint or debris.
• Lint filter: Some top-load machines have a lint filter clean it with running water and let it dry.

These filters are often overlooked but crucial for preventing drainage issues and maintaining washing performance.

Step 6: Clean the Exterior

Wipe the exterior of your washing machine with a damp cloth. If you notice detergent splashes or hard-water spots, use a mixture of water and mild dish soap. Pay attention to knobs, buttons, and the area beneath the lid, which often collect dust.

Step 7: Air-Dry the Machine

After cleaning, leave the door or lid open for several hours or overnight. This step is essential for moisture to evaporate completely and prevents mold regrowth.

How to Clean a Top-Load Washing Machine

Cleaning a top-load washer follows a similar process but requires slightly different handling because of its design.

1. Set your machine to the hottest water setting and the largest load size.
2. Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the drum and start the wash cycle. Let it agitate for a minute, then pause the cycle and let the water sit for one hour.
3. After an hour, resume and complete the cycle.
4. Repeat the process using ½ cup of baking soda instead of vinegar.
5. When both cycles are finished, use a cloth dipped in vinegar to wipe the drum, agitator, lid, and exterior surfaces.
6. Leave the lid open to dry.

How to Clean a Front-Load Washing Machine

Front-load washers are more efficient but also more prone to mold due to their airtight rubber seals.

1. Start by cleaning the gasket thoroughly using vinegar and a toothbrush.
2. Remove and wash the detergent dispenser.
3. Add 2 cups of vinegar into the detergent compartment and run a full hot cycle.
4. Add ½ cup of baking soda to the drum and run a second hot cycle.
5. After both cycles, wipe all surfaces dry.
6. Keep the door slightly ajar between washes to prevent moisture accumulation.

Natural Cleaning Alternatives

If you prefer eco-friendly or chemical-free solutions, you can clean your washing machine using natural ingredients:

• Lemon juice: Works similarly to vinegar and leaves a pleasant scent.
• Hydrogen peroxide: Use ½ cup to disinfect without bleach.
• Tea tree oil: Add a few drops to vinegar to boost mold-fighting power.
• Borax: A natural mineral cleaner that softens water and eliminates odor.

Mix and match these options as needed, but avoid combining vinegar and bleach, as it creates toxic chlorine gas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people unintentionally damage their washers while cleaning. Here are some common errors:

• Using too much detergent: Excess detergent builds up and traps dirt instead of cleaning it.
• Mixing bleach and vinegar: This creates a hazardous chemical reaction.
• Neglecting seals and filters: These are the main sources of odor and buildup.
• Using abrasive tools: Rough pads can scratch and damage the drum.
• Closing the door immediately after washing: Trapped moisture encourages mold growth.

Avoid these mistakes, and your washer will stay clean and efficient for years.

Pro Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Freshness

• Wipe down the drum and seals after every laundry session.
• Leave the washer door open between uses.
• Use only high-efficiency (HE) detergent if your machine requires it.
• Measure detergent correctly—more soap doesn’t mean cleaner clothes.
• Run an empty hot cycle monthly with vinegar or washer cleaner tablets.
• Check and clean filters regularly to prevent clogs.
• If you live in a hard-water area, install a water softener or use descaling agents.

Regular attention to these details will extend your washer’s lifespan and improve washing results.

Troubleshooting Persistent Odors

If your washing machine continues to smell even after cleaning, the issue might be deeper inside the system. Try the following solutions:

• Check the drain hose: Over time, debris can accumulate inside, causing unpleasant odors. Disconnect and flush it with hot water and vinegar.
• Clean behind the gasket: Pull back the rubber seal carefully and remove trapped lint or hair.
• Inspect the drum bearings: If the smell is metallic or greasy, it could indicate worn bearings that need servicing.
• Use washing machine cleaning tablets: Commercial cleaners such as Affresh or Tide Washing Machine Cleaner can remove hidden buildup.
• Call a professional technician: If nothing works, the problem might lie in the internal drainage or venting system.

Faqs

Q1: How often should I clean my washing machine to keep it in top condition?

To maintain your washing machine’s performance and longevity, it’s best to deep clean it once every month. If you live in a humid area or do frequent laundry, you may need to clean it every two weeks. Regular cleaning prevents odor buildup, mold growth, and detergent residue ensuring your washer runs efficiently.

Keeping your appliance well-maintained can also help avoid unexpected repair costs, something Shield Pro Home Warranty plans are designed to protect you from.

Q2: Is it safe to mix vinegar and bleach when cleaning my washing machine?

No. Never mix vinegar and bleach together — doing so releases toxic chlorine gas, which can be dangerous to your health.
For best results, use white vinegar and baking soda together in one cleaning cycle, or use bleach separately after thoroughly rinsing the drum. Always clean in a well-ventilated area and follow your appliance manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to maintain warranty coverage.

Q3: What’s the most effective cleaner for a washing machine?

For regular use, natural cleaners like white vinegar and baking soda are excellent for removing limescale, soap residue, and odors. If your machine has heavy buildup or mold, use a commercial washing machine cleaner or a small amount of diluted bleach.
Using the right cleaning agents can reduce strain on your washer’s internal components, helping extend its lifespan — and minimizing the chances of needing costly repairs.

Q4: Can I use dishwasher tablets to clean my washing machine?

Yes, but only occasionally. A single dishwasher tablet can help remove grime when run on a hot empty cycle, but it shouldn’t be your primary cleaning method. Frequent use can cause excessive suds or residue that may harm your washer over time.
For safe, routine cleaning, stick with vinegar, baking soda, or manufacturer approved cleaners. Regular upkeep helps keep your machine performing efficiently and may prevent the kind of damage that’s covered under a Shield Pro Home Warranty plan.

Q5: Why does my washing machine still smell even after cleaning it?

Persistent odors often come from hidden areas like the rubber door seal, detergent drawer, or drain hose where moisture and residue build up. To fix this:

• Clean the rubber seal using a vinegar-dampened cloth.
• Remove and wash the detergent drawer.
• Run an empty hot cycle with baking soda.
• Inspect the drain hose for blockages.

If odors persist, it may indicate mold inside the machine or drainage issues, which may require professional servicing. Regular maintenance and home warranty coverage can help you manage such problems efficiently.

Bonus Tip for U.S. Homeowners:

Whether you live in Texas, Florida, or California, keeping your washing machine clean helps improve efficiency and prevents long-term damage. Combined with a Shield Pro Home Warranty plan, regular maintenance ensures your home systems and appliances stay protected year round saving you from costly repairs or replacements.

Conclusion:

• Remove and wash detergent drawer.
• Clean gasket and seals.
• Run hot cycles with vinegar and baking soda.
• Clean filters and drain pump.
• Wipe the exterior.
• Air-dry completely after each use.

By following these steps consistently, your washing machine will stay in peak condition—odor-free, efficient, and ready to deliver perfectly clean clothes every time.

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