Your washing machine works hard to keep your clothes fresh and clean—but when was the last time you returned the favour? Over time, detergent residue, lint, and hard water minerals can build up inside your machine, leading to musty smells, mold growth, and even reduced performance. Learning how to clean your washing machine is essential for maintaining its longevity and ensuring your laundry always comes out spotless.
In This Blog You’ll Learn:
- Why cleaning your washing machine is essential
- How often you should deep-clean your washer
- What supplies you need for an effective clean
- Step-by-step methods for front-loaders and top-loaders
- Simple maintenance tips to keep your washer fresh
- Natural vs store-bought cleaning options
Why You Need to Clean Your Washing Machine Regularly
While washing machines are designed to clean, they don’t stay clean on their own. Dirt, soap scum, fabric softener, and bacteria can accumulate in hidden areas such as the drum, detergent drawer, and door seals. Without regular cleaning, you might notice:
- A musty or sour smell from the drum
- Clothes that don’t smell as fresh after washing
- Black or brown gunk in the gasket (for front-loaders)
- Reduced washing efficiency and potential machine damage
A dirty washer can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew, especially in humid environments. Regular maintenance prevents these issues and keeps your machine performing at its best.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
To keep your washer in top condition:
- Monthly – Run a deep clean cycle using vinegar and baking soda or a dedicated washing machine cleaner.
- After every wash – Wipe the drum, door, and rubber seals dry to prevent moisture buildup.
- Weekly (optional) – Clean the detergent tray and any lint filters.
Frequency may vary depending on your usage. Households that do laundry frequently should clean more often than those who use their machine less regularly.
What You Need to Clean Your Washing Machine
Here’s a simple checklist of items commonly used in cleaning a washing machine:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Microfiber cloth or sponge
- Old toothbrush
- Warm water
- Optional: hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, essential oils
- Optional: washing machine cleaner tablets (store-bought)
These natural and chemical options help break down grime, neutralise odours, and disinfect your appliance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Washing Machine
Cleaning a Front-Loading Washing Machine
- Empty the machine – Make sure the drum is free of clothes or items.
- Clean the rubber gasket – Use a cloth soaked in vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to scrub the door seal and remove mold or residue.
- Run a hot cycle with vinegar – Pour two cups of white vinegar into the detergent tray and run a hot water cycle.
- Add baking soda – After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum and run another hot wash.
- Wipe down – Clean the inside of the drum, the detergent drawer, and the door with a cloth.
- Leave the door open – Allow the drum to dry and air out after each clean.
Cleaning a Top-Loading Washing Machine
- Set a hot cycle – Choose the hottest setting and largest load capacity.
- Add white vinegar – As the drum fills with water, add four cups of white vinegar. Pause the cycle for an hour to let it soak.
- Scrub inside components – While soaking, use a toothbrush to scrub the detergent tray, agitator, and lid crevices.
- Restart cycle – Let the cycle finish.
- Add baking soda – Run another hot cycle with one cup of baking soda.
- Wipe and dry – Finish by wiping down all surfaces and leaving the lid open to dry.
Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Washing Machine Fresh
- Leave the door/lid open – Let moisture evaporate after every wash.
- Use the right detergent – Use HE (high-efficiency) detergent if required, and avoid overusing it.
- Clean the lint filter – If your model has one, remove lint and debris regularly.
- Wipe seals and dispensers – Mold loves moisture—keep rubber seals and trays dry and clean.
- Descale if necessary – In areas with hard water, consider descaling the washer every few months.
- Run a hot cycle monthly – Even without clothes, this helps clear detergent residue.
Conclusion
Cleaning your washing machine might not be top of mind, but it should be a regular part of your home care routine. Whether you own a front-loader or a top-loader, these simple steps can help extend your machine’s life and improve wash results. Regular maintenance reduces odour, prevents bacteria build-up, and keeps your clothes truly clean.
Don’t wait until your washer smells bad—give it the care it deserves and enjoy fresher laundry every time.
FAQ
What is the best way to clean a washing machine?
Running a hot cycle with white vinegar followed by a rinse with baking soda is one of the most effective and natural methods.
What should I run through my washing machine to clean it?
You can use white vinegar and baking soda, or a store-bought washing machine cleaner. These break down residue, kill bacteria, and remove odours.
How to clean the inside of a washing machine?
Use a microfiber cloth with vinegar to wipe down the interior, then run a hot wash cycle with vinegar and baking soda to clean the drum and internal parts.
How do you clean a washing machine with vinegar and baking soda?
Add vinegar to the detergent drawer or drum and run a hot cycle. Follow with a second hot wash using baking soda directly in the drum for a thorough clean.