The washing machine is often overlooked but does a lot for your home. It’s responsible for gripping body parts and cleaning you up daily—but have you thought to clean it for a long while? If your washer is starting to stink, leaving waste on your clothes or not performing well, it needs to be cleaned. We’ll also show you the correct methods for cleaning washing machines, whether you own a top-load, front-load or HE model.
Table of Contents
#1: Why You Should Clean Your Washing Machine?
People sometimes state that, because a washing machine works with soap and water daily, it must wash its own parts regularly. In fact, that belief is not correct. Gradually, you may find traces of detergent, softener, lint, hard water minerals and mold are present in your machine.
Cleaning your washer regularly helps:
- Remove odors caused by mold and mildew
- Prevent clogs and mechanical wear
- Extend the lifespan of your machine
- Improve washing performance
- Keep clothes smelling fresh and clean
#2: How Often Should You Clean It?
Here’s a general timeline to follow:
- Monthly: A deep clean of the drum and gasket
- Weekly: Wipe down surfaces and check for buildup
- After Each Use: Leave the door/lid open to let moisture evaporate
- Every 6 Months: Clean the filter and hoses
Whether you use your washer daily or once a week, routine cleaning is key to keeping it in top shape.
Supplies You’ll Need
Before you learn how to clean washing machine, gather the following household items:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Microfiber cloths or sponges
- An old toothbrush
- Dish soap
- Optional: commercial washing machine cleaner (e.g., Affresh, OxiClean)
- Rubber gloves
- Spray bottle (optional)
#3: How to Clean a Front-Load Washing Machine?
Front-load machines are notorious for trapping moisture and developing mold around the rubber gasket. Follow these steps to clean yours effectively.
Step 1: Clean the Gasket
- Put on gloves and inspect the rubber gasket (the ring around the door).
- Pull it back gently and use a cloth or toothbrush dipped in vinegar to scrub away grime, detergent, and mold.
- Rinse with a clean cloth.
Step 2: Clean the Detergent Drawer
- Remove the drawer and soak it in hot, soapy water.
- Use a toothbrush to scrub all compartments.
- Rinse and dry before reinserting.
Step 3: Clean the Drum
- Pour 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum.
- Add 1/4 cup baking soda into the detergent dispenser.
- Run a hot water cycle (or use the self-clean cycle, if available).
- Let the machine air-dry with the door open.
Step 4: Wipe Down the Exterior
Use a damp cloth with mild soap to wipe the exterior surfaces—buttons, handles, and sides.
#4: How to Clean a Top-Load Washing Machine?
Top-load washers are easier to access, but they also collect grime under the lid and around the agitator.
Step 1: Clean the Drum
- Fill the drum with hot water (use the largest load setting).
- Add 4 cups of white vinegar and let it agitate for a minute.
- Pause the cycle and let it sit for an hour.
- Resume the cycle and let it finish.
Step 2: Add Baking Soda
- Run a second hot water cycle, this time with 1 cup of baking soda.
- Complete the cycle and then leave the lid open to air dry.
Step 3: Clean the Agitator and Lid
- Use a cloth soaked in vinegar to clean under the agitator cap, if removable.
- Wipe down the inside of the lid and edges.
#5: How to Clean High-Efficiency (HE) Washing Machines?
HE machines use less water, making them more susceptible to buildup.
- Follow your machine’s self-clean or tub clean cycle with vinegar or a commercial cleaner.
- Wipe the drum and gasket thoroughly.
- Clean the dispenser trays and filters regularly.
- Leave the door open between washes to prevent moisture buildup.
Deep Cleaning With Commercial Cleaners
If DIY isn’t cutting it, or you want added freshness, commercial cleaners can help.
Popular Brands Include:
- Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner
- OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner
- Tide Washing Machine Cleaner
- Clorox Washing Machine Cleaner
Just follow the manufacturer’s directions. These usually involve dropping a tablet into the drum and running a hot cycle.
#6: How to Clean the Washing Machine Filter?
Some machines have a filter trap (especially front-loaders) that collects hair, lint, and small objects. Here’s how to clean it:
- Locate the filter (usually behind a bottom panel).
- Place a towel and shallow tray underneath.
- Unscrew the cap and let water drain.
- Remove debris and rinse the filter.
- Reinstall it securely.
Cleaning the filter every 3–6 months helps prevent drainage issues and keeps your washer working efficiently.
#7: How to Prevent Smells in the Future?
- Always leave the door or lid open after a cycle.
- Avoid using too much detergent or softener.
- Run a cleaning cycle monthly.
- Dry gaskets, dispensers, and rubber seals after each wash.
- Clean pet-hair-laden loads with a rinse cycle first.
Quick Cleaning Checklist
| Task | Frequency |
| Wipe drum & door | Weekly |
| Run cleaning cycle | Monthly |
| Clean gasket & detergent drawer | Monthly |
| Clean filter | Every 3-6 months |
| Wipe exterior | Weekly |
| Leave door open | After every load |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use bleach instead of vinegar?
Yes, bleach is effective for disinfecting. However, never mix it with vinegar. Use either one or the other.
2. What’s the best natural way to clean a washer?
A combination of white vinegar and baking soda is the safest, most eco-friendly option.
3. Can I use dish soap to clean my washing machine?
Not inside the drum—it can create too many suds. You can use dish soap to clean the outer surfaces.
4. Why does my washer smell bad?
Trapped moisture, mold, or detergent buildup can cause odors. Regular cleaning resolves this.
5. Should I clean my brand-new washing machine?
Yes! Run a hot cycle with vinegar or a washer cleaner before your first load.
6. What causes mold in the washing machine?
Leaving the door closed, using too much detergent, or not drying out the gasket are common culprits.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to clean washing machine the right way helps preserve your appliance, protect your clothes, and ensure every load comes out fresh. Whether you have a front-loader, top-loader, or HE model, a few simple maintenance habits go a long way.
So the next time your washer seems a little musty or sluggish, don’t call a repair technician right away—just give it a thorough clean. A little effort now saves time, money, and future headaches later.
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