How to Clean Washing Machine

A clean washing machine means cleaner clothes, less odor, and a longer lifespan for your appliance. If you’ve never cleaned your washing machine before, you’re not alone. Most people think the machine cleans itself — but just like any other household item, it needs a little care to keep it working well.

In this 2025 guide, I’ll walk you through simple steps to clean both top-load and front-load washing machines. You’ll also learn why regular cleaning matters, signs your washer needs a refresh, and tips to keep it fresh between washes.

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Why You Should Clean Your Washing Machine

Let’s be honest — washing machines are one of the hardest-working appliances in our homes. They clean dirt, sweat, detergent, and bacteria out of clothes. But all that gunk has to go somewhere. Over time, residue can build up inside the drum, door seals, and detergent drawer.

Here’s what can happen if you don’t clean your washing machine:

• Bad odors (musty or moldy smell)
• Clothes that don’t smell fresh after washing
• Mold around the rubber seal
• Dirt buildup in hidden areas
• Machine breakdowns due to clogged parts

Cleaning your washing machine isn’t hard. You just need the right routine — and maybe a little vinegar and baking soda.

How Often Should You Clean It?

A good rule of thumb:

• Once a month: Deep clean the inside of your washer.
• Every week: Wipe the door, rubber seal, and detergent drawer.
• After every wash: Leave the lid or door open to let it air out.

What You’ll Need

These are simple items you probably already have at home:

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• A microfiber cloth or sponge
• An old toothbrush
• Dish soap
• A spray bottle (optional)

How to Clean a Top-Load Washing Machine

Step 1: Set the Washer to the Hottest and Longest Cycle

Set the machine to a hot water cycle and let it fill. If your washer has a “tub clean” setting, use that.

Step 2: Add Vinegar

Once filled with water, pour 4 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum. This helps break down any grime or detergent buildup.

Step 3: Pause and Soak

Stop the cycle for an hour and let the vinegar water soak inside. This loosens up mold, mildew, and soap scum.

Step 4: Scrub Problem Areas

While soaking, dip a cloth or toothbrush in the vinegar water and scrub:

• The inside of the lid
• The rim around the drum
• Agitator (if your machine has one)
• Dispenser trays

Step 5: Resume the Cycle

Let the full wash cycle run.

Step 6: Add Baking Soda and Run Again

Next, add 1 cup of baking soda and run another hot water cycle. This will remove leftover residue and help with odor.

Step 7: Wipe Dry

After the cycle finishes, wipe the drum, lid, and dispensers with a dry cloth. Keep the lid open for a few hours to let it dry out fully.

How to Clean a Front-Load Washing Machine

Front-load washers need special care because they can trap moisture in the rubber door seal.

Step 1: Clean the Gasket (Rubber Seal)

Pull back the rubber door seal and check for gunk, hair, and mold. Wipe it out with a cloth soaked in vinegar. Use an old toothbrush to scrub deep into the folds.

Step 2: Clean the Detergent Drawer

Remove the detergent drawer and soak it in hot, soapy water. Scrub it with a toothbrush to remove soap scum and mold, then rinse and dry.

Step 3: Start a Hot Cycle with Vinegar

Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the drum (not the detergent drawer), and run the washer on the hottest, longest setting.

Step 4: Add Baking Soda

After the vinegar cycle is done, sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drum and run another hot water cycle. This will remove any remaining smell and residue.

Step 5: Dry the Inside

Use a clean cloth to wipe the drum, inside the door, and rubber gasket. Keep the door open for several hours.

Natural DIY Cleaning Recipe

If you want to avoid harsh chemicals, this natural recipe works great:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups white vinegar
• ½ cup baking soda
• A few drops of lemon essential oil (optional, for smell)

How to use:

Add baking soda to the drum, vinegar to the dispenser, and run a hot wash. The combo breaks down soap residue and eliminates odors.

Tips to Keep Your Washer Fresh

• Leave the door open after each wash to let it air dry.
• Don’t overload the machine — it can cause more dirt and buildup.
• Use HE detergent in small amounts — too much soap = more residue.
• Wipe the rubber seal weekly with vinegar or disinfectant spray.
• Check the filter regularly (especially for front-load machines) and clean it as needed.

Signs Your Washing Machine Needs Cleaning

Not sure if your washer needs a deep clean? Look for these signs:

• Musty smell inside the machine
• Black or gray spots on the rubber gasket
• Clothes coming out smelling bad or not fully clean
• Soap suds not draining properly
• Moldy or slimy detergent drawer

If you see any of these, it’s time for a good cleaning.

Cleaning Tablets vs. DIY Cleaning

Some people prefer using store-bought cleaning tablets like Affresh or Tide Washing Machine Cleaner. They’re easy to use — just drop one in and run a hot cycle.

Pros:

• Convenient
• No measuring
• Designed for washers

Cons:

• More expensive over time
• Less eco-friendly than vinegar/baking soda

DIY methods are budget-friendly and natural. Both work well — the key is consistency.

Final Thoughts

Your washing machine is a cleaning hero — treat it with care. Regular cleaning means fresher laundry, no bad smells, and longer appliance life.

Whether you have a top-load or front-load model, the steps are simple. Use white vinegar, baking soda, and a little elbow grease once a month, and your washer will thank you.

So, next time your clothes smell a bit off, don’t blame the detergent. Look inside the machine — and give it the clean it deserves!

If you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend or save it for later. Clean washer = happy laundry days!

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