How to clean a washing machine.

Washing machine cleaning supplies you’ll need.

Before you begin, it’s important to ensure you have all the right cleaning supplies you’ll need to thoroughly clean your washing machine. Whether you’ve got a top-loader, a front-load washer or a combined washing machine/dryer, the cleaning supplies are basically the same: 

• Latex gloves. Wearing latex gloves is advisable to protect your hands, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Safety glasses. Safety first, right? A simple set of safety glasses can prevent any of the cleaning ingredients from going into your eyes.
• White vinegar. White vinegar’s mildly acidic nature helps break down any mineral deposits from hard water, as well as loosen dirt, grease, grime and product buildup from your washing machine. It also helps deodorize, cutting through mildew odors as it cleans.
• Liquid chlorine bleach. Bleach is recommended if you need to get rid of mold or mildew inside your washing machine.
• Baking soda. Baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer and brightener. It is slightly abrasive, which means it’s good at removing stale, moldy odors that are left behind from old soap and fabric softener deposits. But don’t worry, baking soda won’t damage your washing machine or any clothes you put in it.
• Washing machine cleaner. Instead of vinegar or baking soda, your washer may call for a commercial washing machine cleaner in the form of a tablet or liquid. Read your manufacturer’s instructions to find out what’s recommended for your make and model.
• Spray bottle. A spray bottle allows you to direct your cleaning solution exactly where you want it, meaning you’ll use fewer cleaning supplies in the process.
• Non-abrasive sponge. A sponge can be used to remove buildup in your machine’s interior as well as on its exterior.
• An old toothbrush. An old toothbrush is ideal for getting into the tiny nooks inside your washing machine to ensure every aspect of it is left sparkling. A toothbrush is much safer for your machine than using Scotch-Brite pads or any other abrasive cleaning materials. It’s particularly good for cleaning the rubber around your washing machine door.
• A microfiber cloth. Using a microfiber cloth ensures all the areas of your washing machine are dry and more resistant to mold and mildew subsequently forming.
• Antibacterial wipes. After cleaning, antibacterial wipes can help give your washing machine a final protective barrier to prevent germs from building up.
• Small garbage bag. Finally, you’ll need a small garbage bag to put all your used supplies and cleaning equipment in.

How to clean a front-loading washing machine.

Be sure you read your manufacturer’s guidelines on how to maintain and clean your front-load washing machine. Some may suggest you use a specific type of cleaner or turn on the self-clean cycle without using a detergent. It may depend on the make and model of your washer.

Here are the steps for cleaning a front-loading washer. 

How to clean a top-loading washing machine.

Again, pull out your manufacturer’s guidelines, and flip to the cleaning and maintenance section before you start cleaning your washer. If you can’t find a physical copy in your home, try searching for specific instructions online.

Here are the steps for cleaning a top-loading washing machine.

How to clean a washing machine's filter.

Your washing machine's filter plays an essential role. It helps trap dirt, lint, hair, and other debris. It's important to keep this part clean to avoid the needs for repairs and prevent bad smells. 

Not sure how to find your filter and clean it? Follow these steps for cleaning a washing machine's filter.

How to clean the rubber on your washing machine door.

The rubber seals on your washing machine are extremely important as they prevent water from leaking all over your floor. That’s why they should also be cleaned and visually inspected on a regular basis.

Use a soft toothbrush, sponge or cloth to apply and work your vinegar cleaning solution into the rubber seal’s crevices. Soak for 5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Just be aware that the rubber seals can be quite fragile, especially if they’re older. Don’t scrub them too aggressively.

At the same time, inspect all the rubber seals to ensure they aren’t cracked or have tears. If any are showing signs of wear, it’s best to contact a professional washing machine repair professional rather than tackling it yourself, which could lead to further damage.

How to eliminate smelly odors from your washing machine.

To prevent and get rid of bad smells inside your washer, try using these cleaning tips:

Leave the door open and air it out.

If you notice a bad odor coming from your washing machine when you open the door or lift the lid, chances are it’s because you leave it closed when it’s not in use. This happens more with front loaders as their tight rubber seals don't allow the interior to air dry. In between washes, mold can grow inside the damp drum. So if you’re not going to be using your washing machine for a few days, always try to leave the door/lid open to help air circulate and reduce dampness inside.

Also, because front-loading washing machines use less water than their top-loading counterparts (which fill up virtually to the top), they don’t always wash away dirt, mold and bad odors during the washing process.

Use liquid chlorine bleach.

If you know the bad smell is caused by mold and mildew, add liquid chlorine bleach to the detergent compartment and use the self-clean function. Or, you can make a solution of liquid chlorine bleach and water, put it in a spray bottle, spray the area where you see the mold and scrub it clean. 

But if you think there’s a larger mold problem in your laundry room that can’t be fixed with DIY methods, consult a mold remediation professional. 

Perform routine maintenance.

Bad smells build up over time. To keep your washing machine clean and fresh, get in the habit of cleaning it at least once or twice a month. This includes cleaning the tub, gasket and exterior. 

Need more help deodorizing your washer? Read our step-by-step guide, "What's that smell? How to clean a smelly washing machine."

How often should you clean your washing machine?

It does not matter which style of washing machine you have – a top-loader, front-loader or washer/dryer combo – it is recommended that you give it an internal clean at least once every two weeks. You should perform a more thorough clean (inside and outside, including filters and trays) at least once every month. 

This kind of washing machine cleaning schedule will prolong the life of your equipment and ensure your clothes are always left as clean as possible.

Issues to look for when cleaning your washer.

A deep clean is the perfect time to look for any issues with the actual washing machine itself. Inspect these areas as you’re cleaning:

• Rubber seals. Pay close attention to all the rubber seals, looking for tears or rips and also ensuring they haven’t come out of their designated spots.
• Detergent drawer. Check the detergent drawer for signs of warping due to heavy handling, as well as any signs of cracks. These can cause leakage down into the machine, wasting detergent and leading to mold and mildew buildup.
• Hoses. Movement of the machine during the spin cycle may cause attached hose connections to become loose or even break. That’s why you should always visually inspect the hoses at least once a month when performing a deep clean. A simple fix to reduce the chances of this occurring is to place four small rubber pads under each corner of your machine to reduce vibrations and prevent movement.
• Drum. Finally, visually inspect the drum. Loose change and keys can become stuck, causing significant damage if not removed. Washing heavy athletic shoes can also damage and undermine the drum’s integrity, which is why a visual inspection is important.

Remember, prevention is always better (and cheaper) than cure. Proper maintenance can help you avoid the expense of having to call a professional to fix or replace the whole machine.

Related: Washing machine repairs: common problems and DIY tips.

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FAQs.

Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about cleaning washing machines: 

What are some signs that my washing machine needs to be cleaned?

If your clothes are not coming out as clean as they used to, or if your washing machine has developed an unpleasant smell, it’s probably time for a cleaning. You should also clean it if you see visible dirt, detergent buildup, mildew or mold.

Can I clean my washing machine myself?

Yes, you can clean your washing machine by yourself. Just follow the steps outlined in this article and you’ll have a shiny washing machine that leaves your clothes smelling fresh.

Can I run my washing machine empty to clean it?

Yes, you absolutely can. It’s important to focus on simply cleaning the machine without trying to clean a load of clothes at the same time. Otherwise, any cleaning that you might achieve will be canceled out by the dirt from the laundry.

Is it true that using vinegar to clean a washing machine is okay? Will it not cause damage to my clothes?

Using vinegar inside your washing machine to clean it is absolutely fine as long as you don’t overdo it. Excessive amounts on a very regular basis over a long period of time may cause any rubber parts to perish and rot. But if you follow our cleaning tips in this article, you’ll be just fine.