Ever notice your clothes smelling musty, even after a fresh wash? It might be time to clean your washing machine. While we trust these appliances to keep our laundry spotless, they can secretly harbor grime, detergent build-up, and mold.
Regularly cleaning your washing machine not only improves laundry results but also extends the life of your machine. In this article, you’ll discover the simple steps, clever tips, and helpful insights you need for a truly fresh clean—every time.
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How to Clean Out Your Washing Machine: A Step-by-Step Guide
A lot of people think that washing machines keep themselves clean as they wash your clothes. The truth? Over time, soap residue, minerals, fabric softener, and laundry grime can build up. This leads to odors, mold, mildew, and even poor washing performance.
The good news: with regular care, cleaning out your washing machine is easy—and you don’t need many fancy products or hours of your time. Whether you have a top-loader or a front-loader, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to keep your machine fresh, efficient, and odor-free.
Why Cleaning Your Washing Machine Matters
A washing machine is one of the hardest working appliances in your home. It deals with dirty clothes, sweat, soap, lint, and sometimes even forgotten tissues and coins. Here’s why regular cleaning matters:
- Removes unpleasant odors: Soap scum and residue can harbor bacteria, leading to musty, sour smells on your clothes and in your laundry room.
- Prevents mold and mildew: Moist environments inside your machine’s drum, detergent drawers, and rubber seals are perfect spots for mold and mildew growth.
- Improves washer performance: A clean machine washes better, lasts longer, and can help you avoid costly repairs.
- Keeps your laundry smelling fresh: Clothes come out truly clean only when the washer is, too.
- Protects sensitive skin: Soap and detergent buildup may trigger irritation, especially for those with allergies.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
- Light usage (1-2 loads a week): Clean every 3 months
- Average usage (3-5 loads a week): Clean every month
- High usage (daily or big families): Clean at least every 2-3 weeks
If you notice odors or visible build-up, don’t wait—clean sooner!
Step-by-Step: Deep Cleaning Your Washing Machine
There are two main types of washers—top-load and front-load. While the basics are similar, there are some key differences. Here’s a step-by-step for both:
1. Gather Your Supplies
You’ll need:
– White vinegar
– Baking soda (optional but great for extra freshness)
– A microfiber cloth or soft sponge
– An old toothbrush
– Mild dish soap
– A small bucket or bowl
Some people like to use a commercial washing machine cleaner. These work too, but vinegar and baking soda are gentle, effective, and inexpensive.
2. Clean the Gasket, Door, and Detergent Tray
For Both Top- and Front-Load Washers
- Remove the detergent tray. Soak it in hot, soapy water for 10 minutes, then scrub away buildup with the toothbrush. Rinse well and let dry.
- Wipe the door or lid. Use a damp cloth with a little vinegar. Pay special attention to crevices, especially around the hinge area.
- Front-loaders: Clean the rubber gasket (the seal around the door) carefully. Pull back the seal and wipe away any lint, hair, and grime. Mold likes to hide here!
- Top-loaders: Wipe along the lid, under the rim, and around the agitator (the spindle in the center, if your washer has one).
3. Run a Cleaning Cycle
Most washing machines have a self-clean cycle. If yours does, follow the instructions in your manual (using a washing machine cleaner or vinegar).
If not, use this method:
For Front-Load Washers
- Empty the machine. Make sure there are no clothes inside.
- Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser.
- Run a hot water cycle on the longest and hottest setting.
- Wipe the drum with a clean cloth after the cycle finishes.
For Top-Load Washers
- Empty the washer.
- Set it to the largest, hottest cycle.
- As the washer fills, add 4 cups of white vinegar directly to the tub.
- Let agitate for a minute, then pause the cycle and let it soak for an hour.
- Resume and finish the cycle.
- After the vinegar cycle: Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda directly into the drum and run another hot cycle.
This two-step method helps break down detergent residue and deodorize your machine.
4. Clean the Filter (If Applicable)
Many front-loaders, and some top-loaders, have a small drain filter or pump filter.
- Locate the filter (usually at the bottom front, behind a small access panel).
- Place a towel and a shallow pan to catch water.
- Unscrew and remove the filter. Clean it under warm running water, removing lint or debris.
- Replace securely when done.
Not all machines have accessible filters—check your owner’s manual or look for a diagram under your washer lid.
5. Wipe Down Exterior Surfaces
- Use a soft, damp cloth and a little dish soap to wipe exterior surfaces, knobs, and control panels.
- Dry with a clean towel to prevent streaks.
6. Air Out the Machine
- Leave the washer door (or lid) open after each use and cleaning. This step is crucial: it lets the drum dry out and discourages mold and mildew from growing.
Extra Tips for Ongoing Maintenance
Keeping your washing machine fresh and functional requires just a little regular attention. Try these best practices:
- Use the right detergent. High-efficiency (HE) machines need HE detergent. Too much soap causes residue and smells.
- Go easy on fabric softener. A little goes a long way; too much causes build-up.
- Wipe the gasket and drum weekly. Even a quick wipe helps prevent mold in front-loaders.
- Don’t overload. Give your clothes space to move and your washer less strain.
- Take laundry out promptly. Leaving wet clothes in the drum encourages bacteria and odors.
- Clean up spills. Wipe up detergent or bleach spills immediately.
- Keep the area around the washer dry. Puddles can encourage mold behind or beneath the machine.
Troubleshooting: Common Washing Machine Challenges
Even with regular cleaning, you might run into specific issues. Here are some quick solutions:
- Persistent mildew smell: Try repeating the cleaning process; use less detergent in future loads.
- Visible mold: Scrub affected areas with a water-vinegar solution, or use diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) for tough spots. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.
- Excessive suds: Cut back on soap. High-efficiency washers need only a small amount of detergent.
- Lint or pet hair residue: Shake items outside before washing and clean the machine filter often.
Summary
A clean washing machine means cleaner clothes, less risk of odors, and a longer-lasting appliance. Regular maintenance doesn’t take long but offers big rewards: better hygiene for your laundry, a fresher-smelling home, and protection for sensitive skin. With these simple steps and easy-to-find supplies, your washing machine will stay sparkling fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I get rid of a musty smell in my washing machine?
To eliminate musty smells, run a hot wash cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar and no clothes. Afterward, wipe the drum and door seal with a vinegar-dampened cloth. Always leave the washer door open to dry between uses.
Do I need special products to clean my washing machine?
No, you don’t need fancy cleaners. Basic white vinegar, baking soda, and mild dish soap are usually enough. Commercial washer cleaning tablets work well, too, if you prefer, but aren’t essential for regular care.
How often should I clean my washing machine?
For most households, a monthly cleaning is ideal. If you notice smells or see visible build-up, clean it sooner. High-usage households might benefit from cleaning every 2-3 weeks, while light users can clean every 3 months.
Is it safe to use bleach to clean my washing machine?
Yes, bleach can be effective—especially for mold and mildew. Use 1 cup of bleach in the drum (not the detergent tray), run a hot cycle, and then run a rinse cycle to ensure all bleach is washed out. Never mix bleach with vinegar or other cleaners.
Why does my washing machine leave residue on clothes?
Residue often means too much detergent, cold washes, or a dirty drum. Use less soap, opt for warmer water when possible, and follow regular cleaning steps to keep the drum free of buildup.