Choose a Washing Machine Cleaner
Selecting a cleaner for a front-load washing machine or a top-load washing machine comes down to personal preference. Certain brands offer tablets, powders or liquids specifically formulated for cleaning washing machine drums. You can also use bleach and water or if you prefer more natural cleaning products, go with white vinegar and baking soda.
It’s a common misconception that laundry detergent keeps your washing machine clean. Soap residue or minerals from detergent builds up in the drum and traps odors that can transfer to clothing or linens. The dirt the washing machine removes from your clothes can also linger, and eventually, mold or mildew may develop around the machine’s opening, especially if you have a front-loading washing machine.
Never mix bleach and vinegar. Always choose one or the other.
Cleaning a Front-Loading vs. Top-Loading Washing Machines
You can clean your washing machine with the same products whether it’s a top-load or front-load washing machine, but the cleaning steps that you follow may be slightly different. If your top-loading machine has an agitator, that part will also need to be cleaned.
Front-loading washers have a rubber gasket that creates a water-tight seal around the door, although some top-load washing machines have it too. This is a place where mold, mildew and dirt collect, so give it a good scrub.
It’s a good idea to deep clean your washing machine seasonally to keep it working optimally. Follow the steps below to disinfect your washing machine.
Wipe Down the Inside and Outside of Your Washing Machine
Quickly wipe the outside of your washing machine with a damp rag to get rid of any laundry detergent spills and make it shine like new. Wipe down the control panel and around any knobs on the outside of your washer. Excess buildup around these components can prevent them from functioning properly.
Do the same inside your washing machine. Use your preferred cleaner and give everything, including the drum and the door a good wipe.
Clean the Washing Machine’s Removable Parts
If your machine has any removable drawers or dispensers, clean them by taking them out of the machine and soaking them in hot water or a vinegar solution. Gently scrub them to remove any stains or mildew. Thoroughly rinse and dry before returning them to the machine.
Clean the Washing Machine Door Gasket
The large rubber ring around the door of your washing machine is called a gasket, and can trap residue and buildup. Spray it with cleaner and wipe away any surface residue. For more stubborn debris or gunk, scrub the gasket with a soft bristle brush or a sponge. Check inside the folds of the gasket for any mold or mildew.
Run a Drum-Clean Cycle
Most washers have a special drum-clean cycle, but if yours doesn’t, run a wash on the hottest setting while the machine is empty. Run a second cycle with just water or with 1/2 cup of baking soda added directly in the drum to remove excess residue from the walls.
If your washer has a soak cycle, fill the tub with the hottest water available. If not, set the machine to run its hottest cycle, then pause the machine and let your cleaning solution of choice soak in the drum for an hour. After an hour, turn the machine on and allow the cleaning cycle to run. Keep the door of your washing machine open for at least an hour to let the drum dry completely.
Tips for Maintaining Your Washing Machine
To keep your machine running like new, here are some tips to keep in mind along with your seasonal cleaning regimen:
- Don’t add additional detergent to particularly soiled loads of laundry, as this can cause more residue to build up inside your machine. Check your machine’s manual and consider running a sanitize cycle if your laundry needs extra cleaning.
- Don’t overload the washer — this prevents it from properly washing what you’ve put in there.
- Keep the door open when it’s not in use to air out your machine — just be mindful of children or pets around it.
- Check the clothes pockets to avoid running items through the washer that could damage the inside of the drum.
- Wipe down your machine regularly in between deep cleans.
With a little extra care and attention, your washing machine will keep your clothes and linens fresh and clean for years to come.