Tools and Materials
Materials
- Washing Machine Cleaner
White Distilled Vinegar
- Bleach (Optional)
Baking Soda
- All-Purpose Cleaner
Product costs, availability, and item numbers may vary online or by market.
Key Takeaways
Keeping your washing machine clean takes a little effort, but the results are worth it.
- Clean your washing machine regularly, at least once a month.
- Use hot water for cleaning cycles to dissolve residue and kill bacteria.
- Use the right cleaner, like washing machine tablets, to ensure a thorough cleaning.
- Don't forget to clean door seals, detergent trays and filters.
- Check the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning specifics on your washing machine model.
The Importance of Cleaning Your Washing Machine
Even though you use detergent, you can’t expect it to also clean your machine. In fact, the appliances themselves need to be cleaned routinely to help prevent odors, mold growth and even performance issues.
There are a few ways to clean your washing machine, whether it’s a front- or top-loader. Packaged cleaners are available and come in tablet, powder and liquid forms. Bleach is another option, or you can use a homemade mixture of equal parts water and vinegar.
Never mix bleach and vinegar or use them together — it creates toxic fumes. If you need to clean with both, use them separately and wipe out the machine or run a rinse cycle after each product is used to avoid any reaction. Always work in a well-ventilated area, open windows or use a fan when cleaning with bleach.
Cleaning Your Front- or Top-Load Washing Machine
You can clean either type of washing machine with the same products. However, how you clean and what parts you clean may vary slightly between top load washers and front load washers. Follow the steps below to clean your washing machine.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions to find specifics for cleaning your washing machine.
Start With an Empty Machine
Remove any clothes and check for any loose items. There shouldn’t be anything in your washer when you start cleaning.
Wipe Down the Inside and Outside of Your Washing Machine
Use a damp cloth and a vinegar mixture or all-purpose cleaner to wipe down the control panel and around any knobs on the outside of the washer. Wipe the machine’s lid or door, the front and the sides too, being sure to remove any drips or spills from detergent or softener. Do the same on the inside of your washing machine, wiping the tub and the door or lid interior.
Clean Any Removable Parts
Take out any removable drawers or dispensers and rinse them under hot water, gently scrubbing away any stuck-on gunk. Dry them off and reinsert them back into the washer. If they’re still a little wet, wipe them off or keep them open to let them air dry.
For top-load washers with an agitator, remove the agitator and let it soak in hot water and a vinegar and baking soda solution.
Impellers in high-efficiency machines can also be removed and cleaned. Refer to your owner’s manual for more detailed instructions on how to clean this part of your washer.
Clean the Door Gasket (Front-Load Machines)
The gasket, the large rubber ring around the door of your machine, can collect water and debris, causing odors. Use an all-purpose cleaner — one that’s recommended for appliances — and a sponge to clean the seal. Be sure to check inside the folds of the gasket by gently pulling them back for any hidden mold or mildew.
Run a Self-Clean Cycle
Many washers have a special self-clean cycle. Just add your cleaner of choice to the tub, like a machine cleaner tablet, and let the machine do the rest. The tablet is designed to dissolve slowly, so it cleans throughout the entire cycle.
For machines that do not have self-clean, put the tablet in the tub or drum and run a normal or heavy wash cycle (depending on the level of grime) on the hottest setting.
You can also use bleach or vinegar if you don’t have tablets or prefer a homemade cleaning solution. Add undiluted bleach to the fill line in the detergent dispenser. If using vinegar, do the same. For top load models, vinegar can be added directly to a full tub of water.
Run a Rinse and Spin Cycle
After the initial cleaning cycle is complete, run another rinse and spin cycle to remove any remaining residue or cleaning product from the tub. If you’re cleaning a front-load washer, dry the gasket after the cycle is complete.
Tips for Maintaining Your Washing Machine
Here are some daily habits to include in your laundry routine that can keep your machine in better shape between your monthly cleanings.
- Use the Right Amount of Detergent: Adding more than the recommended amount of detergent to your loads can cause residue buildup, so stick to what’s been pre-established for best results.
- Dry the Gasket: On front-load washers, make sure to wipe down the seal around the door after each load.
- Keep the Lid or Door Open: Allow the interior of the machine to air dry between cycles to help prevent mold and mildew growth.
- Promptly Remove Clean Clothes: To help prevent odors, take out clean loads as soon as you can. This is also a good time to check for any loose items or debris that may have made it into the wash unnoticed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some common questions people have about cleaning washing machines, with answers that can help you understand how to keep yours clean.