Understanding how to clean washing machine is essential for maintaining the freshness of your laundry and the efficiency of the appliance itself. Frequent use leads to the buildup of mold, mildew, soap scum, and mineral deposits, which can cause unpleasant odors and reduce the machine’s performance. Regular cleaning keeps your washing machine in optimal condition, ensuring fresh-smelling laundry with every wash. This guide provides a complete, step-by-step approach for both front-loading and top-loading models to help you achieve the best results.
Why Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
Over time, washing machines accumulate dirt, detergent residue, and moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Many households run multiple cycles at low temperatures to save energy, which may not fully eliminate bacteria or mildew. This buildup can lead to musty smells, clogged filters, and even bacteria on your clothes. Regular cleaning helps prevent these issues, prolonging the machine’s lifespan and ensuring truly clean laundry with each cycle.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
The cleaning frequency depends on usage. For households that do multiple loads weekly, a monthly deep cleaning is recommended. For less frequent use, every two to three months should suffice. Incorporating light cleaning habits after each use—like wiping down the seals and airing out the drum—will help prevent buildup and make deep cleaning easier when needed.
Essential Supplies for Cleaning a Washing Machine
Gather these items to clean effectively without harsh chemicals that could damage the machine or affect your clothes:
- White vinegar: An excellent natural cleaner and deodorizer
- Baking soda: Helps remove odors and acts as a gentle abrasive
- Microfiber cloth: Ideal for wiping surfaces without scratching
- Old toothbrush: Perfect for scrubbing tight spots
- Essential oils (optional): Adds a fresh scent and antibacterial properties; tea tree or lavender oils work well
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Each Part of Your Washing Machine
Step 1: Clean the Detergent Drawer
The detergent drawer is prone to soap and softener residue buildup, which can lead to mold growth and odors. Here’s how to clean it effectively:
Remove and Soak: Remove the detergent drawer (if your machine allows) and soak it in warm, soapy water. This helps dissolve detergent residue and softener deposits.
Scrub Crevices: Use an old toothbrush to scrub all corners, crevices, and removable parts of the drawer where mold and residue hide. For stubborn spots, dip the toothbrush in white vinegar.
Wipe the Compartment: Use a damp cloth and vinegar to clean the inside of the drawer compartment to remove any residue that could block detergent from reaching the drum.
Dry and Reassemble: Let the drawer air dry completely before placing it back in the machine.
Step 2: Clean the Drum with Vinegar and Baking Soda
The washing machine drum is the primary area where odors and grime build up over time. Cleaning the drum helps eliminate bacteria, soap scum, and lingering smells.
Run a Vinegar Cycle: For front-loaders, add two cups of white vinegar directly to the detergent compartment. Set the machine to the hottest, longest cycle. For top-loaders, fill the machine with hot water, add one cup of vinegar, and let it soak for an hour before resuming the cycle.
Follow with Baking Soda: After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum and run another hot cycle. Baking soda neutralizes odors and helps break down any remaining grime.
Wipe Down the Drum: After the cycle completes, use a microfiber cloth to wipe the inside of the drum. Pay attention to any remaining stains or watermarks to leave the drum spotless.
Step 3: Clean the Rubber Door Seals
The rubber seals, especially on front-loading machines, are prime spots for collecting dirt, lint, and moisture. Regularly cleaning the seals prevents mold, mildew, and odors from building up.
Inspect the Seal: Gently pull back the seal to reveal hidden dirt, lint, and small items like coins that may have accumulated.
Wipe with Vinegar: Dampen a cloth with white vinegar and thoroughly wipe down the rubber seals. Pay attention to folds and crevices where grime can hide.
Scrub for Persistent Mold: For mold spots, dip a toothbrush in a mix of vinegar and baking soda and gently scrub the affected areas. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes, then wipe it off.
Leave the Door Open: After each wash, leave the machine door open to let the seals dry completely, reducing future mold growth.
Step 4: Clean the Filter
The washing machine filter traps lint, debris, and small objects to prevent them from entering the drainage system. Regularly cleaning the filter keeps the machine running smoothly and prevents odors.
Locate the Filter: Most filters are located at the bottom of the machine, often behind a small hatch or door.
Prepare for Water: Place a towel or shallow container beneath the filter to catch any residual water when you open it.
Remove and Rinse: Remove the filter and rinse it under warm water. Use a toothbrush to remove lint, hair, and other debris.
Wipe the Filter Compartment: Use a cloth to wipe inside the filter compartment and remove any buildup.
Dry and Reinsert: Make sure the filter is completely dry before placing it back in the machine to prevent any trapped moisture from causing odors.
Additional Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Freshness
Leave the Door Open: After each wash, leave the door and detergent drawer open to allow airflow, which helps reduce moisture and prevent musty odors.
Run an Empty Hot Cycle Monthly: Run an empty cycle on the highest heat setting with two cups of vinegar to maintain a clean drum and kill bacteria. For extra freshness, you can also add a few drops of essential oil.
Avoid Overusing Detergent: Excess detergent can create a sticky residue that clogs the machine. Always use the recommended amount to prevent buildup and keep the machine running efficiently.
Use Eco-Friendly Cleaners: Opt for white vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils over harsh chemicals. These natural cleaners are gentle on the machine, effective at removing grime, and environmentally friendly.
Check and Clean the Filter Every Two Months: Even if the machine appears to be running fine, regular filter cleaning prevents debris buildup and keeps the machine’s drainage system clear.
Clean the Exterior: Wipe down the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth. Focus on the door, controls, and any areas where detergent may have spilled to prevent residue from hardening.
FAQs on Washing Machine Cleaning
Can I Use Bleach Instead of Vinegar?
Yes, but bleach should be used cautiously. It’s effective for killing mold and bacteria but can be harsh on certain machine parts. Vinegar is a gentler, natural alternative that works well for both deodorizing and sanitizing.
What Should I Do if My Washing Machine Still Smells After Cleaning?
Persistent odors may indicate a buildup in hidden areas, like hoses or the pump. Try using a specialty cleaner tablet designed for washing machines or run an extra vinegar cycle. Be sure to check and clean the filter and seals as well.
Is Vinegar Safe for All Washing Machines?
Vinegar is generally safe for most machine types, including high-efficiency (HE) models. However, always consult your machine’s manual, as some manufacturers have specific cleaning recommendations.
Should I Avoid Fabric Softeners?
Fabric softeners can leave a waxy residue in the machine that clogs filters and promotes mold growth. Instead, add a few drops of essential oils to the rinse cycle or use vinegar, which softens clothes naturally without buildup.
How Can I Prevent Lint Buildup?
Regular filter cleaning minimizes lint buildup. Additionally, using lint catchers in the drum during the wash cycle can help trap lint before it reaches the filter, keeping clothes and the machine cleaner.
Troubleshooting Tips for Keeping Your Washing Machine Fresh
Use Affresh or Similar Cleaning Tablets: If your washing machine has tough stains or persistent odors, run a cycle with a specialized cleaning tablet. These tablets dissolve slowly, penetrating nooks and crannies to remove stubborn residue.
Consider Adding Borax for Extra Deep Cleans: For an extra-deep clean every few months, add half a cup of borax along with baking soda in a hot cycle. Borax is excellent for breaking down mineral deposits and soap scum.
Check Hoses and Drain Pipes: Every six months, inspect your washing machine’s hoses and drain pipes for mineral buildup or blockages. Cleaning these parts reduces wear and prevents odors caused by trapped moisture.
Alternate Between Vinegar and Baking Soda for Regular Maintenance: While both are excellent cleaners, using vinegar one month and baking soda the next ensures that neither loses its effectiveness due to repeated use.
By following these guidelines, you can maintain a clean, efficient, and odor-free washing machine. Routine cleaning, along with monthly maintenance cycles and natural cleaning agents like vinegar and baking soda, will keep your appliance performing at its best. Enjoy fresh, clean laundry every time without unpleasant smells, and extend the life of your washing machine with these simple, effective practices.