How to Clean a Washing Machine

A washing machine that isn't cleaned regularly develops mold, mildew, soap scum, and mineral deposits that transfer to your laundry — causing musty smells, residue on clothes, and reduced cleaning performance. Monthly cleaning keeps it running efficiently and your laundry truly clean. Here's how.

Why Washing Machines Need Regular Cleaning

• Detergent and fabric softener residue accumulates in the drum and dispenser
• Mold and mildew grow in the door seal (front-loaders) and drum
• Hard water minerals deposit on the drum and heating element
• Lint and debris accumulate in the filter
• Bacteria from dirty laundry can remain in the drum

What You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Microfiber cloths
• Old toothbrush
• Rubber gloves

Recommended: white vinegar, baking soda, microfiber cloths, and rubber gloves.

How to Clean a Front-Load Washing Machine

Step 1: Clean the Door Seal (Most Important)

The rubber door seal is the most common source of mold and musty odors in front-loaders:

1. Pull back the folds of the rubber seal and inspect for mold and debris.
2. Wipe the seal with a cloth dampened with white vinegar.
3. Use an old toothbrush to scrub mold from the folds and crevices.
4. For heavy mold, apply a diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon per cup of water), let sit 5 minutes, scrub, and wipe clean.
5. Dry the seal thoroughly with a clean cloth.

Step 2: Clean the Detergent Dispenser

1. Remove the detergent dispenser drawer (usually pulls straight out).
2. Soak in warm water with dish soap for 15 minutes.
3. Scrub with a toothbrush to remove detergent and fabric softener buildup.
4. Rinse thoroughly and replace.

Step 3: Run a Vinegar Cleaning Cycle

1. Pour 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum.
2. Run the hottest, longest cycle available (often labeled "Clean" or "Drum Clean").
3. The vinegar dissolves mineral deposits, soap scum, and kills bacteria and mold throughout the drum and internal components.

Step 4: Run a Baking Soda Cycle

1. After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drum.
2. Run another hot cycle.
3. The baking soda deodorizes and removes any remaining residue.

Step 5: Wipe the Drum and Door

1. After the cycles complete, wipe the drum interior with a clean microfiber cloth.
2. Wipe the door glass inside and out.
3. Leave the door open to allow the drum to dry completely.

Step 6: Clean the Filter

Front-loaders have a pump filter (usually behind a small panel at the bottom front):

1. Place a towel under the filter panel to catch water.
2. Open the panel and slowly unscrew the filter.
3. Remove lint, coins, and debris.
4. Rinse the filter under warm water and scrub with a toothbrush.
5. Replace the filter and close the panel.

How to Clean a Top-Load Washing Machine

Step 1: Run a Hot Vinegar Cycle

1. Set the machine to the largest load size and hottest water temperature.
2. Start the cycle and let the drum fill with water.
3. Add 4 cups of white vinegar to the water.
4. Let the machine agitate for 1 minute, then pause the cycle.
5. Let the vinegar water soak for 1 hour.
6. Resume and complete the cycle.

Step 2: Run a Baking Soda Cycle

1. Add 1 cup of baking soda to the drum.
2. Run another hot cycle.

Step 3: Clean the Drum, Agitator, and Lid

1. Wipe the drum interior with a vinegar-dampened cloth.
2. Scrub the agitator with a toothbrush and vinegar.
3. Wipe the lid interior and the rim of the drum.

Step 4: Clean the Detergent Dispenser

Remove and wash the dispenser in warm soapy water. Scrub with a toothbrush and rinse.

How Often Should You Clean a Washing Machine?

• Door seal wipe (front-loaders): weekly
• Full cleaning cycle: monthly
• Detergent dispenser: monthly
• Filter (front-loaders): every 3 months

Preventing Washing Machine Mold and Odors

• Leave the door open after every wash – allows the drum and seal to dry; the single most effective prevention habit for front-loaders
• Remove laundry promptly – wet laundry left in the drum promotes mold growth
• Use HE detergent in HE machines – regular detergent creates excess suds that leave residue
• Use the correct amount of detergent – too much detergent leaves residue that promotes mold
• Wipe the door seal after every wash – removes moisture before mold can grow

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my washing machine smell musty?

Musty smell is almost always caused by mold in the door seal (front-loaders) or detergent residue in the drum. Clean the door seal thoroughly with vinegar or diluted bleach, run a hot vinegar cycle, and leave the door open after every wash.

Can I use bleach to clean a washing machine?

Yes — bleach is effective for killing mold in washing machines. Add ½ cup of bleach to the drum and run a hot cycle. Never mix bleach with vinegar. Run an additional rinse cycle after bleach to remove all residue.

How do I know if my washing machine filter needs cleaning?

Signs include: clothes coming out with lint or debris, the machine draining slowly, or a musty smell that persists after cleaning the drum and seal. Clean the filter every 3 months as preventive maintenance.

Final Thoughts

A clean washing machine starts with the door seal — mold in the seal is the most common source of musty laundry smell. Monthly vinegar and baking soda cleaning cycles maintain the drum; leaving the door open after every wash prevents mold from establishing. A clean washing machine cleans clothes more effectively, uses less energy, and lasts longer.