How to Clean a Washing Machine & Remove Odors

Your washing machine cleans clothes every week, but when was the last time you cleaned the washer itself?

Detergent residue, fabric softener, lint, hair, dirt, and moisture can collect inside a washing machine over time.

That buildup may appear around the drum, detergent dispenser, rubber gasket, lid, filter, and other areas that do not completely clean themselves during an ordinary laundry cycle.

If your washer smells musty, has visible residue, or simply has not been cleaned recently, a little routine maintenance can make a noticeable difference.

Whether you have a front-load or top-load machine, this guide explains how to clean a washer, where buildup hides, how to deal with odors, and what mistakes to avoid.

Why Should You Clean Your Washer?

It seems logical that an appliance constantly filled with detergent and water should clean itself.

Unfortunately, washing clothes does not automatically clean every part of the machine.

Residue can accumulate inside areas such as the drum, detergent and fabric-softener dispensers, rubber seals, filters, and small crevices where moisture remains.

Regular washer cleaning can help remove that buildup and keep the appliance fresher between laundry loads.

Common signs that your washer needs attention include:

Musty or stale odors
Visible detergent residue
Fabric-softener buildup
Dirt around the door or lid
Debris inside the gasket
A dirty detergent drawer
Clothes that do not smell as fresh as expected

If the washer smells unpleasant even when it is completely empty, it is worth investigating where the odor is coming from.

How Often Should You Clean a Washing Machine?

For many households, cleaning the washer about once a month is a useful starting point.

Your actual schedule may depend on:

How frequently you do laundry
Whether you have a front-load or top-load washer
How much detergent you use
Whether you use fabric softener
How much moisture remains inside
Manufacturer recommendations

A heavily used washer may require attention more often.

The best schedule is the one recommended for your particular appliance.

Before Cleaning Your Washer, Check the Owner's Manual

This is one of the most important steps.

Washing-machine designs and materials vary.

A product that is appropriate for one washer may not be recommended for another.

Before using:

Vinegar
Baking soda
Bleach
Washing-machine cleaning tablets
Descaling products
Other household cleaners

check your washer manufacturer's cleaning instructions.

If the manufacturer specifies a particular washer-cleaning product or procedure, follow that guidance.

What Do You Need to Clean a Washer?

You usually do not need complicated equipment.

Useful supplies may include microfiber cloths, a soft cleaning brush or old toothbrush, warm water, mild dish soap, cleaning gloves, and a manufacturer-approved washing-machine cleaner.

The exact products you use should depend on your appliance instructions.

How to Clean a Front-Load Washer

Front-load washing machines need particular attention around the rubber door gasket because moisture and residue can remain in its folds.

Step 1: Empty the Washer

Remove all clothing, towels, and other items.

The washer should be completely empty before you run its cleaning cycle.

Step 2: Inspect the Rubber Door Gasket

Gently pull back accessible folds in the gasket.

Look for:

Lint
Hair
Detergent residue
Small objects
Moisture
Other debris

Remove loose material and wipe the gasket using a cleaner approved for your washer.

Pay close attention to folds where moisture can linger after washing.

Step 3: Clean the Detergent Dispenser

Detergent and fabric softener can accumulate inside the dispenser.

If the drawer is removable, take it out according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Rinse removable pieces and use a soft brush where necessary to loosen residue.

Wipe the dispenser compartment before reinstalling the drawer.

Step 4: Run the Clean Washer Cycle

Many front-load washers have a dedicated cycle labeled something like:

Clean Washer, Drum Clean, Tub Clean, or Self Clean.

Select that cycle and follow the manufacturer's instructions about whether a cleaning product should be added.

If your machine does not have a dedicated washer-cleaning setting, check its manual for the recommended alternative.

Step 5: Wipe the Drum and Door

After the cleaning cycle finishes, use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe the drum, inside of the door, and gasket.

Remove loosened residue and remaining moisture.

Step 6: Let the Washer Dry

When appropriate for your appliance and household, allowing some airflow after laundry can help the interior dry.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions, particularly if leaving the appliance door open could pose a safety concern for children or pets.

How to Clean a Top-Load Washer

Top-load washing machines need routine cleaning too.

The process is slightly different because there is usually no front-door gasket.

Step 1: Empty the Washer

Remove everything from the machine.

Check the drum for forgotten objects.

Step 2: Inspect the Interior

Look at the:

Drum
Agitator or impeller
Lid
Upper rim
Detergent dispenser
Fabric-softener dispenser

Remove visible lint, dirt, detergent residue, or other debris.

Step 3: Clean the Dispensers

If the detergent, bleach, or fabric-softener dispensers can be removed, clean them according to the washer instructions.

Use a soft brush for residue that is difficult to reach.

Step 4: Run the Washer Cleaning Cycle

Choose the machine's designated Clean Washer, Tub Clean, or equivalent cycle.

Use only the product and amount recommended by the appliance manufacturer.

Step 5: Wipe the Interior

Once the cycle is finished, wipe accessible areas including the drum, lid, agitator or impeller, dispensers, and upper rim.

Allow the interior to dry.

How to Clean a Washer That Smells

If your main problem is a smelly washing machine, cleaning only the drum may not solve it.

Odors can originate from several parts of the washer.

Check:

Rubber gasket
Detergent drawer
Fabric-softener compartment
Drum
Door or lid
Accessible filter
Areas where moisture remains

Clean visible buildup and then run the recommended washer-cleaning cycle.

If a strong smell remains afterward, check the appliance manual for filter, drain, or other maintenance instructions.

Persistent odors can sometimes indicate an appliance-maintenance issue rather than ordinary surface residue.

How to Clean a Washing Machine Gasket

The gasket on a front-load washer is one of the most important areas to inspect.

With the washer empty and off, carefully examine the folds.

Remove loose:

Hair
Lint
Dirt
Small objects
Detergent buildup

Use a cleaner approved for the gasket material and wipe accessible areas carefully.

A soft brush can help with small crevices, but avoid damaging or aggressively pulling on the seal.

Finish by wiping the gasket dry.

How to Clean a Washing Machine Detergent Drawer

The detergent drawer can become surprisingly dirty.

Liquid detergent, powdered detergent, and fabric softener may leave sticky residue behind.

If your washer allows the drawer to be removed:

Remove it according to the manual.
Rinse removable components.
Use a soft brush on stubborn residue.
Wipe the compartment where the drawer sits.
Allow the pieces to dry.
Reinstall the drawer correctly.

Cleaning the dispenser periodically is much easier than waiting until heavy buildup develops.

How to Clean a Washing Machine Filter

Some washing machines have an owner-accessible filter.

Depending on the model, a filter may collect:

Lint
Hair
Small objects
Coins
Other debris

Before opening any filter compartment, consult your washer manual.

Some filters may release residual water when opened, so follow the manufacturer's procedure rather than removing components without preparation.

If your washer does not identify a filter as user-serviceable, do not disassemble the machine trying to find one.

How to Clean the Washing Machine Drum

For most modern washers, the manufacturer's cleaning cycle is the best starting point for cleaning the drum.

Run the designated cycle with the recommended cleaning product.

Afterward, inspect the drum and wipe away any visible residue.

Avoid adding extra detergent to a washer-cleaning cycle unless the manufacturer specifically tells you to.

More soap does not mean more cleaning.

Does the Clean Washer Cycle Really Work?

A dedicated Clean Washer cycle is designed to help clean the drum and internal areas of the machine.

But it does not necessarily clean every part you can see.

You may still need to manually clean:

Gasket
Detergent dispenser
Fabric-softener compartment
Door or lid
Exterior
Accessible filters

Think of the cleaning cycle as one part of washer maintenance rather than the entire process.

Should You Use Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets?

Washing-machine cleaner tablets can be convenient when they are compatible with your appliance.

Follow:

Washer manufacturer recommendations
Product directions
Correct dosage
Recommended cleaning cycle

Do not assume that using extra tablets will produce a cleaner machine.

Use only the amount directed.

Can You Clean a Washer With Vinegar?

Vinegar is one of the most frequently recommended DIY washing-machine cleaners.

But it should not automatically be used in every washer.

Some manufacturers caution against repeated use of acidic products because they may not be appropriate for certain internal components or seals. The existing article correctly makes manufacturer instructions the priority over generic vinegar advice.

Before using vinegar, check your washer manual.

If your manufacturer recommends another cleaning product, follow that recommendation.

Can You Use Baking Soda to Clean a Washing Machine?

Baking soda also appears frequently in homemade washer-cleaning recipes.

Again, check the appliance instructions first.

Different washer materials, finishes, seals, and cleaning systems can require different maintenance methods.

There is no reason to introduce a DIY ingredient when the manufacturer recommends a specific cleaning procedure.

Can You Clean a Washer With Bleach?

Some washer manufacturers recommend bleach for particular cleaning procedures.

Others may recommend different products.

Only use bleach when your washer's instructions allow it, and follow the specified amount.

Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, acids, or other household cleaning products.

Mixing cleaning chemicals can create dangerous fumes.

Why Does My Washing Machine Smell Like Mildew?

A musty odor usually means moisture and residue are lingering somewhere in the machine.

Possible areas include:

Gasket folds
Dispensers
Drum
Filter
Drain-related areas
Damp interior surfaces

Clean the accessible areas according to the manufacturer instructions and run the recommended cleaning cycle.

If the smell repeatedly returns despite routine maintenance, the problem may require appliance service.

Why Does My Washer Smell After I Clean It?

If odor remains after cleaning, several possibilities are worth checking.

You may have cleaned the drum but missed the dispenser or gasket.

A filter may require maintenance.

Residue may remain in a drain-related component.

The cleaning cycle may have loosened buildup that still needs to be wiped away.

Or the issue may go beyond ordinary cleaning.

Check your washer's troubleshooting information before repeatedly adding more cleaning products.

Why Is There Black Residue in My Washing Machine?

Dark residue can come from several sources, including detergent buildup, fabric-softener residue, lint, accumulated grime, or material collecting around the gasket and dispensers.

Do not identify dark residue by appearance alone.

Clean accessible buildup according to your appliance instructions.

If the material repeatedly returns, appears extensive, or is associated with an appliance problem, consider having the washer inspected.

Why Is My Detergent Dispenser Dirty?

Detergent drawers can remain damp and may hold small amounts of detergent or fabric softener after each wash.

Over time, that can create visible residue.

Using more detergent than required can also contribute to buildup.

Follow your detergent and washing-machine instructions for the correct amount.

More detergent does not automatically make clothes cleaner.

How to Clean the Outside of a Washing Machine

The washer exterior needs cleaning too.

Wipe accessible areas such as:

Control panel
Buttons
Knobs
Door or lid
Handle
Top
Sides

Use a microfiber cloth and a cleaner appropriate for the appliance finish.

Rather than spraying large amounts of cleaner directly onto controls, apply the product to the cloth when appropriate.

Avoid allowing excess liquid around electronic components.

Common Washer Cleaning Mistakes

One of the biggest mistakes is assuming that anything labeled as a household cleaner is automatically safe for your washing machine.

Also avoid mixing chemicals, forgetting the gasket and dispensers, using excessive detergent, ignoring accessible filters, repeatedly running cleaning cycles instead of addressing visible residue, and overlooking the owner's manual.

Your appliance manufacturer should be the primary source for product compatibility and machine-specific maintenance.

How to Keep a Washer Cleaner Between Deep Cleans

Good habits can reduce how much buildup develops between cleaning sessions.

Remove wet clothing promptly after a wash.

Use the correct amount of detergent.

Periodically clean the detergent and fabric-softener dispensers.

Wipe visible moisture from the gasket when needed.

Check owner-accessible filters according to the manufacturer's schedule.

Allow appropriate airflow when recommended.

Run the washer-cleaning cycle regularly rather than waiting until strong odors develop.

These small tasks usually take less effort than tackling months of accumulated residue.

Front-Load vs. Top-Load Washer Cleaning

The basic goal is the same: remove residue, clean accessible components, and maintain the machine according to manufacturer instructions.

But the areas that require attention differ.

Front-load washers often need more attention around the door gasket.

Top-load washers may need more attention around the upper rim, lid, agitator or impeller, and dispenser areas.

Both types benefit from regular inspection rather than relying entirely on a cleaning cycle.

How to Clean a Washer After Leaving Wet Clothes Inside

Almost everyone eventually forgets a load of laundry.

If damp clothing has been sitting in the washer and the machine develops an odor:

Remove the laundry.

Rewash the clothing according to its care instructions if necessary.

Inspect the drum, gasket, and dispenser.

Wipe away visible moisture or residue.

Then run the manufacturer's recommended washer-cleaning cycle if needed.

Allow the washer to dry before using it again.

Can Too Much Detergent Make a Washer Dirty?

Yes, excess detergent can contribute to residue inside a washing machine.

The correct amount depends on factors such as:

Detergent type
Washer type
Load size
Water conditions
Product directions

Follow both the detergent label and washing-machine instructions.

Adding extra detergent does not necessarily improve cleaning performance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning a Washer

What is the best way to clean a washer?

Start with the manufacturer's instructions.

Generally, cleaning involves removing visible debris, cleaning dispensers and the gasket or lid area, checking accessible filters, and running the machine's designated cleaning cycle.

How often should I clean my washing machine?

About once a month can be a useful starting point for many households, but washer usage and manufacturer recommendations should determine the actual frequency.

How do I clean a smelly washer?

Inspect and clean the gasket, detergent dispenser, drum, accessible filters, and other moisture-prone areas.

Then run the manufacturer's recommended washer-cleaning cycle.

How do I clean a front-load washing machine?

Clean the rubber gasket and detergent drawer, run the designated cleaning cycle, wipe the drum and door, and allow the washer to dry according to manufacturer guidance.

How do I clean a top-load washing machine?

Inspect the drum, lid, agitator or impeller, and dispensers, remove visible buildup, run the appropriate washer-cleaning cycle, and wipe accessible surfaces afterward.

Can I clean a washer naturally?

Check the appliance manufacturer's recommendations before using vinegar, baking soda, or another household ingredient.

A product being natural does not automatically make it suitable for every washer.

Can I use bleach to clean my washing machine?

Only if your washer manufacturer permits it.

Follow the required quantity and procedure, and never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or other household cleaners.

Do washer-cleaning tablets work?

They can be convenient when designed for washing machines and compatible with your appliance.

Follow both the cleaner instructions and washer-manufacturer guidance.

Why does my washer still smell after cleaning?

The odor may be coming from a gasket, dispenser, filter, drain-related component, or another area not addressed by the cleaning cycle.

Persistent odor may require appliance maintenance.

Does the Clean Washer cycle clean the entire washing machine?

Not necessarily.

The cycle helps clean internal areas, but visible components such as the gasket, detergent drawer, lid, and accessible filters may still require manual cleaning.