Clean Washer How to Clean Washing Machine

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

Detergent residue, fabric softener, lint, dirt, moisture, and everyday buildup can collect inside a washing machine over time. If left unattended, that buildup may contribute to unpleasant odors and leave the inside of your machine looking less than clean.

The good news is that you don't necessarily need special equipment to clean a washer. With a few household supplies and some routine maintenance, you can keep your washing machine fresh and ready for laundry day.

Here's how to clean both front-load and top-load washers, including the drum, detergent dispenser, door seal, and exterior.

Why Should You Clean Your Washer?

It seems strange that an appliance constantly filled with soap and water would need cleaning, but washing clothes doesn't automatically clean every part of the machine.

Residue can accumulate in areas such as:

• The washing machine drum
• Detergent and fabric-softener dispensers
• Rubber door seals and gaskets
• Around the lid or door
• Filters
• Small crevices where moisture remains

A regular washer-cleaning routine can help remove buildup, control odors, and keep the appliance cleaner between laundry loads.

If you've noticed that your washer smells musty even when it's empty, it's probably time to give it some attention.

How Often Should You Clean a Washer?

For many households, cleaning the washer about once a month is a useful maintenance routine. However, how frequently your machine needs cleaning depends on how often you use it, the washer design, the products you use, and whether moisture tends to remain inside.

You may want to clean it sooner if you notice:

• A musty or unpleasant smell
• Visible detergent or fabric-softener residue
• Buildup around the washer door
• A dirty detergent dispenser
• Debris around the gasket
• Clothes that don't smell as fresh as expected after washing

Always check your washing machine manufacturer's cleaning and maintenance instructions before using a cleaning product or method.

What Do You Need to Clean a Washer?

Before getting started, gather a few basic supplies.

Depending on your manufacturer's recommendations, you may need:

• Microfiber cloths
• A soft cleaning brush or old toothbrush
• Warm water
• Mild dish soap
• A manufacturer-approved washing machine cleaner
• Cleaning gloves

Some cleaning guides recommend household products such as white vinegar or baking soda. However, washer manufacturers differ on which products are appropriate for their machines. Follow the instructions in your owner's manual rather than assuming a particular cleaner is safe for every washer.

How to Clean a Front-Load Washer

Front-loading washing machines are efficient and convenient, but moisture and residue can collect around the rubber door gasket.

1. Empty the Washer

Remove all clothing and other items from the machine.

You want the washer completely empty before beginning a cleaning cycle.

2. Clean the Rubber Gasket

Gently pull back the folds of the rubber gasket around the washer door.

Check for hair, lint, detergent buildup, or other debris. Remove loose material and wipe the gasket using an appropriate cleaning solution recommended for your machine.

Pay particular attention to the folds where moisture can remain after a wash.

3. Clean the Detergent Dispenser

Remove the detergent drawer if your washer allows it.

Rinse removable components according to the manufacturer's instructions and use a soft brush to loosen accumulated detergent or fabric-softener residue.

Wipe the compartment before reinstalling the drawer.

4. Run the Washer's Cleaning Cycle

Many modern washers have a setting labeled something similar to:

• Clean Washer
• Tub Clean
• Self Clean
• Drum Clean

Follow your appliance manufacturer's instructions for that cycle, including whether a washer-cleaning product should be added.

If your machine doesn't have a dedicated cleaning cycle, consult its manual for the recommended alternative.

5. Wipe the Drum and Door

After the cycle finishes, wipe down the inside of the door, drum, and gasket with a clean microfiber cloth.

Pay attention to any remaining moisture or loosened residue.

6. Let the Washer Dry

When appropriate for your appliance and household, leaving the washer door slightly open between loads can improve airflow and help the interior dry.

Follow the manufacturer's guidance, particularly in homes where an open appliance door could create a safety concern for children or pets.

How to Clean a Top-Load Washer

If you have a top-loading washing machine, the process is slightly different.

1. Remove Everything From the Washer

Make sure there are no clothes or other items inside.

2. Inspect the Interior

Look around the drum, agitator or impeller, lid, dispensers, and upper rim for visible buildup.

These areas can collect detergent, lint, and grime.

3. Clean the Dispensers

If your washer has removable detergent, bleach, or fabric-softener dispensers, clean them according to the manufacturer's directions.

A soft brush can be useful for reaching corners and removing stubborn residue.

4. Run a Clean Washer or Tub-Cleaning Cycle

Select your washer's designated cleaning cycle and follow its instructions.

Use only the cleaning product and quantity recommended for your machine.

5. Wipe Down the Interior

Once the cycle is complete, wipe the drum, lid, agitator, dispensers, and surrounding surfaces.

If you still see buildup, address those areas individually rather than assuming another full cleaning cycle is necessary.

How to Clean a Washer That Smells

If you're specifically trying to clean a washer that smells, don't focus only on the drum.

Odor can originate from moisture and residue elsewhere in the machine.

Inspect:

• Rubber gaskets
• Detergent dispensers
• Fabric-softener compartments
• The area around the washer door or lid
• Accessible filters, where applicable

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

If a strong odor continues after thorough cleaning, check the appliance manual for filter or drain-maintenance instructions.

Persistent odors can sometimes indicate an issue requiring appliance maintenance rather than additional surface cleaning.

How to Clean a Washer Gasket

The gasket deserves special attention on a front-loading machine.

Start with the washer empty and off. Carefully inspect the gasket folds and remove loose lint, hair, or debris.

Using a cleaner approved for your washer's gasket material, wipe both the visible surface and accessible folds. Use a soft brush where necessary, but avoid damaging or pulling excessively on the seal.

Finish by wiping the gasket dry.

Regularly checking this area can prevent a small amount of buildup from turning into a much larger cleaning job.

How to Clean the Outside of Your Washing Machine

The exterior needs attention too.

Wipe the:

• Control panel
• Buttons and knobs
• Door or lid
• Handle
• Top and sides of the appliance

Use a soft microfiber cloth and a surface cleaner suitable for the appliance finish.

Avoid saturating control panels with liquid. Apply cleaner to the cloth rather than spraying excessive liquid directly around electronic controls.

Washer Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Cleaning a washing machine is straightforward, but a few common mistakes can cause unnecessary problems.

Don't mix cleaning chemicals. Combining products—particularly bleach with acids such as vinegar—can create dangerous fumes.

Don't assume every DIY cleaning method is appropriate for your washer. Appliance materials and manufacturer recommendations vary.

Don't forget the gasket and dispensers. Running a cleaning cycle doesn't necessarily remove buildup from every crevice.

Don't use excessive detergent when doing laundry. More detergent doesn't automatically mean cleaner clothes and can contribute to residue.

Don't ignore the owner's manual. Your washer manufacturer knows which cycles, products, filters, and maintenance procedures apply to your particular machine.

How to Keep Your Washer Cleaner Between Deep Cleans

A few small habits can reduce buildup between cleanings:

1. Remove wet clothes promptly after the cycle ends.
2. Wipe visible moisture from the door and gasket when needed.
3. Use the correct amount and type of laundry detergent.
4. Clean detergent and fabric-softener dispensers periodically.
5. Check accessible filters according to the manufacturer's schedule.
6. Allow appropriate airflow after washing when recommended.
7. Run the machine's cleaning cycle regularly.

These steps take very little time compared with tackling months of accumulated residue later.

Should You Use Vinegar to Clean a Washer?

You'll find countless online instructions recommending vinegar for washing-machine cleaning. Whether you should use it depends on your particular appliance.

Some manufacturers caution against certain cleaners because repeated exposure could affect components or materials. That's why your washer's manual should take priority over generic cleaning advice.

If your manufacturer recommends a specific washer cleaner or cleaning procedure, follow that recommendation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning a Washer

What is the best way to clean a washer?

Start by checking the manufacturer's instructions. Generally, you'll want to clean the detergent dispenser, gasket or lid area, remove visible debris, and run the machine's designated cleaning cycle with an approved cleaning product.

How do I clean a washer naturally?

Before using vinegar, baking soda, or another household ingredient, check whether your washing machine manufacturer approves it. "Natural" doesn't necessarily mean appropriate for every appliance material.

How often should I clean my washing machine?

Monthly cleaning is a reasonable routine for many households, but your washer's instructions and usage pattern should determine the exact frequency.

Why does my washing machine smell?

Moisture, detergent residue, fabric softener, lint, and other buildup can contribute to odors. Check the gasket, dispensers, drum, and any manufacturer-designated filters or drains.

Can I clean a washer with bleach?

Only use bleach for washer cleaning when your appliance manufacturer specifically permits it and follow the required quantity and procedure. Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or other cleaning chemicals.

Do washing machine cleaning tablets work?

Products designed specifically for washing machines can be convenient, provided they're compatible with your appliance. Follow both the product directions and your washer manufacturer's recommendations.

Does the Clean Washer cycle actually clean the machine?

A dedicated cleaning cycle is designed to help clean the washer drum and internal areas, but you'll still need to manually address components such as detergent dispensers and door gaskets when buildup is present.

A Clean Washer Is Part of a Cleaner Home

Your washing machine works hard to keep clothing, towels, bedding, and other washable items fresh. Giving the appliance a little routine attention helps keep the laundry area cleaner too.

And while you're cleaning the washer, you may realize the rest of the house could use some attention.

That's where The CoBuilders comes in.

From routine house cleaning to deep cleaning, The CoBuilders connects households with vetted professional cleaners and makes it easy to choose the rooms you need cleaned, see your price, and book service online.

Book professional house cleaning with The CoBuilders and take more cleaning off your to-do list.

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