How to Clean a Washing Machine: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Written by: Sarah Mitchell
Reviewed for clarity and accuracy by: Marcus Chen, Senior Content Editor
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Do you ever open your washing machine and get a sniff of something bad? It smells like damp towels, old mud, or wet dog. This is a common problem for many people. We use these machines to clean our clothes, so we expect the machine itself to stay clean. But soap, water, dirt, and body oils can build up inside the drum, the seals, and the pipes.
If you do not clean your appliance, this buildup can make your clean clothes smell musty. It can even shorten the life of your machine. Learning how to clean a washing machine is simple, cheap, and only takes a little bit of your time. This guide will show you exactly how to do it using items you likely already have in your kitchen cupboards.
Quick Answer
To clean your washing machine, run a hot wash cycle with two cups of white vinegar to break down grime. Next, run a second hot cycle with a half-cup of baking soda to remove odors. Finally, wipe down the rubber seal, clean the detergent drawer, and clear out the drain filter.
Key Takeaways
- Washing machines need a deep clean once a month to prevent mold, mildew, and bad odors.
- White vinegar and baking soda are cheap, safe, and highly effective cleaning agents.
- Never mix vinegar and bleach together, as this creates a dangerous gas.
- Front-loading machines need extra attention around the rubber door seal where water pools.
- Cleaning the drain pump filter is the most forgotten step, but it keeps your machine running well.
Table of Contents
- Why Washing Machines Get Dirty
- What You Need to Clean Your Machine
- How to Clean a Top-Loading Machine
- How to Clean a Front-Loading Machine
- Cleaning the Drawer, Gasket, and Filter
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Practical Maintenance Checklist
- What This Guide Can and Can't Do
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
Why Washing Machines Get Dirty
We think of washing machines as self-cleaning. After all, they are constantly filled with soapy water. But the truth is quite different. Modern laundry habits can actually make our machines dirtier than they used to be.
First, many of us wash our clothes at lower temperatures now. Cold water is great for saving energy and protecting your clothes. However, cold water does not dissolve soap scum or kill bacteria very well. Over time, a thin layer of soap and body grease coats the inside of the drum. This layer is a perfect breeding ground for mold.
Second, liquid fabric softeners leave a greasy film inside the machine. This film traps dirt and hair, creating a sticky mess in hidden areas. If you want more practical home tips, you can check out the main page of Guru4Guru where we share simple guides for your home.
Finally, front-loading machines have a big design flaw. They use a thick rubber gasket to keep water from leaking out. Water often sits in the folds of this gasket after a wash. If you close the door right away, that trapped moisture turns into black mold very quickly.
What You Need to Clean Your Machine
You do not need to buy expensive, specialized chemical cleaners to get a fresh machine. The best ingredients are cheap, natural, and safe for the environment. Here is your shopping list:
- White vinegar: The acid in vinegar cuts through hard water deposits and soap scum. It also helps kill bacteria.
- Baking soda: This mild powder scrubs surfaces gently and neutralizes bad odors.
- Microfiber cloth: For wiping down surfaces without leaving lint behind.
- An old toothbrush: Perfect for scrubbing tight corners, the detergent drawer, and rubber folds.
- Dish soap: For washing removable parts in the sink.
Tip: If your machine is very dirty or has a strong mold smell, you can use liquid chlorine bleach instead of vinegar. But remember, you must never use them together. Run a complete water-only cycle between using different cleaners.
How to Clean a Top-Loading Machine
Top-loading washing machines are generally easier to clean than front-loaders because they do not have a large rubber door seal. However, they have a larger drum and often use more water. Here is how to clean one step by step.
Step 1: Fill the machine with hot water
Set your empty washing machine to the hottest water setting. Choose the largest load size and the longest wash cycle. Let the tub fill with hot water. Do not add any clothes or detergent.
Step 2: Add the vinegar
As the tub fills, pour in four cups of white vinegar. If your machine has a lid lock, wait until it fills, pause it, and then add the liquid. Let the machine agitate for about a minute to mix the water and vinegar.
Step 3: Pause and soak
Open the lid or pause the cycle. Let the hot vinegar mixture sit in the drum for one hour. This soaking time is key. It allows the acid to loosen the grime and hard water scale on the drum walls.
Step 4: Wipe the top parts
While the water sits, dip your microfiber cloth into the warm vinegar mixture. Wipe down the top of the machine, the lid, and the rim of the tub. Use your toothbrush to clean around the hinges and any small crevices.
Step 5: Run the cycle and repeat with baking soda
Close the lid and let the cycle finish. Once the water drains, start a second hot wash cycle. This time, add one cup of baking soda directly into the water. Let it run through the entire cycle. The baking soda will scrub away any remaining residue and remove lingering smells.
How to Clean a Front-Loading Machine
Front-loading machines are prone to mold because water gets trapped in the rubber seal. They also use less water, which means soap scum is less likely to wash away completely. Follow these steps to clean a front-loader.
Step 1: Spray the drum and seal
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the inside of the empty metal drum. Spray the rubber door seal thoroughly, making sure to get deep into the folds. Wipe everything down with a clean cloth.
Step 2: Add vinegar to the dispenser
Pour two cups of white vinegar directly into the liquid detergent compartment of your drawer. If your machine has a "tub clean" cycle, select that. If not, choose the hottest wash cycle with an extra rinse option.
Step 3: Run the hot cycle
Let the machine run through the entire cycle. The hot water and vinegar will clean the outer tub, the heating element, and the drain pipes where you cannot reach.
Step 4: Run a baking soda cycle
Once the first cycle ends, sprinkle a half-cup of baking soda directly into the bottom of the drum. Do not put it in the drawer. Run another hot cycle. This will freshen the machine and leave it smelling clean.
| Method | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinegar & Baking Soda | Cheap, natural, eco-friendly, removes scale | Takes two cycles to complete | Monthly maintenance and light odors |
| Chlorine Bleach | Kills 99.9% of mold and bacteria quickly | Harsh chemical smell, can ruin clothes if left behind | Heavy mold build-up and strong smells |
| Commercial Tablets | Easy to use, fast, pre-measured | More expensive, contains artificial chemicals | Busy people who want a quick solution |
Cleaning the Drawer, Gasket, and Filter
Cleaning the drum is only half the job. To truly keep your machine fresh, you must clean the smaller parts where grime hides. This is where most of the bad smells come from.
The Detergent Drawer
Pull the detergent drawer out completely. Most machines have a small release button inside the drawer that you can press to slide it out. Soak the drawer in warm, soapy water. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away crusty laundry powder, blue liquid gel, and mold. Wipe the inside of the drawer compartment in the machine before sliding the clean drawer back in.
The Rubber Door Gasket
This is the rubber ring around the door of a front-loading machine. Pull the folds back gently. You will likely find hair, lint, coins, and black slime. Wipe this area with a cloth soaked in vinegar water. If the black mold spots do not come off, lay a towel soaked in vinegar over the spots and let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing.
The Drain Pump Filter
Most front-loaders have a small door at the bottom front of the machine. Inside is a filter that catches lint, hair, and small objects. Put a shallow tray and a towel on the floor first. Open the door and slowly unscrew the filter. Water will pour out, which is normal. Clean the filter under the tap to remove all the slime and hair, then screw it back in tightly.
Once your laundry room is clean, you might want to read our guide on how to declutter your home to make the rest of your space feel just as fresh.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make simple errors when caring for their washing machines. Avoiding these mistakes will save you money on repairs and keep your machine working longer.
- Leaving the door closed: Closing the door right after a wash traps moisture. Always leave the door open a crack so the air can dry out the inside of the drum.
- Using too much detergent: Modern detergents are highly concentrated. Using too much does not make clothes cleaner. It just creates excess suds that build up inside the machine's pipes.
- Mixing bleach and vinegar: This is a very dangerous mistake. Mixing these two items creates toxic chlorine gas. If you use bleach to clean your machine, run at least two empty water cycles before using vinegar.
- Ignoring the drain filter: A clogged filter makes your machine work harder to drain water. This can cause leaks and eventually burn out the pump motor.
- Leaving wet clothes inside: Leaving damp laundry in the machine for hours creates a musty smell that is very hard to get rid of. Try to unload your clothes as soon as the cycle ends.
Practical Maintenance Checklist
- Leave the door open after every single wash load to let the drum dry.
- Wipe the rubber door seal with a dry cloth once a week.
- Remove and rinse the detergent drawer every two weeks.
- Run a hot vinegar and baking soda wash once a month.
- Check and clean the drain pump filter every three months.
- Check the water inlet hoses for cracks or bulges once a year.
What This Guide Can and Can't Do
This guide offers general advice for cleaning standard household washing machines. It is designed to help you remove normal dirt, soap buildup, and light mold. It cannot fix mechanical issues, broken water pumps, or deep electrical problems. Always check your appliance manual before cleaning, as some manufacturers have specific rules for their models.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my washing machine?
You should clean your washing machine once a month. If you wash dirty work clothes or pet bedding often, you may want to clean it every two weeks to keep it smelling fresh.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
It is best to use white vinegar. Apple cider vinegar contains natural sugars and organic matter that could leave a residue behind, whereas white vinegar is highly acidic and completely clean.
Why does my front-load washer still smell after cleaning?
The smell is likely coming from the drain pump filter at the bottom of the machine. If you have not cleaned this filter, trapped hair and organic matter will continue to rot and cause bad odors.
Is vinegar safe for the rubber parts of my machine?
Yes, vinegar is safe when diluted with water during a wash cycle. However, you should not soak rubber parts in pure vinegar for long periods, as the acid can slowly degrade rubber over many years.
Can I use dishwasher tablets to clean my washer?
Some people do this, but it is not recommended. Dishwasher tablets are designed for different materials and create very few suds. They may not rinse out properly from a washing machine's piping system.
What is the best temperature for a cleaning cycle?
Use the hottest temperature setting your machine offers. This is usually 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit) or 90 degrees Celsius (194 degrees Fahrenheit). Hot water is necessary to melt grease and dissolve soap scum.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your washing machine clean is a simple chore that pays off in a big way. By spending just a few minutes once a month, you can ensure your clothes always smell fresh and extend the life of your appliance. Start by checking your door seal today and running a hot wash with vinegar. Your clothes, and your nose, will thank you.
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