Your washing machine cleans your clothes every week, but that doesn’t mean the machine itself stays clean.
Detergent residue, fabric softener, body oils, lint, hair, and moisture can gradually build up inside the drum, detergent drawer, door seal, and filter. Over time, that buildup can cause musty odors and even leave freshly washed clothes smelling less than fresh.
The good news is that cleaning your washing machine doesn’t have to be difficult. A simple monthly routine can help remove buildup, reduce odors, and keep your washer working properly.
Why You Should Clean Your Washing Machine
A washer can look clean from the outside while grime is collecting in places you rarely see.
Common trouble spots include:
- The washing drum
- The detergent dispenser
- The rubber door gasket
- The drain filter, if your machine has one
- Areas around the lid or door
This buildup can contribute to musty smells, mildew, detergent residue, and reduced washing performance.
Regular maintenance helps prevent these problems before they become difficult to deal with.
What You’ll Need
For a basic cleaning, gather:
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Warm water
- Microfiber cloth
- Soft brush or old toothbrush
- Small bowl or container
- Rubber gloves, if preferred
Before using vinegar or any other cleaning product, check your washing machine’s care instructions. Some manufacturers recommend a specific washing-machine cleaner instead.
Step 1: Empty the Washing Machine
Make sure there are no clothes inside the drum.
Check around the door seal, drum, and detergent compartment for forgotten socks, lint, hair, or other debris.
If you’re cleaning a front-loading washer, pay particular attention to the folds of the rubber gasket.
Step 2: Run the Machine’s Cleaning Cycle
If your washer has a Tub Clean, Drum Clean, or Self Clean program, use that setting and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
If your machine doesn’t have a dedicated cleaning cycle, use an empty hot cycle according to the care instructions for your model.
Some washers specifically recommend a commercial washing-machine cleaner rather than household ingredients, so check the manual before adding anything to the drum.
Step 3: Clean the Rubber Door Seal
Front-loading washers are especially prone to moisture collecting inside the rubber gasket.
Pull the seal back gently and inspect the folds.
Remove any:
- Hair
- Lint
- Dirt
- Soap residue
- Small objects
Wipe the gasket thoroughly with a damp microfiber cloth.
For tight areas, use a soft toothbrush rather than a hard or abrasive brush.
If you see persistent mold or heavy buildup, follow the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning procedure rather than repeatedly using harsh chemicals.
Step 4: Clean the Detergent Drawer
The detergent dispenser is another common hiding place for residue.
If the drawer is removable:
- Take it out according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Soak it in warm, soapy water.
- Scrub away residue with a soft brush.
- Rinse all compartments thoroughly.
- Dry it before putting it back.
Don’t forget the cavity where the drawer sits. Wipe away any detergent buildup that has collected inside.
Keeping this area clean can also help detergent and fabric softener flow properly during future cycles.
Step 5: Check the Drain Filter
Some washing machines have an accessible drain pump filter.
The filter can collect things such as:
- Lint
- Hair
- Coins
- Buttons
- Small pieces of debris
Not every washing machine has an accessible filter, and its location varies by model.
Check your owner’s manual before opening or removing anything. If your washer does have a filter, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for draining and cleaning it.
Step 6: Wipe the Outside
Once you’ve finished cleaning the internal components, wipe the exterior with a damp microfiber cloth.
Clean the:
- Control panel
- Door or lid
- Handle
- Top surface
- Front and sides
Avoid spraying cleaner directly onto electrical controls. Apply any suitable cleaner to the cloth instead.
Don’t Mix Cleaning Chemicals
One important safety rule is to never mix bleach with vinegar or other incompatible cleaning products.
If you use a commercial washing-machine cleaner, follow its label instructions and don’t combine it with other cleaners unless the manufacturer specifically says it’s safe.
More cleaning products don’t necessarily mean a cleaner washing machine.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
For most households, cleaning the washer about once a month is a good starting point.
You may need to clean it more frequently if:
- You wash laundry very often.
- You regularly wash heavily soiled clothes.
- You use a lot of detergent or fabric softener.
- Your washer develops a musty smell.
- You live in a warm or humid environment.
Your manufacturer’s maintenance schedule should always take priority.
How to Keep Your Washer Fresh Between Cleanings
A few simple habits can prevent buildup from returning quickly.
- Remove wet clothes promptly after each cycle.
- Leave the door or lid open when the washer isn’t being used, if the manufacturer permits it.
- Don’t use more detergent than recommended.
- Wipe the rubber gasket regularly.
- Clean the detergent drawer periodically.
- Avoid leaving damp laundry sitting inside the machine.
- Run the washer’s recommended maintenance cycle regularly.
These small habits help the drum and other components dry between loads and can reduce unpleasant odors.
Signs Your Washing Machine Needs Cleaning
Your washer may be overdue for maintenance if you notice:
- A musty smell inside the drum
- Clothes that don’t smell fresh after washing
- Visible residue around the gasket
- Mold or mildew around the door seal
- Detergent buildup in the dispenser
- Slow drainage
- Water remaining in the machine after a cycle
Don’t ignore persistent drainage problems or unusual noises. Those may indicate a mechanical issue rather than simply a dirty washer.
Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes when maintaining your washing machine:
- Using excessive detergent.
- Scrubbing rubber seals with abrasive tools.
- Pouring random cleaning chemicals into the machine.
- Mixing bleach with vinegar.
- Ignoring the detergent drawer.
- Forgetting about the drain filter when your model has one.
- Closing a damp washer immediately after a cycle.
Always follow the instructions specific to your machine.
Final Thoughts
A washing machine needs cleaning too. Regular maintenance helps remove detergent residue, lint, moisture, and other buildup that can contribute to musty odors and less-fresh laundry.
The most important habits are simple: clean the gasket and detergent drawer regularly, keep the washer ventilated between loads, check the filter if your model has one, and run the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning cycle.
A few minutes of maintenance each month can make a noticeable difference—not only in how your washing machine smells, but also in how fresh your clothes are after every wash.
