Your washing machine cleans your clothes, but that doesn’t mean the machine itself stays clean.
Over time, detergent residue, fabric softener, lint, body oils, hard-water minerals, and moisture can build up inside the drum and hidden parts of the washer. That buildup can cause musty smells, affect cleaning performance, and even encourage mold around the door seal.
The good news is that a washing machine is fairly easy to maintain. A simple monthly cleaning routine can help keep both the appliance and your laundry fresher.
Why Your Washing Machine Needs Cleaning
Every wash cycle leaves behind small amounts of residue.
Over time, you may find:
- Detergent buildup
- Fabric softener residue
- Lint and dirt
- Hard-water minerals
- Moisture around the door seal
- Mold or mildew in damp areas
These deposits can contribute to unpleasant odors and may prevent your clothes from coming out smelling as fresh as they should.
If your washer has a Tub Clean, Drum Clean, or Self Clean cycle, use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
What You’ll Need
For a basic cleaning, gather:
- Distilled white vinegar
- Baking soda
- Microfiber cloth
- Old toothbrush or small cleaning brush
- Warm water
However, always check your washing machine’s owner’s manual before using homemade cleaning solutions. Some manufacturers specifically recommend commercial washer cleaners and may advise against vinegar or other products.
Step 1: Empty the Washing Machine
Make sure there are no clothes inside the drum.
A cleaning cycle should always be run with the machine empty.
Check the drum quickly for coins, tissues, hair, or other objects that may have been left behind.
Step 2: Run the Washer’s Cleaning Cycle
If your machine has a dedicated Tub Clean or Self Clean program, that’s generally the best option.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for what cleaning product, if any, should be added.
If your manufacturer permits vinegar cleaning, the source method uses 2 cups of distilled white vinegar in the empty drum followed by the hottest, longest cycle available.
The vinegar can help loosen certain mineral and detergent residues and reduce lingering odors.
Step 3: Run a Second Cleaning Cycle
The source method then uses 1 cup of baking soda directly in the empty drum and runs another hot cycle.
Baking soda can help neutralize odors and loosen remaining residue.
Important: Don’t mix vinegar and baking soda together in the same cycle. Using them separately is more useful than combining them, because they react with each other and partially neutralize one another.
Step 4: Clean the Rubber Door Seal
If you have a front-loading washing machine, this is one of the most important areas to inspect.
Pull back the folds of the rubber gasket and look for:
- Hair
- Lint
- Soap residue
- Mold
- Standing water
- Dirt
Wipe the seal with a damp microfiber cloth. Use a soft toothbrush to reach into the folds and other tight areas.
Dry the gasket thoroughly when you’re finished.
Step 5: Clean the Detergent Drawer
The detergent dispenser can become surprisingly dirty.
Remove the drawer if your model allows it, then:
- Soak it in warm, soapy water.
- Scrub away hardened detergent and softener residue.
- Use a small brush for the corners.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Let it dry before reinstalling it.
A clean dispenser also helps detergent and fabric softener flow properly during future washes.
Step 6: Wipe Down the Washer
Once the cleaning cycles are complete, wipe the accessible surfaces with a clean microfiber cloth.
Don’t forget:
- Inside of the door
- Door frame
- Rubber gasket
- Control panel
- Top or front panel
- Accessible areas around the drum
Remove any remaining moisture and residue rather than leaving the machine wet.
Step 7: Check the Drain Filter
Some washing machines have a drain pump filter that catches things such as:
- Coins
- Buttons
- Lint
- Small objects
If your washer has an accessible filter, clean it according to the owner’s manual.
Not every washing machine has a user-accessible filter, so don’t remove random panels or components trying to find one.
How to Keep Your Washing Machine Fresh
Deep cleaning once a month is only part of the solution.
Between cleanings:
- Leave the door or lid open after each load when safe to do so.
- Remove wet clothes promptly.
- Use the amount of detergent recommended for your machine.
- Wipe the rubber gasket regularly.
- Clean the detergent drawer every few weeks.
- Don’t leave damp laundry sitting inside the drum.
These habits reduce the moisture and residue that contribute to musty odors and buildup.
Signs Your Washing Machine Needs Cleaning
It’s probably time for a deeper clean if you notice:
- A musty smell inside the drum
- Clothes coming out smelling stale
- Visible mold around the door gasket
- Thick detergent residue in the dispenser
- Water draining more slowly than usual
Don’t ignore persistent drainage problems, though. A clogged filter or drain issue may require maintenance beyond simply cleaning the drum.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
For many households, about once a month is a practical starting point.
You may need to clean it more frequently if:
- You do several loads every week.
- You frequently wash heavily soiled clothes.
- You use a lot of detergent or fabric softener.
- Your home has hard water.
- You notice odors or visible residue.
If your owner’s manual specifies a different cleaning schedule, follow the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these habits if you want your washer to stay fresh:
- Using excessive detergent.
- Leaving wet laundry inside for hours.
- Keeping a front-loader sealed shut while it’s still damp.
- Ignoring the rubber gasket.
- Forgetting the detergent dispenser.
- Cleaning the machine without checking the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Mixing cleaning chemicals together.
And remember: vinegar should never be mixed with chlorine bleach.
Final Thoughts
Your washing machine works hard every week, so it deserves a little maintenance of its own.
A regular cleaning routine, combined with wiping the door seal, washing the detergent drawer, checking the appropriate filter, and allowing the machine to dry between loads, can help prevent the buildup that causes unpleasant odors.
The result is simple: a fresher washer, cleaner-smelling laundry, and an appliance that’s easier to maintain for years to come.
