A washing machine is essential to keeping clothes clean, but over time it can develop musty odors, mold and residues that affect performance. Like other major appliances, they need regular maintenance to maintain their best condition.
This Redfin article will show you how to clean your washing machine step by step whether you’re dealing with a front-load model in a colony Denver home or maintaining a top loader at a Raleigh, North Carolina home. From deep cleaning cycles to expert tips, this guide will help you to keep your washing machine fresh, efficient and ready for your laundry day.
Why is cleaning your washing machine important?
Over time, soap scum, detergent residues, hard water deposits and mold can accumulate in the washing machine. This not only leads to unpleasant odors, but also reduces the efficiency of the machine. Regular cleanings include:
It helps prevent musty odors that improve performance and energy efficiency and helps mold come out of clothing.
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How often do I need to clean my washing machine?
As a rule of thumb, apply the washing machine deeply once a month. Wipe off the surfaces weekly and leave the door or lid open every time you use it to prevent moisture buildup. When you smell or see visible dirt, it’s time to clean it sooner.
Why monthly maintenance is important
“All loads leave detergent residue and dirt that accumulates in the machine,” explains the Repair & Cleaning Service. “That buildup can clog hoses and valves, leading to mold. Clean the washing machine once a month or every 30 cycles.
How to clean the front road washing machine
Front load washers are prone to mold and mold as the doors are tightly sealed and trap moisture. Here’s how to clean it up:
1. Clean the rubber gasket
Wipe the rubber door seal with a cloth soaked in a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water. Use a toothbrush to scrape off hidden Gunking and mold. Dry completely with a clean towel.
2. Clean the detergent drawer
Remove the drawer and soak it in hot soapy water. Use a small brush to clean up detergent and soft fabric softener buildup. Rinse and dry before reinserting.
3. Perform the cleaning cycle
Pour 2 cups of white vinegar directly onto the drum. Add baking soda to the detergent dispenser. Run the washing machine on the hottest cycle without clothes.
What cleaning professionals say about cleaning the front load washer
Wipe the gasket and use detergent to prevent odor
“The front load washer is a mold magnet if you don’t wipe the gasket regularly,” warns Alagang Coolvid. “When you get deep clean each month with white vinegar and baking soda, it keeps things fresh. First run a hot cycle with vinegar, then run for a second with baking soda, and then don’t overdo the detergent.
Clean it monthly with vinegar and baking soda and don’t forget to use the filter
“Once a month, clean the front load washer by using 2 cups of vinegar and ½ cup of baking soda on a hot cycle,” he recommends cow pork cleaning. “Without the door ajal after each use, wipe off the gasket and detergent tray regularly. Also, do not skip the filter. It prevents clogging and extends the life of the machine.”
Perform two hot cycles. One is vinegar and the other is baking soda with soda
“One of the best ways to clean a front load washer is to perform two consecutive hot cycles,” explains Clean Panther. “Start with two cups of vinegar on the drum, then continue with ½ cup of baking soda. Always wipe the gasket and detergent drawers and leave the door open to prevent moisture from trapping in. Instruct all clients to keep the washing machine odorless each month.”
Use the right tools and cleaners to deep clean the inside and outside
“When you clean your washer or dryer, it goes over the surface,” says the HTD Cleaning Service. “Open the top, scrub the bleach and detergent compartment, and use a brush to remove any hardened residue. For front-load machines, clean the glass and chrome with a sprayway glass cleaner and always check the hidden molds with the rubber gasket.
How to clean a toproad washing machine
Top Load Washers may not trap moisture like front loaders, but they collect dirt, detergent buildup and odor over time. Monthly clean things help you run the machine smoothly and smell fresh.
1. Fill the drum with hot water
Set the washing machine to the maximum load setting and fill it with hot water. Add 1 quart of white vinegar and stir the machine for 1 minute.
2. Add baking soda
Add 1 cup of baking soda and run the cycle for a few minutes. Pause the cycle and leave the solution for an hour.
3. Finish the cycle and wipe it off
Restart the cycle and finish. Wipe the inside of the drum, lid and knob with vinegar solution.
What cleaning experts recommend for cleaning your top loader
Leave the lid open, wipe spills and run a monthly bleach cycle
“With a top-load washer, it’s all about regular maintenance,” explains one of us. “Open the lid between cleaning, wipe off any detergent spills and avoid using too much bleach or soap. Run the cleaning cycle with hot water and bleach each month before rinsing it off.
Use a bleach cycle to wipe the drum after washing
“For top loaders, hot cycles with bleach work well, especially when washing badly dirty loads or using well water,” adds Brandon Schaefer, executive director of product management at GE Appliances. “In addition, some of the GE appliance models can either provide a dedicated basket clean setup or perform a heavy-duty cycle manually. Afterwards, wipe the inside helps prevent buildup and odor.”
Don’t forget the filters and hoses
Most people skip this part, but cleaning the lint trap (if there is one in the model) and inspecting the water hose for clogs and mineral buildup can prevent the problem. Check the manufacturer’s guide to find and clean the removable filter.
How to clean all corners – yes, even a filter
“Start by removing the detergent drawer and soaking it in the vinegar to soak it in the vinegar,” says Quantum Satis’ Wash. “Scrub the gasket with a cream cleaner and wipe to remove any sticky residue and always clean the filter. Be sure to prepare the contents. Run a sanitary cycle above 60°C in a washing machine cleaner before wiping off the drum dry. You cannot skip these steps.
Products that help you clean your washing machine
From drums to detergent trays, having the right tools and cleaners on hand will make washing machine maintenance easier and more effective. Here are some expert-approved items worth keeping nearby.
White Vinegar and Baking Soda – Perfect for deep natural cleaning and odor removal to remove hydrogen peroxide – Disinfection and tackle is a disinfection and tackle without harsh chemical sprayway glass cleaner. Perfect for glass doors and cleaning front load washer cream cleaner and disposable wipe cleaning. Washing Machine Cleaner Tablet – Build-Up Clearer Rif Washing Machine Cleaner Tablet Pre-Measured Easy-to-Use Options to Destroy Tablet – Designed for both his and traditional machines Flow Chem Green Performance Peroxide Cleaner – Low Tox Options for Freshing Your Routine
Some tips from the pros bring a refreshing feeling, even mentioning throwing a microfiber towel during the cleaning cycle.
What is used and recommended by a cleaner
Use vinegar and baking soda to clean without chemicals
“To keep the washing machine fresh and functional, we perform a warm water circulation with white vinegar and baking soda each month,” Freedom Forest Farm suggests. “This natural combo breaks down residues without using harsh chemicals. Leave the door and detergent drawers open to prevent mold and wipe the gasket clean. It’s where the worst dirt is hidden.”
Deep cleaning with borax and clean soda
“For a deep clean, we recommend adding two tablespoons of boron or oxygen bleach and two tablespoons of washing soda to the tub of your front-load washing machine,” advises Calfee Insurance Agency. “Topload machines require a little more. Use ½ cups of each. Choose the hottest water setting or use the machine’s ‘clean tab’ cycle to get the best results. ”
Cleaning cycle + towel = double the freshness
“I recommend a monthly cleaning cycle with two cups of white vinegar in a tray and half a cup of baking soda on a drum,” says Captain Duster. “After the cycle, wipe off the gaskets, doors and dispensers with a microfiber cloth. Are there any common mistakes? Close the door immediately after use.
Skip scented products and clean them in a safe, low toxed way
“We’ll skip bleach and scented products to avoid hormone-destructing chemicals,” advises Million Marker. “Use safe and effective clean, white vinegar and baking soda instead. Clean the washing machine once a month. Use the vinegar first and then follow the baking soda rinse cycle.
Use hydrogen peroxide or vinegar to fight mold
“We recommend disinfecting the washing machine with hydrogen peroxide to keep its top layer,” says Dionne Cona, owner of Maid Pure Cleaning Services. “Flo-Kem’s Green Performance Peroxide Cleaner is another natural option. You can also mix baking soda and vinegar to remove buildup and odor. Small habits come a long way to protect mold, like leaving the washing machine door open.”
Try your tablet with a deeper clean using vinegar every month
“Runs a monthly hot cycle with 2 cups of vinegar to break down the residue and kill bacteria,” suggests Clearalif. “Wipe your drums, gaskets and dispensers to prevent mold. For a deeper clean, try products like Clearalif washing machine cleaner tablets.
How to take care of your washing machine during a deep cleaning
Always remove clothes immediately after washing, uncover the door, open the drum and open the lid, and use the drum to use the appropriate amount of detergent.
By paying a little attention to the washing machine every month, you can avoid expensive repairs and make your laundry routine run smoothly. From top loaders to high efficiency models, knowing how to clean a washing machine is a simple habit that will pay off.
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Frequently Asked Questions about How to Clean Your Washing Machine
1. Can I clean the washing machine using bleach?
Yes, you can use bleach to disinfect the washing machine. For the top loader, add 1 cup of bleach to the drum and run the hot cycle. For front loaders, pour bleach into the detergent compartment and perform the cleaning cycle. Do not mix bleach with vinegar or other cleaners.
2. What happens if the washing machine still smells after cleaning?
A persistent odor means mold is hidden in hard-to-reach areas, such as the drain pump filter or behind a drum. Repeat the cleaning process, clean the filter, and leave the door open every time you clean it, allowing it to dry completely.
3.Does high-efficiency (HE) washer require special cleaning?
His washing machine uses less water. This means that detergent and dirt accumulate faster. Use an HE-compatible cleaning tablet or run a vinegar and baking soda cycle every month to keep things fresh.
4. Can I clean the washing machine using just the washing machine?
Yes, vinegar is effective in removing buildup and neutralizing odors. Do not use frequently as it may disassemble rubber parts over time. Usually, monthly use is safe.
5. How do I clean the drain pump filter?
Find the filter behind a small door near the front of the washing machine. Open it, place a towel or shallow pot down, then remove the cap to remove any lint and debris. Be sure to refer to the manual for model-specific instructions.
