Keeping your washing machine clean is essential to ensure it functions properly and efficiently. Over time, residue from dirt, grime, lint, soap scum, and mold can build up inside the machine, potentially leading to foul odors, stained clothes, jammed parts, and breakdowns. Following a regular cleaning routine helps remove this residue and extend your washer’s lifespan.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to deep clean your top load or front load washing machine.
Why You Should Clean Your Washer
Here are the main reasons it’s important to clean your washing machine regularly:
Prevents Odors
When dirt, grime, soap scum, and residue accumulate in your machine, they can create foul odors that transfer to your clean clothes. A thorough cleaning removes buildup that causes bad smells.
Improves Performance
Buildup on components like the drum, tub, pump, and hoses makes your washer work harder. Over time, this decreases cleaning performance. Regular cleaning keeps all parts working efficiently.
Extends Lifespan
Residue can corrode essential washing machine components like the drum bearings. A good cleaning routine removes damaging buildup and helps your appliance last longer.
Saves Money
A well-maintained washer is less likely to break down, saving you expensive repair and replacement costs. Occasional deep cleaning is much cheaper than fixing or replacing your washing machine.
Prevents Mold Growth
Damp, enclosed washing machines provide an ideal environment for mold to grow. Regular cleaning inhibits mold growth to protect family health.
Common Misconceptions
Despite the clear benefits, many myths persuade people that cleaning washing machines is unnecessary, ineffective, or even damaging. Here are some common misconceptions:
“Cleaning products damage components”
When used properly, cleaning agents like vinegar, baking soda, bleach, and affresh tablets safely remove residue without damaging parts. Always follow directions carefully.
“The self-clean cycle is enough”
This automatic cycle doesn’t effectively clean all areas. For a comprehensive clean, you need to manually clean all components.
“It’s only necessary before selling my home”
Don’t wait until the last minute. Start cleaning your washer yearly to maintain good working order.
“Cleansers leave residue too”
Thorough rinsing eliminates cleaner residue. Run empty cleansing cycles afterwards and leave the door open to air dry.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washer?
Here are general guidelines on cleaning frequency:
- Light Use – Once yearly
- Moderate Use – Every 6 months
- Heavy Use – Every 3-4 months
- Signs of Mold/Mildew – Immediately
Adjust as needed based on soil loads, odor development, or performance changes. Target problem areas more frequently.
What You Need to Clean Your Washer
Assemble these supplies before starting:
- White vinegar – cuts grease, kills mold
- Baking soda – deodorizes, loosens grime
- Liquid chlorine bleach – disinfects, brightens
- Dish soap – cuts grease, boosts cleaning
- Water – rinses residue
- Old towels – soak up water
- Microfiber cloths
- Toothbrushes/toothpicks – scrub crevices
- Bucket
- Rubber gloves & eye protection
- Appliance cleaner (affresh/Tide washing machine cleaner)
Step-By-Step Guide to Cleaning a Top Load Washer
Follow these steps to thoroughly clean all components of a top load washing machine:
1: Clean Interior Drum
- Remove lint trap/filter and clean out lint
- Check around agitator and remove items like coins, pens, buttons
- Fill drum 1/3 full with hot water
- Pour 1-2 cups baking soda into drum
- Add dish soap and let soak 30 minutes
- Use scrub brush to clean top, sides and ridges of drum
- Use toothbrush/toothpick to clean crevices near agitator
- Drain drum completely
2: Clean Tub
- Mix equal parts vinegar and hot water
- Fill tub until filled above lowest water fill line
- Run washer on hottest setting for 5-10 minutes to loosen residue
- Turn off and soak 30-60 minutes
- Drain tub completely
- Scrub loosened residue with microfiber cloth
- Rinse tub with hot water to eliminate cleaning solution
3: Clean Water Inlet Hoses & Valves
- Disconnect inlet hoses from back of washer
- Let hoses drain into bucket, watching for debris
- Fill hoses with hot water and vinegar solution
- Run solution through valves/faucets
- Reconnect inlet hoses, ensure washers are in place
4: Clean Detergent Dispenser
- Pull out detergent dispenser drawer
- Remove inserts and wash with soap/hot water
- Clean inside dispenser cavity with toothbrush
- Dry dispenser thoroughly before replacing
5: Clean Control Panel
- Wipe control panel with microfiber cloth dampened slightly with water
- Dry immediately with dry cloth
6: Clean Inside of Lid & Rim
- Mix equal parts vinegar & dish soap with hot water
- Dip cloth into solution and wipe rim and underside of lid
- Rinse area thoroughly before closing
7: Clean Outside Surfaces
- Mix solution of dish soap and hot water
- Dip cloth into solution and wipe down entire exterior
- Wipe away all soap residue
- Use toothbrush to clean crevices and vents
- Dry surfaces thoroughly with towel
8: Run Rinse Cycle
- Run hot rinse cycle with old towels to clean interior
- Check for debris flushed out in towels
- Repeat as needed until towels show no residue
9: Absorb Excess Moisture & Dry
- Remove all towels
- Wipe seals and gaskets removing moisture
- Leave door completely open for 2-3 days to fully dry out interior
Thoroughly cleaning all these washing machine components removes harmful residue, bacteria, and mold that lead to odors, staining, and breakdowns.
Step-By-Step Guide to Cleaning a Front Load Washer
Due to design differences, front load washers require slightly different cleaning steps:
1: Prep Work
- Mix equal parts vinegar & hot water in bucket
- Gather other supplies – baking soda, scrub brushes, microfiber cloths, rubber gloves and eye protection
2: Clean Gasket & Door Seal
- Dip cloth in vinegar solution, ring out excess
- Thoroughly wipe gasket and door seal to remove mold/mildew
- Scrub with brush to loosen residue
- Dry seals completely with clean towel
3: Clean Detergent Dispenser
- Pull out dispenser drawer completely
- Remove inserts and wash with hot soapy water
- Scrub inside cavity with toothbrush
- Rinse and dry thoroughly before replacing
4: Clean Drum
- Sprinkle 1 cup baking soda directly into drum
- Fill drum 1/3 with hot water
- Add 2 cups vinegar and let soak 30 minutes
- Use scrub brush on top, sides and ridges of drum
- Drain drum completely
5: Clean Bleach/Fabric Softener Dispensers
- Add 1 cup vinegar directly to bleach dispenser
- Let soak 5 minutes and drain
- Repeat for fabric softener dispenser
6: Clean Drain Pump Filter
- Locate access panel on lower front
- Place towel beneath filter to catch water
- Rotate filter counter-clockwise and remove
- Rinse filter until water runs clear
- Replace filter, rotating clockwise to lock
7: Clean & Dry Exterior
- Wipe exterior with microfiber cloth soaked in hot, soapy water solution
- Rinse surfaces thoroughly with clean wet cloth
- Wipe dry with clean towels
- Leave door open 2-3 days until fully dry
These steps ensure all areas – gaskets, drum, dispensers, pumps – are cleaned of residues that lead to odor, corrosion, staining, and other issues.
Cleaning Solutions
These simple homemade and commercial cleaners effectively clean washing machines:
| Cleaning Solution | Description | Application Method |
|---|---|---|
| Vinegar | Cuts soap scum, hard water deposits, and grease. Disinfects. | Mix 1 part vinegar to 1 part hot water. Pour directly or dampen cloth. Scrub with brush. |
| Baking Soda | Deodorizes and gently lifts dirt. | Sprinkle directly on surfaces. Let sit before wiping. |
| Dish Soap | Removes oils and grease. | Mix 1-2 tbsp in hot water. Dip cloth to apply. |
| Liquid Bleach | Disinfects and deodorizes. | Add 1/2 cup to drum/tub during cleaning cycle. |
| Affresh / Tide Washing Machine Cleaner | Formulated to dissolve residue, limescale and soap scum that cause odors. Can be used monthly to prevent future buildup. | Follow product instructions. |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | Naturally attacks mold and mildew stains. | Spray full strength. Let sit 30 minutes. Rinse. |
| White Distilled Vinegar and Sodium Percarbonate Powder | Excellent cleaners too. | – |
| General Notes | – | Avoid abrasive cleansers or scouring pads/sponges. Always spot test cleaners and check manufacturer guidelines. |
When to Call a Professional
While regular cleaning keeps most washing machines running efficiently for over a decade, mechanical or electrical failures can still occur.
Signs it may be time to call a professional include:
- Persistent leaks
- Fault code displays
- Burning smells
- Loud or unusual noises during cycles
- Failure to spin or drain
- Consistently stained or ripped clothes
Reputable appliance repair services can accurately diagnose problems and recommend fixes ranging from simple part replacements to whole unit replacements if too damaged.
Technicians have specialized tools and testing capabilities along with the expertise to restore functionality and safety.
DIY attempts often cost more money in the long run and put personal safety at risk. Trust the experts for complex appliance repairs.
Schedule yearly maintenance checks to catch minor repairs before they become big issues.
Top Load vs Front Load Washers
While steps are mostly similar, there are a few key distinctions between cleaning top load verse front load washers:
Top Load
- Clean around center agitator
- Target areas under agitator base
- Remove lint beneath agitator
- Clean water inlet valve hoses
Front Load
- Critical to thoroughly clean gasket and door seals
- Drain residual water from pump filter
- Clean fabric softener and bleach dispensers
- Absorb moisture completely before closing door
Both
- Check all compartments – dispensers, filters, vents
- Remove debris under rim and seals
- Scrub drum/tub with brush
- Finish rinse cycles until water runs clear
While front load models tend to need more frequent mold prevention, both accumulate scum, oils, residue and hair that impede performance.
Follow the general guidelines outlined here to keep either style washing machine running efficiently for over a decade.
Preventative Care
Complement regular deep cleaning cycles with these preventative maintenance tips:
- Leave door open after cycles to dry out interior
- Wipe seals and gaskets after use
- Run cleaning cycle monthly using affresh/vinegar/baking soda
- Remove wet clothes immediately after cycles end
- Scrape lint and hair off seals frequently
- Clean top and front of machine, especially control panel
- Confirm fill hoses are properly installed
Simple habits like these minimize moisture and buildup that damages components.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Monitor your washing machine closely for any of these red flags indicating a growing problem:
- Mold or mildew smell
- Abnormal noises – knocking, screeching, banging
- Leaks originating from machine
- Clothes not fully rinsed or coming out still dirty
- Consistently stained load after load
- Failure to adequately spin or drain water
- Electromagnetic interference preventing cycles from starting
Immediately running cleaning cycles targeting suspected areas may eliminate issues. But recurrent or worsening symptoms likely indicate professional service is needed.
Don’t ignore warning signs. Catching problems early is much cheaper and easier than replacing the entire unit.
The Takeaway
Maintaining your washing machine doesn’t require special tools or skills – just a little time invested upfront that saves you money and trouble later.
By understanding what causes buildup and failures, you can keep your clothes washer functioning optimally for over a decade through simple cleaning, inspection and preventative care.
Implement quarterly deep cleaning cycles supplemented by monthly maintenance washes using commercial cleaner or homemade mixtures to extend your appliance lifespan.