How to Clean a Washing Machine: Essential Tips

Why Cleaning Washing Machine Matters?

Cleaning your laundry appliances helps with three big things: clean clothes, a healthier home, and a machine that lasts longer. Over time, soap, dirt, and fabric lint build up inside. That build-up holds moisture, which can lead to fungus in washing machine parts like the seal, drum, and detergent drawer.

A smell inside washing machine is often the first sign something is stuck and damp where you can’t see it. When stinky washer machines start to smell, they also tend to wash less well. Clothes may come out looking dull or not fully fresh.

The machine may also work harder to get the same results, which can use more water and power. Regular cleaning keeps stinky washer machines under control, helps your laundry stay hygienic, and can reduce the chance of repairs later.

How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?

The ideal cleaning frequency varies depending on how often washers are used and local water conditions. As a general rule, perform a deep clean every month or after every 30 wash cycles to prevent residue accumulation. If you notice signs like a musty odor or visible mildew, clean more often, perhaps bi-weekly.

For high-use households, such as families with children or pets, monthly maintenance is key to avoiding problems like how to remove mildew from washing machine. In regions with hard water, which is common in parts of Canada, mineral deposits build up faster, so consider cleaning every three weeks. Always check your machine's manual for model-specific recommendations to maintain warranty compliance.

What Can You Use to Clean a Washing Machine?

Most washing machine cleaning products fall into two groups. One group is everyday items you may already have at home. The other group is store-bought cleaners made for washers. Both can work. The best choice depends on how dirty the machine is and what problem you’re trying to fix.

• White vinegar: It is a popular pick to sanitize washing machine with vinegar. It helps break down mineral build-up, lift soap film, and cut smells, so it works well for regular cleaning.
• Baking soda: Baking soda is gentle but useful. It helps scrub away grime and can help reduce odours.
• Chlorine bleach: Bleach is stronger and can kill mold and germs. It’s best for heavy build-up, but it needs care. Use a small amount, dilute it, and rinse well, since bleach can wear out rubber parts over time.
• Washing machine cleaners: For an easy option, commercial washing machine cleaners (tablets or powder) are made for this job. They help remove soap scum and mold. Follow the directions on the pack.

One safety note matters here. Never mix vinegar and bleach. That mix can create harmful fumes.

How to Clean Your Washing Machine Step by Step

Cleaning a washing machine works best when you tackle each part in order. We’ll break it down for both top-load and front-load models, as they have unique components, so you’ll know how to clean laundry machine properly.

Step 1: Clean the Drum / Tub

A deep drum clean clears built-up soap, limescale, and trapped smells, so the washer runs fresher.

• Run an empty hot water cycle (60–90°C).
• Pour 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum.
• Pause the cycle halfway and let it soak for 1 hour.
• Resume and finish the cycle.
• Run an extra rinse cycle to remove residue.

Step 2: Clean the Detergent Dispenser

Detergents and softeners can dry into sticky residue. A clean drawer helps prevent clogs and lingering smells.

• Remove the dispenser (if detachable).
• Soak in hot water + mild dish soap for 15–30 minutes.
• Scrub residue with a soft brush or toothbrush.
• Rinse, dry, and reinstall.

Step 3: Clean Seals or Agitator

Moist areas around seals or the agitator can trap grime and mold. The right method depends on the washer type.

Front-load washers:

• Wipe the rubber door gasket with a 1:1 vinegar and water solution.
• Pull back folds to remove hidden mold and grime.
• Dry thoroughly.

Top-load washers:

• Remove the agitator (if possible).
• Soak in warm soapy water and scrub crevices.
• Rinse and reinstall.

Step 4: Clean the Filter

A dirty filter can slow draining, and cause smells. Regular checks, better monthly, help keep water flowing well.

• Locate the filter (bottom front or under the agitator).
• Remove lint, hair, and debris by hand or with tweezers.
• Rinse under warm water and reinstall.

Step 5: Wipe the Exterior

• Use a damp microfiber cloth with mild cleaner for surfaces.
• Clean glass doors with a vinegar spray for a streak-free finish.

Step 6: Use the Self-Clean Cycle (If Available)

A self-clean cycle can freshen the inside without scrubbing. A washer cleaner tablet often helps remove hidden build-up.

• Run the self-clean cycle with a washing machine cleaner tablet.
• For homes using an all-in-one washer-dryer combo, follow the same cleaning steps, but remember to clear lint from the dryer function regularly.

Step 7: Final Rinse & Dry

• Run one final empty rinse cycle.
• Leave the door open to air-dry and prevent moisture buildup.

Tips for Keeping Your Washer Clean

To keep your washing machine fresh between deep cleans, a few simple habits go a long way:

1. Leave the door or lid open after every wash to improve airflow and prevent mold.

2. Use the correct amount of detergent; too much causes residue buildup.

3. Wipe the drum and gasket after heavy or heavily soiled loads.

4. Choose a high-efficiency detergent for front-load machines to reduce soap scum.

5. Run a hot water cycle occasionally, even if you usually wash in cold to break down grease and residue.

6. Use baking soda in a hot cycle to help control odors.

7. For stubborn smells, using vinegar to wash clothes occasionally can help freshen both fabrics and the machine at the same time.

8. In hard water areas, use vinegar regularly or install a water softener to reduce limescale.

9. Avoid overloading the washer to ensure proper rinsing and limit bacteria growth.

Conclusion

Knowing how to clean a washing machine helps keep clothes fresh and helps the washer last longer. Regular cleaning stops smells, mold, and residue from building up inside. Simple habits, like wiping seals and leaving the door open, also help between deep cleans.

When the machine stays clean, every wash works better and uses less effort. For homes thinking about a new laundry setup, Midea offers options designed with easy care and everyday use in mind. Take a quick look and choose the setup that fits your space.

FAQs

Can I put vinegar and baking soda in my washing machine to clean it?

Yes, you can safely use vinegar and baking soda together for cleaning, but it's best to add them in stages to maximize effectiveness. Run a hot cycle with white vinegar first to break down residue and kill bacteria.

Then run another hot cycle with baking soda to remove grime and neutralize odors. Finish with a plain rinse cycle. This method is eco-friendly, effective for monthly cleaning, and avoids harsh chemicals.

Does 90 degree wash clean a washing machine?

Yes, a 90°C wash can help clean a washing machine by using high heat to kill bacteria, loosen detergent buildup, and reduce mold. It works best when run empty and paired with cleaners like vinegar or baking soda.

That said, it shouldn’t be used too often. Frequent high-temperature cycles may wear out rubber seals and increase energy use. Always check your machine’s manual first.

How to clean mold out of washing machine?

• Run an empty hot cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar to kill mold and remove odors.
• For stubborn mold, apply a baking soda + water paste to areas like the door gasket or drum, let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub gently.
• Wipe all surfaces and crevices with a vinegar solution and dry thoroughly.
• If mold remains, run one cycle with diluted bleach (about 1 cup, used sparingly), then rinse well.
• Prevent mold by leaving the door open after washes and wiping seals dry.

Monthly cleaning helps keep mold from coming back and maintains a hygienic machine.