How To Deep Clean a Washing Machine
Your washing machine works hard to keep your clothes clean, but it also needs regular upkeep to perform at its best. Deep cleaning your washer keeps your clothes fresh and helps extend the life of your appliance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of deep cleaning both top-loading and front-loading washers and offer some helpful tips for ongoing maintenance.
Why It’s Important To Deep Clean Your Washing Machine
Cleaning a machine that’s made for cleaning might seem counterintuitive. But like all appliances, your washing machine will work better when clean. Neglecting your washing machine for too long can lead to big issues with the following:
- Life span: Your washing machine experiences a lot of wear and tear. Energy Star says the average American family does about 300 loads of laundry per year. Removing the grease and grime that builds up over time can reduce wear and tear on your washing machine’s internal parts, reducing the risk of something breaking. That can extend the life span of your washing machine and save you money.
- Performance: The products you use to clean your clothes can be harsh on your washing machine’s internal system. Detergents and fabric softeners can build up, clogging dispensers, reducing water flow, and preventing your machine from getting your clothes as clean as possible.
- Unpleasant odors: Neglected washing machines can smell musty, and that unpleasant odor can transfer to your clothes. Bacteria and mold can grow quickly in a washing machine’s damp interior and often cause lingering smells.
Signs Your Washing Machine Needs a Deep Clean
Here are a few signs your washer might need a thorough cleaning:
- Musty smells from the machine or your freshly washed clothes
- Visible mold or mildew, especially around the door seal of front-loaders
- Clothes coming out with new spots or stains
- Residue inside the drum or on the agitator
- Poor draining or odd noises during use
Supplies for Deep Cleaning Your Washing Machine
Before you begin, gather everything you’ll need to make the job quicker and more efficient.
Cleaning Agents
Here are the cleaning agents required:
- Baking soda
- Commercial washing machine cleaner (optional)
- Mild dish soap
- White vinegar
Tools and Equipment
Also gather the following supplies:
- Bucket
- Microfiber cloths
- Non-abrasive scrub brush or old toothbrush
- Rubber gloves
- Spray bottle
Which Should You Use?
White vinegar is a safe and gentle choice for regularly deep cleaning your washing machine. It effectively removes buildup and won’t damage your machine’s components. If you have a mold or mildew problem, use bleach instead. Use it sparingly, ventilate your space, and always follow safety precautions. A commercial washing machine cleaner may be required to tackle heavy-duty buildup in a washing machine.
Guide to Deep Cleaning Your Washing Machine
Deep cleaning your washing machine is a simple DIY task. Below are instructions for cleaning top-loading and front-loading washing machines.
For full instructions on cleaning a top-loading washer, follow our step-by-step guide:
Top-Load Washing Machine Cleaning Steps
- Remove the detergent dispenser drawer and soak it in warm water and white vinegar to help loosen gunk and buildup. Allow it to soak for at least 10 minutes, then scrub all crevices with a scrub brush and rinse it thoroughly. Scrub the drawer compartment using warm water and a bit of vinegar before replacing the drawer.
- If your top loader has a removable agitator, remove it following your owner’s manual instructions. Wash the agitator with warm, soapy water and a scrub brush, then dry and reattach it.
- Pour 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the washer drum. Run the longest and heaviest wash cycle with the hottest water setting without putting anything else in the drum. If your machine has a lot of buildup, add half a cup of baking soda to the dispenser drawer before starting the cycle.
- While the hot water cycle runs, wipe down the exterior of your washing machine. Pay attention to areas that collect dust and grime, like the lid and the control panels. Use a spray bottle to mist the exterior with white vinegar or an all-purpose cleaner, then wipe with a clean, damp cloth.
- Once your hot water cleaning cycle is complete, run another rinse cycle. This will help remove any remaining white vinegar or baking soda from your top-load washer.
Front-Load Washing Machine Cleaning Steps
For front-loaders, the cleaning process differs slightly. Follow these steps:
- Remove the laundry detergent drawer of your front-load washer and soak it in a solution of warm, soapy water and white vinegar for at least 10 minutes. Then, scrub it to remove any buildup from detergents and fabric softeners. Scrub the drawer compartment using warm water and an old toothbrush before replacing the drawer.
- Front-load washers are prone to developing mold around the rubber door gasket, so spray it with white vinegar and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth. Dip a scrub brush in white vinegar for stubborn mold and gently scrub the rubber seal.
- Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser, then run a hot water wash cycle on the longest and heaviest setting without anything in the machine.
- Most front loaders have a drain filter that traps debris, which could be a source of unpleasant odors. Check your user manual for specific instructions on locating and cleaning the drain filter. Typically, you unscrew the filter and wash it in warm water. When you remove the filter, some water may leak out, so be sure to put some clean microfiber cloths down on the floor first.
- After the cleaning cycle, run a hot water rinse cycle to completely remove any vinegar or other cleaning agents.
To prevent mold growth in your front-load washer, leave the machine door open slightly after each wash cycle so it stays well-ventilated.
Deep Cleaning Safety Tips
- Always check your machine’s user manual for manufacturer recommendations on cleaning your specific model.
- Keep your space well-ventilated, and always wear gloves when using strong cleaning agents.
- Never mix bleach with other cleaning products, as it could create toxic fumes.
Natural vs. Chemical Washing Machine Cleaning Solutions
You have options for cleaning your washer. Here’s a comparison between natural and chemical cleaning solutions.
Vinegar and Baking Soda Method
White vinegar and baking soda are effective, natural cleaning agents that are safe for most washing machines. They’re particularly good for routine cleaning and maintenance.
Pros:
- Effective at removing mineral deposits and light mold
- Inexpensive and readily available
- Non-toxic and environmentally friendly
Cons:
- May not be strong enough for heavy buildup or severe mold issues
- Some people dislike the smell of vinegar
Commercial Cleaning Products
There are many commercial washing machine cleaners made specifically for washing machines. These tend to be a stronger option.
Pros:
- Can tackle tough buildup and severe mold problems
- Often more powerful than natural solutions
- Usually formulated to be safe for washing machine components
Cons:
- May contain harsh chemicals
- More expensive than natural alternatives
- Potential environmental concerns
When To Use Bleach
Bleach can be an effective cleaner for washing machines, especially if you’re dealing with stubborn mold or mildew. However, we recommend using it sparingly and with caution.
Pros:
- Great for removing tough stains from the drum
- Highly effective at killing mold and bacteria
Cons:
- Can damage clothing if not rinsed properly
- Harsh on rubber seals and gaskets
- Not environmentally friendly
Always check your washing machine’s manual before using bleach, as some manufacturers advise against it.
Washing Machine Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance can reduce the need for deep cleaning and keep your washing machine in top condition. Below are some tips for maintaining a clean washing machine.
Daily Habits
Here are daily habits to incorporate:
- Leave the washing machine door or lid open after each load to allow it to dry.
- Remove wet laundry promptly to prevent mold growth.
- Wipe down the door seal (for front-loaders) after each use.
Weekly Practices
Here are some weekly practices that help keep your washing machine in top condition:
- Run an empty hot water cycle with a cup of white vinegar to prevent buildup.
- Clean the detergent and fabric softener dispensers.
- Check and clean the lint filter if your machine has one.
Troubleshooting Common Washing Machine Issues
Even with regular maintenance, you may encounter some common issues. Here are our recommendations to address them.
Dealing With Mold and Mildew
Follow these guidelines to deal with mold and mildew:
- Clean affected areas with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar.
- For stubborn mold, use a mixture of baking soda and water to form a paste, apply it to the area, and scrub gently.
- In severe cases, you may need to use a commercial mold remover or diluted bleach solution. Always check your machine’s manual first.
Eliminating Odors
Try this to eliminate odors:
- Run an empty cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar and 1/2 cup of baking soda.
- Clean the door seal and detergent dispensers thoroughly.
- Leave the door open between uses to prevent odor-causing bacteria growth.
Removing Soap Scum Build-up
Remove soap scum with these tips:
- Switch to a high-efficiency (HE) detergent if you haven’t already, as these produce less soap scum.
- Run an empty hot water cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar.
- For heavy buildup, create a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the area, and scrub gently before running a vinegar cycle.
FAQ About Deep Cleaning Your Washing Machine
How do I deep clean my washing machine?
Deep clean your washing machine by adding two cups of white vinegar to the tub and running the longest, hottest wash cycle. Run an additional hot water rinse cycle to remove any residual vinegar. Wipe down the exterior, scrub the detergent dispensing drawer, and clean any drains per your manufacturer’s instructions.
What is the best thing to run through a washing machine to clean it?
White vinegar and hot water are the best things to run through a washing machine for a routine cleaning. Consider using commercial cleaning products instead for heavy-duty buildup, but pay close attention to the instructions and keep your space well-ventilated during use.
What is the most effective way to clean a washing machine?
The most effective way to clean a washing machine is with white vinegar and hot water. If you need to tackle mold or mildew, you can use bleach instead. Never mix bleach with another cleaning agent, as this could create toxic fumes.
Is bleach or vinegar better to clean a washing machine?
White vinegar is better for routine washing machine cleaning, but you can use bleach sparingly to tackle mold and mildew growth.
How often should I deep clean my washing machine?
Deep clean your washing machine every one or two months. If you use your machine often or have a large household, clean it more often. If you have a smaller household or use your machine infrequently, you can deep clean it less often.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
