How To Deep Clean a Washing Machine
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If your clothes don’t smell fresh after coming out of the washing machine, it might be time to give your machine the deep cleaning treatment. Deep cleaning isn’t just about making your machine shine. It can help your machine run more efficiently and could even help extend its life span. We’ll break down the steps needed to eliminate buildup and get your machine working—and smelling—like new.
Importance of Deep Cleaning 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:
How Often Should You Deep Clean Your Washing Machine?
You should deep clean your washing machine every one or two months on average. However, you may need to do it more or less frequently depending on:
- How hard your water is: Hard water has a high mineral count, and those minerals can cause scale and residue buildup in your machine. The harder your water, the more often you should clean your machine.
- How often you do laundry: If you have a large family or wash your clothes several times a week, you should deep clean your machine monthly. If you have a smaller household or wash your clothes less frequently, then you can clean your machine every other month or so.
- Detergent type: High-efficiency (HE) detergents are designed to work with less water. While that’s great for water conservation, it does mean that your washing machine isn’t going through a thorough rinse cycle. If you do use HE detergents, you should clean your machine more often.
If you ever notice a musty smell or see mold or mildew inside your machine, deep clean it immediately.
Best Cleaning Agents for Your Washing Machine
Several cleaning agents can be used to deep clean your washing machine, with the most popular options being white vinegar, bleach, and commercial cleaning products. Make sure you know the pros and cons of each option before attempting them.
White Vinegar
- Pros: White vinegar is a natural, inexpensive option for cleaning your washing machine. It’s very effective at removing mineral deposit buildup and soap scum and does a good job of banishing mold and mildew. Mixing it with a baking soda paste can produce a fizzy cleaner to lift harder-to-remove stains and deposits.
- Cons: White vinegar is suitable for frequent cleaning and machines with little buildup, but it will struggle to clean heavy-duty grime. Some people may also find the smell of white vinegar unpleasant.
Bleach
- Pros: Bleach is an excellent disinfectant, so it’s a suitable choice if you have mold and mildew growth.
- Cons: Bleach is a harsh chemical mixture that could damage the soft components of your washing machine, such as rubber gaskets, and it won’t do much for mineral buildup. You’ll also want to thoroughly rinse your machine to prevent it from bleaching your clothing.
Never mix bleach with other cleaning agents, as it could create toxic fumes. Always ventilate your space well when using bleach, and wear gloves to protect your skin.
Commercial Cleaning Products
- Pros: Commercial cleaning products are designed to tackle heavy buildup in washing machines while disinfecting and deodorizing them.
- Cons: Commercial products are often more expensive than bleach or white vinegar and often contain harsh chemicals.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using commercial products.
Which Should You Use?
White vinegar is often 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 can be a simple do-it-yourself (DIY) task. Maintaining a regular deep-cleaning schedule will minimize buildup and ensure your machine works efficiently. Below, we’ll outline your necessary supplies and provide step-by-step instructions for cleaning top-loading and front-loading washing machines.
Gather Your Supplies
- Baking soda
- Microfiber cloths
- Mild dish soap
- Non-abrasive scrub brush or toothbrush
- Spray bottle
- White vinegar
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
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.
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.
Tips To Keep Your Washing Machine Clean Longer
You can maintain a clean washing machine by integrating a few preventive maintenance tips into your laundry routine:
- After each wash, wipe down the rubber door gasket on your front-load washer with a clean, dry cloth. This removes moisture that causes mold growth.
- Clean the detergent drawer once per week using warm, soapy water and an old toothbrush. The detergent drawer is where most of your product buildup happens, and cleaning it weekly can prevent buildup from affecting the rest of your machine.
- Don’t leave wet clothes in the washer for a long time, as this can become a prime condition for mold growth. Remove clean clothes as soon as possible after the wash cycle ends.
- Leave the door open after every wash cycle to allow moisture to evaporate from the washer tub. This prevents mold and mildew growth.
- Run a hot water cycle without anything in your washer tub every few weeks. The hot water will help kill bacteria in your machine and dissolve detergent buildup.
- Use the right amount of detergent and fabric softener. Overusing products is counterproductive and can spur mold growth in your machine. Check the packaging to see how much detergent you should use for your load size, water temperature, and water hardness.
Our Conclusion
A clean washing machine will work more efficiently, last longer, and clean your clothes more effectively. Doing a deep clean on your machine once a month or so will remove product buildup and reduce wear and tear on the machine’s components. You can use vinegar for regular cleaning, bleach to remove mold and mildew, or commercial cleaning products for heavy-duty buildup. Use the hottest, longest wash cycle, then run an additional rinse cycle to remove any residual product. You can maintain a clean washing machine by regularly cleaning the detergent dispenser, leaving the door open, and removing clean clothes as soon as possible after the wash cycle is complete. A little maintenance can go a long way in ensuring that your clothes stay fresh and your machine stays in good working condition.
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?
You should 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.
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