Key Points
- Deep cleaning frequency of your washing machine depends on your usage. Clean monthly for heavy use, and every 6–12 weeks for moderate or light use.
- When deep cleaning your front-load washing machine, you must (1) clean the drum and gasket, (2) run a hot vinegar cycle, (3) scrub the detergent drawer and seals, (4) run a baking soda cycle, and (5) clean the filter and dry.
- Cleaning your top-load washing machine involves five steps: (1) fill with hot water and add cleaner, (2) let it soak to loosen residue, (3) run a wash cycle, (4) scrub the agitator and lid, and (5) rinse and dry.
A washing machine makes life easier, but like any appliance, it needs regular care to work at its best. Over time, detergent residue, fabric lint, and moisture build up, creating the perfect environment for mould, mildew, and bad smells.
The good news? This guide will walk you through how to clean your washing machine step by step, whether you have a front-load or top-load model.
Why Cleaning Your Washing Machine Is Important
Your washing machine might look clean on the outside, but hidden inside are soapy deposits, bacteria, and odour-causing grime. These can affect both your clothes and your machine’s performance.
Here’s why regular cleaning matters:
- Prevents odours from mould and mildew buildup.
- Improves efficiency, helping your machine run better and last longer.
- Keeps clothes fresher and prevents residue stains.
- Reduces maintenance issues and costly repairs.
Remember, regular cleaning helps extend your machine’s lifespan by reducing internal buildup that affects its components. A little monthly care goes a long way.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
How often you clean depends on how frequently you use your washer, the water quality, and your household habits.
General recommendations:
| Usage Level | Deep Clean Frequency | Quick Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy use (1+ loads daily) | Once a month | Weekly gasket wipe |
| Moderate use (3-5 loads weekly) | Every 6-8 weeks | Bi-weekly gasket wipe |
| Light use (1-2 loads weekly) | Every 3 months | Monthly gasket wipe |
Expert Tip: If you live in an area with hard water, clean more frequently. Hard water leads to mineral deposits that can speed up buildup and affect the washer’s efficiency.
Step-by-Step: Deep Cleaning a Front-Load Washing Machine
Front-load washers are popular for their water efficiency, but their rubber seals can trap moisture and detergent.
Follow these steps for a deep clean:
Step 1. Empty the Drum and Clean the Gasket
Start with a completely empty machine so you can reach every corner easily. Gently pull back the rubber gasket around the door, this spot often hides trapped water, lint, hair, and sometimes mold or mildew.
Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe the gasket thoroughly, paying close attention to folds and crevices where gunk collects. For visible mold, apply a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it clean.
Step 2. Run a Hot Cycle with Vinegar
Next, it’s time for a deep clean using vinegar.
| What to Do | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser. | Vinegar breaks down mineral deposits, dissolves soap scum, and kills bacteria naturally. |
| Choose the hottest, longest cycle. Don’t add clothes or detergent. | Hot water and acidity reach the drum, hoses, and pump to loosen buildup. |
| Let the cycle finish completely. | Ensures thorough cleaning throughout the machine. |
This step removes much of the grime and odour at the source.
Step 3. Scrub the Detergent Drawer and Seals
While the machine is running or cooling down, tackle the detergent drawer.
- Remove the drawer fully (most have a release tab).
- Soak it in warm, soapy water.
- Scrub with an old toothbrush to remove caked-on detergent and softener.
- Wipe the drawer cavity inside the machine, this damp area often hides mold.
A clean drawer keeps fresh detergent flowing smoothly and prevents mildew smells.
Step 4. Run a Baking Soda Cycle
Once the drawer is back in place, sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drum. Run another hot cycle.
The baking soda gently scrubs away leftover residue and neutralizes odours that vinegar might have missed. This vinegar–baking soda combo works effectively because each tackles different types of buildup.
Step 5. Clean the Filter and Let Everything Dry
Finish by clearing the drain pump filter, usually found at the bottom front of the machine:
- Place a shallow pan or towels underneath.
- Open the filter cap carefully (some water will drain out).
- Remove debris like lint, coins, or hair, then rinse the filter under running water.
- Reattach it securely.
Finally, leave the door and detergent drawer open for a few hours. This allows moisture to evaporate fully, preventing new mold growth and keeping your washer fresh.
Step-by-Step: Deep Cleaning a Top-Load Washing Machine
Top-load washers may be simpler to maintain than front-load models, but residue, detergent scum, and odours still build up over time.
A proper deep clean keeps the drum fresh and your laundry smelling its best, and here’s how:
Step 1. Fill with Hot Water and Add Cleaning Solution
Start by setting the machine to the hottest water temperature and largest load size. Let it fill completely, then pause the cycle.
| Cleaning Mix | When to Use | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| 4 cups white vinegar | Regular monthly cleaning | Breaks down detergent buildup and kills bacteria |
| 3 cups vinegar + ½ cup baking soda | Heavily soiled machines | Fizzing action loosens grime more effectively |
The mixture will fizz, this reaction helps dislodge dirt and residue inside the drum.
Step 2. Soak to Loosen Residue
Let the solution sit for at least 1 hour (up to 3 for heavy buildup). Soaking allows the mixture to penetrate and soften stubborn deposits before the cycle begins.
While soaking, dip a cloth in the vinegar water and wipe the agitator, lid, and machine exterior. This multitasking step saves time and keeps the whole unit fresh.
Step 3. Run a Full Wash Cycle
Once soaking is done, resume the cycle. The agitation helps flush loosened grime through the drainage system. Don’t be surprised if the water turns cloudy, that’s buildup leaving your washer.
Check the drum after the cycle. If you still see residue, simply run another hot water rinse cycle to clear everything out.
Step 4. Scrub the Agitator and Lid
If your machine’s agitator is removable, take it out and scrub with warm soapy water and a brush. For non-removable types, a long-handled brush works well.
Pay attention to the lid’s rim and hinges, where detergent splashes and dust collect. A toothbrush makes it easy to get into tight grooves.
Step 5. Final Rinse and Dry
Run one last hot water rinse cycle to eliminate any lingering vinegar smell. Then:
- Wipe the drum dry with a clean towel.
- Leave the lid open for several hours to let the interior air out completely.
This prevents trapped moisture and that musty “washer” smell from returning.
What Are the Alternative Cleaning Methods You Can Use
Vinegar and baking soda are excellent for regular deep cleaning, but they’re not the only options.
Depending on your machine’s condition and personal preferences, here are a few other effective methods to try:
1. Bleach for Heavy Mold and Bacteria
Bleach works best for visible black mold, strong odours, or disinfecting after contaminated loads.
| What to Do | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Add 1 cup of chlorine bleach to an empty machine. | Kills mold, bacteria, and viruses effectively. |
| Run the hottest cycle possible. | Maximizes bleach’s disinfecting power. |
| Finish with an extra rinse cycle. | Removes all bleach residue. |
Remember the following when using bleach to clean:
- Never mix bleach with vinegar or other cleaners (toxic fumes).
- Stick to chlorine bleach, not colour-safe versions.
- Avoid frequent use on coloured machines, it may cause fading.
- For maintenance, bleach cleaning every 3 months is enough.
2. Commercial Cleaning Tablets
Washing machine cleaning tablets are a quick and effective option for busy households. Popular choices include Affresh, Tide Washing Machine Cleaner, and OxiClean.
How to use:
- Drop one tablet into the empty drum.
- Run a hot cycle to dissolve buildup and remove odours.
These tablets are convenient, pre-measured, and designed to target washing machine residue effectively. However, they’re more expensive than natural options and contain chemical cleaners, which may not suit everyone. Most brands recommend using one tablet per month, so be sure to check the instructions first.
3. Natural DIY Cleaners
If you prefer eco-friendly cleaning options, these natural alternatives work surprisingly well:
- Lemon + Baking Soda: Mix the juice of two lemons with 1 cup baking soda, add to the drum, and run a hot cycle. Lemon’s citric acid works like vinegar but leaves a fresh scent.
- Essential Oils: Add 10–15 drops of tea tree oil to a vinegar cleaning cycle for extra antifungal and antibacterial power. Lavender or eucalyptus oils add a pleasant fragrance too.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Pour 2 cups of 3% hydrogen peroxide into a hot cycle for gentle whitening and disinfection. It’s less harsh than bleach but still effective.
These methods are septic-safe and environmentally friendly, making them great for regular upkeep without harsh chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are more commonly asked questions related to cleaning a washing machine:
FAQ #1: Can I use vinegar and bleach together when cleaning?
No. Never mix vinegar and bleach. Combining them releases toxic chlorine gas that can irritate your lungs and eyes.
FAQ #2: Why does my washing machine smell bad?
Bad smells come from trapped moisture, detergent residue, and mould. Regular cleaning, wiping the gasket, and leaving the door open after each wash can prevent odours.
FAQ #3: How do I clean a washing machine that hasn’t been used in a while?
Run a hot cleaning cycle with vinegar to remove stale odours, then wipe down the drum, gasket, and detergent drawer. If mould is visible, follow with a bleach cycle.
Conclusion
Keeping your washing machine clean doesn’t have to be complicated. With a regular cleaning routine, you’ll extend its lifespan, improve washing results, and avoid costly repairs. A fresh, clean washer means fresher clothes and a healthier home.
Too Busy? Leave the Deep Cleaning to Us
Don’t have the time or energy for deep cleaning? Hellamaid’s top-rated professional cleaning services in Canada can handle the tough jobs for you. Our trusted and experienced cleaners ensures every corner of your home, including your appliances, gets the care it needs. Plus, we offer eco-friendly cleaning option!
Book a cleaning with Hellamaid today and enjoy a sparkling, stress-free home!
