Your washing machine spends a lot of time cleaning clothes, towels, bedding, and everything else you throw into it. But when was the last time you actually cleaned the machine?

It is easy to forget. After all, water and detergent are constantly running through the drum, so it seems like the machine should be clean already. In reality, detergent residue, fabric softener, lint, hair, dirt, and moisture can build up in different parts of the washer. Over time, that buildup can cause a musty smell and leave your freshly washed clothes smelling less than fresh.

Fortunately, cleaning a washing machine is fairly simple. You do not need to spend hours scrubbing it or buy a cupboard full of cleaning products. A regular cleaning routine and a few good habits can make a noticeable difference.

Why Does a Washing Machine Need Cleaning?

Every wash leaves behind a little residue. Some of it comes from detergent and fabric softener, while other buildup comes from dirt and oils removed from your clothes.

The problem can be worse when you regularly use cold or quick-wash cycles. These cycles are useful for everyday laundry, but they may not remove all of the residue that accumulates inside the machine.

A dirty washing machine may develop:

• A musty or unpleasant odor

• Residue around the door seal

• Buildup inside the detergent drawer

• Dirt around the drum

• Drainage problems caused by a blocked filter

• Unpleasant smells that transfer to clothes

You do not necessarily need to wait until you notice a problem. For many households, giving the washing machine a thorough clean about once a month is a sensible maintenance habit.

How to Clean a Washing Machine Properly

The cleaning process varies slightly between front-load and top-load machines, so it is always worth checking the owner’s manual first. Still, the following steps work as a practical general routine.

1. Start With an Empty Drum

Remove all clothing from the washing machine before cleaning it. Check the drum carefully for small items that may have been left behind.

Running the cleaning cycle with an empty drum allows hot water and the cleaning solution to reach the interior more effectively.

If your washer has a dedicated tub clean, drum clean, or machine clean setting, this is usually the best place to start.

2. Give the Detergent Drawer a Good Clean

The detergent drawer is easy to overlook, but it can collect a surprising amount of residue.

Take the drawer out if your machine allows it and rinse it with warm water. If you find hardened detergent in the corners, use a soft brush or an old toothbrush to loosen it.

Also wipe the compartment where the drawer sits. Simply washing the drawer will not help much if residue is still sitting behind it.

Allow the parts to dry before putting the drawer back.

3. Pay Attention to the Rubber Seal

If you have a front-loading washing machine, inspect the rubber door gasket carefully.

Pull the folds back gently and look for hair, lint, dirt, small objects, and trapped water. These areas can stay damp between washes, which makes them particularly important to keep clean.

Use a soft cloth to wipe the seal thoroughly. For stubborn grime, follow the cleaning method recommended by your washing machine manufacturer.

Avoid aggressive scrubbing or abrasive cleaners, as damaging the rubber seal can eventually lead to leaks.

4. Don’t Forget the Filter

Your washing machine’s filter catches things that should not make their way through the drainage system, including lint, hair, coins, and other small objects.

Check your owner’s manual to find the filter and learn how it should be removed. Depending on the model, some water may come out when the filter is opened, so keep a towel or shallow container nearby.

Cleaning the filter regularly is an important part of washing machine maintenance and can help prevent drainage issues.

5. Run a Cleaning Cycle

Once you have cleaned the accessible areas, run an empty cleaning cycle.

If your machine has a dedicated cleaning program, use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Otherwise, follow the instructions provided with a washing machine cleaning product that is compatible with your appliance.

A dedicated cleaner can be a convenient option because it is designed specifically to break down common washing machine residue.

One important rule: never mix different cleaning chemicals. Combining products such as bleach and acidic cleaners can produce dangerous fumes or chemical reactions.

What Should You Look for in a Washing Machine Cleaner?

Walk into a store or browse online and you will find plenty of products claiming to be the best washing machine cleaner. Instead of focusing only on marketing claims, look for a product that is suitable for your appliance and easy to use.

Before buying, consider:

• Whether it is suitable for front-load or top-load machines

• Whether the manufacturer recommends it for your appliance

• How much product is needed per cleaning cycle

• How frequently it is intended to be used

• Whether the instructions are clear and easy to follow

Cleaning tablets are popular because they are convenient and require little measuring. Powders and liquids can also work well when used according to their instructions.

Most importantly, check your washing machine manual before choosing a cleaner. Manufacturer recommendations should always take priority over general cleaning advice.

Can You Clean a Washing Machine With Vinegar and Baking Soda?

Vinegar and baking soda are often suggested as inexpensive household cleaning solutions. While they may help with certain types of residue or odors, they are not necessarily appropriate for every washing machine.

Vinegar is acidic and frequent exposure may not be suitable for some rubber components. Baking soda may help with odors and light residue, but it is not necessarily a substitute for a washing machine cleaner recommended by the manufacturer.

If your appliance manual specifies a cleaning method, follow that guidance.

And remember: do not combine different cleaning chemicals simply because they are commonly recommended online.

How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?

For an average household, once a month is a reasonable starting point.

However, there is no universal schedule. Your washing habits make a difference. You may need to clean your machine more frequently if you:

• Do laundry almost every day

• Frequently wash heavily soiled clothes

• Mostly use cold-water cycles

• Use fabric softener regularly

• Notice a musty smell

• See visible buildup around the door seal or detergent drawer

If your washer smells bad even after cleaning, there could be an underlying drainage or maintenance issue. In that situation, check the manufacturer’s troubleshooting advice or consider having the machine inspected.

Easy Habits That Keep Your Washer Fresh

A deep clean once a month is useful, but what you do between cleaning cycles matters too.

When a wash finishes, remove the clothes as soon as practical. Leaving damp laundry inside for hours can contribute to unpleasant odors.

For front-load machines, leave the door slightly open after a wash when it is safe and practical to do so. This helps the drum and gasket dry out.

It is also a good idea to wipe away excess moisture around the rubber seal and keep the detergent drawer slightly open so it can dry.

Finally, measure your detergent rather than automatically adding more. Using too much detergent can leave behind residue and does not necessarily make clothes cleaner.

Washing Machine Cleaner Buying Tips

Choosing a cleaning product does not have to be complicated. Start by checking what your machine’s manufacturer recommends.

If convenience is your priority, cleaning tablets are easy to measure and store. If you prefer flexibility, liquid or powder products may be worth considering.

Look for straightforward instructions and avoid products that require you to combine several different chemicals.

Price is another consideration, but buying the cheapest product is not always the best approach. A product that is easy to use and compatible with your appliance is generally more useful than one chosen simply because it costs less.

Final Thoughts

A washing machine may clean your clothes every day, but it needs some attention of its own. Regularly cleaning the drum, detergent drawer, rubber seal, and filter can help prevent unpleasant smells and buildup.

The best way to clean a washing machine is not necessarily complicated or expensive. Make machine cleaning part of your monthly household routine, use the cleaning cycle when your appliance has one, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when choosing cleaning products.

A few minutes of maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your washing machine fresh and your laundry smelling clean.