Why Washing Machines Need Regular Cleaning

It might seem counterintuitive — surely a machine that runs hot water and detergent all day long cleans itself? Unfortunately, no. Washing machines accumulate detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, lint, hard water mineral deposits, and moisture that creates the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and bacteria. The result: musty-smelling clothes even after a fresh wash cycle, and a machine that works harder than it should.

Cleaning your washing machine once a month takes less than 30 minutes of active effort and extends the life of your appliance significantly.

What You'll Need

  • White vinegar (distilled)
  • Baking soda
  • Microfiber cloth or sponge
  • Old toothbrush
  • Mild dish soap
  • Warm water

How to Clean a Front-Loading Washing Machine

Step 1: Clean the Drum

Set your machine to the hottest wash cycle available. Add 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum (not the detergent drawer). Start the cycle but pause it after the drum fills with water. Let it soak for 30–60 minutes, then resume and complete the full cycle. Vinegar breaks down mineral deposits and kills odor-causing bacteria.

Step 2: Run a Baking Soda Cycle

Sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drum. Run another hot cycle. Baking soda deodorizes and helps scrub away any remaining residue the vinegar loosened.

Step 3: Clean the Rubber Door Seal (Gasket)

This is the most critical step for front-loaders. The rubber gasket traps moisture, detergent, and lint, making it a prime spot for mold growth. Use a damp microfiber cloth with a small amount of dish soap to wipe thoroughly around and underneath the gasket folds. For stubborn mold spots, apply undiluted white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing with an old toothbrush.

Step 4: Clean the Detergent Drawer

Remove the detergent drawer completely (most slide straight out). Soak it in warm soapy water for 10 minutes, then scrub away any caked-on detergent or softener with a toothbrush. Clean the cavity it sits in with a damp cloth before replacing.

Step 5: Wipe Down the Exterior

Wipe the door glass and entire exterior with a damp cloth. Dry everything thoroughly after cleaning.

How to Clean a Top-Loading Washing Machine

  1. Fill the drum with hot water on the largest load setting
  2. Add 4 cups of white vinegar and let the machine agitate for a minute
  3. Pause the cycle and let it soak for 1 hour
  4. Resume and complete the cycle
  5. Run a second hot cycle with 1 cup of baking soda
  6. Wipe down the drum, agitator, lid, and exterior with a damp cloth
  7. Use a toothbrush to clean around the lid hinges and any crevices

Ongoing Maintenance Tips

  • Leave the door ajar after every wash — this allows moisture to escape and prevents mold
  • Use the right amount of detergent — excess detergent is a leading cause of buildup and bad odors
  • Use HE detergent in HE machines — regular detergent creates too much suds and residue
  • Remove laundry promptly — damp clothes sitting in a closed drum encourage mildew
  • Clean the lint filter monthly (top-loaders) — a clogged filter reduces cleaning performance

When to Call a Professional

If your machine has a persistent musty smell that regular cleaning doesn't resolve, or if you notice visible black mold deep inside the drum or in areas you can't reach, it's worth having an appliance technician inspect the machine. Mold that penetrates deep into seals or internal components may require professional treatment or part replacement.

Regular monthly cleaning, however, prevents you from ever reaching that point.