Most of us rely on our washing machines for our weekly laundry run, yet we rarely think about cleaning the machine itself. Over time, detergent residue, lint, mould, and hard-water minerals can build up inside the drum, hoses, and seals.
If your washer starts smelling musty or your laundry doesn’t smell as fresh as it should, it’s usually a sign that the machine needs a proper cleaning.
Learning how to clean a washing machine properly helps extend its lifespan, improves washing performance, and keeps your clothes smelling fresh. The good news is that cleaning your washer is simple and can be done with a few common household ingredients.
- Top-loading machines: deep clean every 6 months (or every 3 months in hard-water areas)
- Front-loading or high-efficiency washers: clean once a month
What You Need to Clean Your Washing Machine
Cleaning Tools
- 2–3 soft microfibre cloths
- Measuring cup
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Bottle brush or old toothbrush
- Shallow dish or towel (for front-loader filter access)
Cleaning Ingredients
- 1 litre of chlorine bleach
- 1 litre distilled white vinegar
- ½ cup bicarbonate of soda (optional for front-load washers)
Instructions
First things first, make sure the washer is empty, and there is no product in any of the detergent or fabric softener dispensers.
Important Safety Tip
Never mix bleach and vinegar. When combined, they produce chlorine gas, which is dangerous even in small amounts. Always run a full rinse cycle between the two cleaning steps and keep the room well ventilated by opening a window or switching on a fan when using bleach.
- Cycle through bleach
Bleach is a powerful sanitiser that kills mould, mildew and bacteria inside drums, hoses and pumps.
- For a standard top-load washing machine: Set the washer to run a full cycle on the hottest water setting and the largest load size. As soon as the machine is full, stop the cycle before agitation begins.
Pour 1 litre of chlorine bleach directly into the water. Start the cycle again and let it run through the entire wash, rinse and spin process.
- For front-loading washing machines: Add 1/2 cup liquid chlorine bleach to the detergent compartment. If your machine has a separate bleach dispenser, fill it to the brim with bleach, then run a full hot water cycle.
- Next, cycle with vinegar
Once the bleach cycle is complete, run another cycle using vinegar. Vinegar is a mild acid that helps dissolve alkaline detergent residue, neutralise odours, and break down hard water minerals.
- For a standard top-load machine: Again, set the washer to run a hot water cycle. When the machine is full of water, stop the cycle and add one litre of distilled white vinegar. Start the cycle again and complete it.
- For a front-load machine: Fill both the detergent and fabric softener dispensers with distilled white vinegar to the fill line. For extra cleaning and odour removing power, add 1/2 cup of baking soda directly to the drum. Run a full hot water cycle.
- Wipe Down Seals, Door, and Drum
When the final cycle is complete, it’s time for you to wipe everything down.
Use a soft, dry, absorbent cloth to thoroughly dry the door inside and out and of course, the drum.
- For front-loaders, pay special attention to the flexible rubber gasket (door seal). Gently pull back the gasket and wipe away any hidden moisture, lint or residue that the bleach may have loosened. This will help you prevent mould growth in the future.
- Clean the Dispenser Drawers
Detergent, fabric softener, and bleach dispensers should be cleaned every four to six weeks to prevent clogging and ensure they are dispensed correctly.
- Remove the dispenser drawer (most have a simple release tab).
- Heat 1 cup of white vinegar in the microwave or in a small saucepan until hot (but not boiling).
- Pour hot vinegar into the dispenser compartments and leave for a few minutes to loosen sticky deposits.
- Use a small bottle brush or an old toothbrush to scrub off any remaining residue. Wash thoroughly with warm water.
- Wipe the compartment of the machine where the drawer is with a cloth soaked in vinegar, then dry it.
- Replace the clean drawer.
- Clean the Filter (For Front-Loaders)
Front-loading machines have a drain filter (usually behind a small access panel on the front bottom) that traps lint, coins, and other items. It should be cleaned every 1-2 months.
- Place a towel on the floor and a shallow dish underneath the filter access panel to catch any water that may drip.
- Slowly open the panel and carefully open the filter cap. There is a possibility of water spilling.
- Remove the filter and clean out all accumulated debris and sludge. Wash it thoroughly under warm water.
- Screw the filter securely back into place and close the access panel.
Bleach vs. Vinegar: Which is Better to Clean a Washing Machine?
Bleach and vinegar both play critical roles in this cleaning process . Each has unique strengths and should be used seperately.
- Bleach is a powerful sanitiser. Its primary role is to kill mould, mildew, and germs deep within the machine’s internal parts. It is the most effective disinfection agent.
- Vinegar cuts through alkaline, detergent buildup and mineral deposits from hard water. Its most significant benefit is that it neutralises odours effectively. It is also more environmentally friendly and less harsh than bleach.
Use both in separate cycles (as outlined above). It gives a clean machine that’s free of both germs and soap scum.
Tips to Keep Your Washing Machine Clean Longer
- Leave the door or lid open: After every single load, leave the washing machine door or lid open for at least a few hours, or overnight, to allow the interior to air dry completely. This is the single most effective way to prevent mould and mildew.
- Wipe the drum after dirty loads: After washing heavily soiled items like muddy sports gear or cloth diapers, take a moment to wipe the inside of the drum with a dry cloth.
- Check for rust: If you notice little brown spots on your laundry, it may be rust from a chip in the washer drum’s finish. Use a flashlight to inspect the drum. Repair kits are available to re-coat these areas.
- Use the right detergent amount: Always follow the manufacturer’s or detergent’s guidelines for the correct amount. Using too much soap is a primary cause of residue buildup.
- Keep the top clear: Avoid storing laundry products on top of the machine. Spills can damage the finish or seep into electronic controls.
