If you're wondering how to clean your washing machine, you've come to the right place. We've enlisted home tech and laundry experts to help us help you with cleaning your washer, from handy tips and tricks, to best practice guidelines and techniques, stick with us and you'll learn how to keep your washing machine sparkling clean and working in top condition.
We rely on some of the best washing machines - from front-load washers to top-load washers - to free our clothes of dirt, germs, and stains on a regular basis, so it makes perfect sense that you’re going to want to keep the washer itself clean.
Failing to keep a washing machine clean can result in numerous unpleasant consequences. Trust us, we've been there!
Residues from the detergent and your clothes can build up in the machine and detergent drawer, causing your washer to be less clean than it should be. The build-up of detergent can cause excess water to be used within a cycle, which then leads to more potential for mold to develop, leading to unwanted smells, and poor performance.
A build-up of grime or fabric fibers can also cause problems for your washing machine as well as your laundry. I have experienced clothes coming out of the washer in a worse state than they went in, because of a dirty drum. Trust me, there is nothing more frustrating than a washing machine staining one of your favorite pieces of clothing.
I have also known washing machines to break down due to inadequate cleaning and maintenance. So, it behooves us all to spend a little energy, time, and attention tending to the regular care and upkeep of our laundry appliances.
The same also goes for the best dryers, and washer-dryer combos. Do yourself a favour, read on to see what our experts have to say, and save yourself the hassle later.
- Dish soap
- Cloth
- Sponge (and/or toothbrush)
- Washing machine cleaner (or liquid chlorine bleach)
- Bucket and hot water
- Baking soda (optional)
- White vinegar (optional)
We caught up with Michael Forbes, product specialist at AEG, about the importance of cleaning your washing machine - and how often you should do it. Cleaning your washing machine at least once a month will "keep the machine in the best possible condition and ensure clothes come out looking their best," he explains.
"For areas that have hard water, more attention should be paid to frequently cleaning a machine to avoid any limescale build-up. This build-up of minerals can cause the appliance to work harder and less efficiently," he adds.
Appliance repair expert at Domestic & General, Ian Palmer-Smith advises cleaning out the interior your washing machine at least once a month for the best performance. As good practice, he also advises:
"It is good to leave the door open after use to let air circulate and prevent moisture or mildew growth inside. No matter what type you have, regular maintenance is needed to prevent odors, build-up, or a costly washing machine repair."
Judi Kutner also asserts:
"Front-loading machines often need extra care because their design can trap moisture. The gasket around the door is a common problem area."
"Use a damp cloth with some vinegar or bleach to wipe it down. Run a hot cycle with vinegar and baking soda to freshen up the drum."
"Afterward, dry everything thoroughly, focusing on the gasket and door area. Leaving the door open after each load can help prevent mold and mildew from forming."
Read on for our expert guide to keep your washer and your clothes as clean as can be. Or, if yours is a top-load washer, check out our guide on how to clean a top-load washer.
How to clean your front loading washing machine: Quick steps
- Clean the inside of your washing machine
- Run a cleaning cycle
- Clean the filters
- Clean the detergent drawer
- Wipe the drum and rubber seal
- Clean the outside of your washing machine
How to clean your front loading washing machine: Step-by-step guide
1. Clean the inside of your front load washer
Grab a sponge and soapy water and clean under the seal all the way around the machine door. This is a prime spot for mold to grow, so take your time removing any detergent that’s built up.
Once you’ve cleaned the seal, give the drum and the inside of the washing machine door a thorough wipe-down. A simple dish soap like this Dawn Platinum liquid soap on Amazon will do.
"The drum and door seal should be cleaned every two months, taking care to get into the seal, especially at the bottom of the door," Forbes explains.
Ian Palmer-Smith emphasises the importance of cleaning the seal of the drum with a front-load washer, stating:
“For a front-loading machine, it's important to remember to clean the rubber door seal to prevent limescale buildup - this is less of a concern with top-loading machines. However, if you have a top-loading washing machine, you will likely need to clean the agitator - the central post - regularly as it can trap detergent residue. You can do this with a damp cloth or sponge."
Judi Kutner advises:
"To clean any washing machine, you need an empty drum to start. Use something simple like white vinegar, baking soda, or a store-bought cleaner."
"Run the hottest cycle your machine has to let the cleaning solution do the heavy lifting. While that’s going, take a moment to wipe down any detergent dispensers, especially if they’re removable."
"They tend to get sticky over time. Pay attention to rubber seals or gaskets, too—those areas trap moisture and can lead to odors. After the cycle, dry everything out and keep the door or lid open for airflow."
2. Run a cleaning cycle
To properly clean the washing machine, use a washing machine cleaner like these tablets from Affresh on Amazon (or pour half a cup of liquid chlorine bleach into the dispenser). We recommend using washing machine cleaners as they have special ingredients to get rid of grease and detergent residues.
Then, run a normal cycle on your washing machine, or use the dedicated cleaning cycle if your washing machine has this setting.
Michael Forbes explains that "generally, a maintenance wash (cleaning cycle) should be done at least once a month."
To make sure all the cleaning solution has been washed out, run an extra rinse and spin cycle at a hot or warm temperature.
Ian Palmer-Smith explains: “The easiest way to clean out the drum of your washing machine is to run a maintenance wash cycle. A maintenance wash is essentially a deep-clean cycle that helps to kill off any bacteria, mold, and any stains or sludge that has built up. This is carried out by performing a very hot ‘cotton’ wash coupled with some washing machine cleaning solution. "
Alice Lynch also advises on treating limescale and mold:
"For limescale on the glass or drum, spray limescale remover, allowing it to sit for the recommended time before scrubbing and wiping off. Repeat if necessary."
"If the seal has mold, dilute one cup of bleach in four cups of water and carefully apply it to the affected areas. For severe cases, you may cautiously use undiluted bleach, though we advise against this as it could damage the rubber."
3. Clean the filters
Alice Lynch advises it's important to regularly check the filters for debris;
"Check the filter quarterly for foreign objects like color catchers, debris, or coins. A clogged filter can cause drainage issues, forcing the machine to stop mid-cycle and requiring you to manually drain the machine. Cleaning this regularly can save time and prevent incomplete washes."
To check and clean the filters, locate, drain the pump filter into a bowl and use towels for any overspill, check for any debris, remove and clean out the filter with a dish soap and cloth.
Ian explains: “Filters need to be cleaned out every 4-6 weeks to avoid requiring a washing machine repair. The filter can be found at the bottom of the machine, you may need to remove the cover to get to it. When you are removing the cover, it is likely that water will leak out so make sure you lay down towels to protect your floors.
“You then need to unscrew the filter and allow the water to drain out. Once this is done, remove the filter and run it under hot water. Leave it to dry before screwing it back on. Ensure it is screwed on tightly to avoid any leaks, then replace the cover to complete the task.”
4. Clean the detergent drawer
Washing detergent can easily build up in the dispenser drawer, so it's a good idea to wash yours regularly to keep it fresh. Take the drawer out and wash it using soapy water and a sponge (or a toothbrush for any serious buildup). Then, make sure you dry it before reinserting into the washing machine.
Forbes has a helpful tip for keeping the drawer clean: "Due to the wet environment and detergents used, you may notice mold growth in the detergent drawer. Opening the drawer slightly after every use can help prevent this."
Ian Palmer Smith explains how to clean the drawer: "remove it from the machine and then soak it in warm soapy water. Remove any small components of the drawer to make sure no area is missed."
"Once it has been soaking for a while, remove the drawer and any components from the water, rinse them off, and leave them to dry. Make sure to wipe down the slot in the machine before replacing the drawer."
For the drawer Alice Lynch explains:
"Carefully remove the soap drawer from the washing machine itself, and soak it in warm water with washing-up liquid. If there is limescale build-up, use a limescale remover."
"Scrub inside the compartment where the drawer sits with a toothbrush or small scrubbing brush to remove detergent residue and grime."
5. Wipe the drum and rubber seal
Wipe any moisture away from the drum, rubber seal, and the inside of the washing machine door to prevent mold. Leaving the door open will help to air dry it, too.
Be sure to dry off any excess moisture, as our experts have explained. Alice Lynch advises:
"Wipe the inside of the drum, rubber seal (especially the inner flap), and door. Dry the rubber seal thoroughly to prevent mold growth. Leave the door slightly ajar for a few hours to allow proper airing."
6. Clean the outside of your washing machine
You'll be surprised by how much gunk can fall onto the exterior of your washing machine, so wiping it down can really help it look cleaner.
Alice Lynch advises using a microfiber cloth to wipe down the exterior of your washing machine:
"Pay special attention to grooves, buttons, and the operational panel where dirt builds up. Don’t forget the sides, back, and top of the machine if it is freestanding."
"For a sparkling washing machine and a professional finish, complete the cleaning process by spraying glass cleaner and polishing with a glass cloth!"
Now, enjoy your new sparkling washer - and all the clean clothes that come with it.
How to clean your washing machine: FAQs
How often should you clean your washing machine?
We recommend cleaning your washing machine once a month or every six months if you don’t use your washing machine really regularly. A hot wash, along with the tips we’ve mentioned below, will help keep your washing machine as effective and hygienic as possible, and it’ll also prevent your washing machine from smelling damp.
Judi Kutner explains:
"Keeping your machine clean doesn’t have to be a big production. Monthly maintenance—cleaning cycles, wiping damp spots, and leaving the door open—keeps buildup under control. Simple habits like these help the machine last longer and keep your clothes smelling fresh."
How to stop your washing machine from smelling
There are a few steps you can take to prevent nasty odors. Taking your clothes out as soon as they're done, using the right amount of detergent, and leaving the door open are some of the things you can do to keep it smelling natural.
In addition to the above advice to keep up a regular cleaning routine and care for your washing machine to keep it clean and smelling fresh, Alice Lynch also suggests:
"For a fresh smell, you can add a few drops of lemon juice or a squeeze of half a lemon. This removes limescale, detergent residue, and odors."
For more detailed steps, check out our expert guide on how to stop your washing machine from smelling.
