Introduction
Here's a fun fact: the thing that cleans your clothes gets dirty. A lot.
Think about it — all that dirt, soap scum, fabric softener residue, and body oil has to go somewhere. It builds up in your washer's drum, hoses, and detergent drawer, creating a perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow.
The good news? Cleaning your washing machine is easy and only takes about an hour. And you can do it with stuff you probably already have in your pantry.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
As a general rule:
- Normal use (3-5 loads/week): Every 2-3 months
- HE front-loader: Every month (they're more prone to mold)
- If you notice a smell: Immediately
- After washing something really dirty: As soon as possible
If your clothes don't smell as fresh as they used to, or you notice a musty odor when you open the washer door, it's definitely time for a clean.
What You'll Need
- White vinegar (2 cups)
- Baking soda (1/4 cup)
- Microfiber cloths
- An old toothbrush
- A small bowl
That's it. No fancy cleaners, no expensive washing machine tablets, no harsh chemicals.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Clean the Detergent Drawer
Pull out the detergent drawer completely (most have a release tab you press to remove it). Soak it in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes, then scrub away any detergent or fabric softener residue with the toothbrush. Rinse and set aside to dry.
While the drawer is out, wipe down the drawer cavity with a vinegar-soaked cloth. This area is surprisingly gross.
2. Clean the Door Seal (Front-Loaders Only)
This is where most of the mold and mildew lives. Pull back the rubber seal gently and wipe all around it with a cloth soaked in vinegar. Pay extra attention to the bottom of the seal — that's where water and gunk collect.
If you see black mold spots, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the moldy areas, and let it sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing.
3. Wipe Down the Drum
Use a vinegar-soaked cloth to wipe down the inside of the drum. Pay attention to any nooks and crannies where gunk can build up.
If you have a top-loader, also wipe the agitator and the underside of the lid.
4. Run a Hot Vinegar Cycle
- Set your washer to the hottest, largest load setting
- Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser or directly into the drum
- Let the machine fill and agitate for a minute to mix the vinegar
- Pause the machine and let it sit for 1 hour
- After an hour, let the cycle complete
The vinegar will dissolve mineral deposits, soap scum, and kill bacteria and mold. It also helps deodorize the machine.
5. Run a Baking Soda Cycle
- After the vinegar cycle finishes, add 1/4 cup of baking soda directly into the drum
- Run another hot water cycle on the largest load setting
- Let the full cycle complete
The baking soda will deodorize and break down any remaining residue. It also helps brighten and freshen the drum.
6. Wipe Everything Down
Once the cycle is done, wipe down the inside of the drum, the door seal, and the door glass with a clean microfiber cloth. Leave the door and detergent drawer open to let everything air dry completely.
Maintenance Tips
Once your washer is clean, here's how to keep it that way:
- Leave the door open between loads — this is the #1 tip for preventing mold in front-loaders. Air circulation is key.
- Use the right amount of detergent — more soap doesn't mean cleaner clothes. It just means more residue buildup.
- Clean the lint filter regularly — most washers have a filter near the bottom that catches lint and debris.
- Don't leave wet clothes sitting — take them out as soon as the cycle finishes.
- Wipe the seal after each load — a quick wipe takes 10 seconds and prevents mold.
When to Call a Professional
Most of the time, a vinegar and baking soda clean is all you need. But if:
- The smell won't go away after multiple cleanings
- Your clothes are coming out dirtier than they went in
- You see visible mold that you can't reach
- The machine isn't draining properly
Then it's time to call an appliance repair person. The problem might be deeper than you can reach — like a clogged drain pump or mold in the hoses.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your washing machine is one of those tasks that's easy to forget about — until something smells. But if you make it a regular habit (set a reminder on your phone!), you'll extend the life of your machine and keep your clothes smelling fresh.
And hey — if you're already doing laundry, you might as well add "clean the washer" to your list. It's barely any extra work, and your future self will thank you.
