Learning how to deep clean a washing machine is essential for keeping your laundry fresh and extending the life of your appliance. Over time, soap scum, mold, mildew, and mineral deposits can build up inside the drum, filter, and detergent drawer—leading to unpleasant odors and dirty-smelling clothes, even after a full wash cycle.
Even if you have professional house cleaning help, regular washing machine maintenance is something every homeowner should know. Whether you own a front-load or top-load washer, deep cleaning your washing machine once a month can prevent costly repairs and keep it running efficiently.
Why You Need to Clean Your Washing Machine
Washing machines clean your clothes, but they also trap dirt, detergent residue, and moisture. Without routine cleaning, buildup can cause odors, reduce performance, and damage internal components. Regular deep cleaning helps prevent mold growth, removes limescale, and keeps your laundry truly clean.
1. Empty the drain hose:
Disconnect the machine for safety. Locate the drain hose and filter panel near the bottom front of the washer. Place towels and a bowl underneath, then drain any trapped water. Remove debris or small objects that may be clogging the filter.
2. Cleaning the machine filter
Once drained, remove the filter completely. Rinse it under hot water and scrub gently with a toothbrush if needed. Check the filter housing for debris before reinstalling everything securely.
3. Cleaning a washing machine's rubber seal
Wipe the rubber gasket using white vinegar or diluted bleach to remove mold and residue. Use a toothbrush for tight crevices, and clean the inside of the door as well. Never mix vinegar and bleach.
4. Cleaning the washer’s drawer
Remove the detergent drawer using the release tab. Wash it in hot, soapy water, paying special attention to the fabric softener compartment. Rinse, dry, and reinstall.
5. Deep-cleaning a washing machine
Choose one cleaning method and run the hottest cycle available:
60 ml liquid chlorine bleach, or
2 cups white distilled vinegar
Never use both together.
6. Finish cleaning the outside of your machine
Add ½ cup baking soda directly to the drum and run another hot cycle. This helps deodorize and remove lingering residue.
How to Clean a Top-Load Washing Machine
1. Follow the directions
If using a commercial washer cleaner, follow the manufacturer’s directions exactly.
2. Cleaning with vinegar or bleach
Set the washer to the largest load, hottest water, and longest cycle. Let the tub fill, then add:
60 ml chlorine bleach, or
2 cups white distilled vinegar
Close the lid for 30 seconds, stop the cycle, and let the solution soak for one hour.
3. Deep Cleaning the washer's drawer
Remove and soak the detergent drawer in hot, soapy water. Scrub with a toothbrush. While soaking, clean the agitator top and lid rim, checking for mold buildup.
4. Cleaning the outside of the machine
Clean the washer’s exterior and control panel using a damp microfiber cloth. Resume and finish the cycle after soaking.
5. Deodorizing your washing machine
If odors remain, add ½ cup baking soda to the drum and repeat the hot cycle.
6. Finishing touches
After the cycle finishes, wipe the interior with a clean microfiber cloth. Run an extra rinse cycle if any cleaner scent remains.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Check your washing machine’s manual first to see whether it has any maintenance cycles. It should have instructions on how and when to run these. Always abide by the recommendations made by your manufacturer.
Deep cleaning your machine once a month is recommended, depending on how frequently you use it. Additionally, to prevent mold, you should leave the door and dispenser drawer open between washings and clear out the gasket (making sure there are no loose objects lodged within that could harm the washer).
Use a dedicated cleaner to get the best results when deep cleaning a washing machine. These have been created so that they can remove all of the dirt and grease without harming the machinery.
Another common choice is bleach. It’s important to note that while this is powerful and effective, the dosage must be precise to avoid over-foaming and machine damage. The warranty on your washer can also be void as a result. Make sure you avoid doing this if you are frequently cleaning with bleach.
Another efficient cleaner that is also environmentally friendly is white distilled vinegar. You shouldn’t use this procedure regularly, though, because vinegar erodes rubber over time.
Vinegar and bleach should never be mixed because the toxic chlorine gas produced can damage appliances.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to deep clean a washing machine, your appliance will stay fresh, efficient, and odor-free. Regular maintenance protects your washer and ensures cleaner laundry every time.
If you don’t have time to clean your washing machine yourself, Maggy Maid can help. Our professional house cleaning services include appliance cleaning to keep your home spotless.
📞 Contact Maggy Maid today to schedule a cleaning and enjoy a fresher, cleaner home—without the hassle.
