How to Clean Washing Machine: 5 Simple Steps for 2025

How to Clean Washing Machine: 5 Simple Steps for 2025

Cleaning your washing machine is an often-overlooked maintenance task, but it’s essential for ensuring your appliance works at peak performance. Over time, detergent residues, grime, and mould build-up inside, leading to unpleasant odours and reduced washing efficiency. In this guide, we'll show you how to clean your washing machine in five easy steps, ensuring a fresher and more efficient laundry experience every time.

Why Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?

Washing machines are often taken for granted as they perform their regular tasks. However, just like any other appliance, regular cleaning is vital. Here’s why:

• Prevent unpleasant smells caused by trapped water, detergent residues, and mildew.
• Ensure better washing results by avoiding build-ups that could affect washing performance.
• Extend the lifespan of your washing machine, saving you from costly repairs or replacements.
• Maintain a cleaner laundry environment by removing trapped dust, lint, and bacteria.

Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary supplies to get the job done:

• White vinegar or a commercial washing machine cleaner
• Baking soda
• Microfiber cloth or sponge
• Warm water
• Toothbrush (optional for scrubbing stubborn areas)

Step 2: Clean the Drum

The washing machine drum is one of the most crucial parts to clean since it holds your laundry. Over time, detergent residues, water stains, and grime can build up inside. Here's how to clean the drum:

1. Set your washing machine to run an empty cycle using hot water. Add two cups of white vinegar into the drum. Vinegar helps to dissolve mineral deposits, detergent build-up, and any soap scum.
2. Let the cycle complete. This will disinfect the drum and eliminate lingering odours.
3. If you spot any stubborn build-up or residue after the cycle, use a toothbrush to scrub the inside of the drum and rinse with water to clear it out.

Step 3: Clean the Door Seal

The rubber door seal is notorious for trapping water, detergent, and lint, making it a breeding ground for mould and mildew. Cleaning this area is crucial for preventing these issues. Here's what to do:

1. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it directly on the rubber seal. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes.
2. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the rubber door seal, paying special attention to the folds where grime tends to collect.
3. If you notice any mould or mildew, use a toothbrush to scrub away the build-up.

Step 4: Clean the Detergent Drawer

Detergent residue can build up in the detergent drawer over time, preventing it from dispensing detergent properly. Here's how to clean it:

1. Remove the detergent drawer from your washing machine. Most machines allow you to slide it out easily.
2. Run warm water over the drawer to loosen detergent build-up, then scrub it with a brush or sponge to clean the interior.
3. If there’s stubborn residue, soak the drawer in warm water and vinegar for 15 minutes, then scrub it again.
4. Dry the detergent drawer thoroughly before reinserting it back into the machine.

Step 5: Run a Final Rinse Cycle

After cleaning the drum, door seal, and detergent drawer, it's time to run a final rinse cycle to ensure that all residues are flushed out:

1. Set your washing machine to run an empty cycle with hot water. Add half a cup of baking soda to the drum to help neutralize any remaining odours.
2. Let the cycle finish, and your washing machine will be fresh and clean, ready for the next load of laundry!

How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?

It’s recommended to clean your washing machine every 1-2 months to maintain optimal performance. However, if you frequently wash heavily soiled clothes or use a lot of detergent, you may need to clean it more often to prevent build-up.

Additional Tips for Maintaining a Clean Washing Machine

Here are a few more tips to help you keep your washing machine in top shape:

• Leave the door open between washes to allow the drum to air dry, which helps prevent mould growth.
• Always use the correct amount of detergent – using too much detergent can lead to build-up and residue inside the machine.
• Use a washing machine cleaner once a month for deep cleaning. These cleaners are specifically formulated to remove build-up and keep your machine running smoothly.
• Wipe down the exterior of your machine with a damp cloth regularly to keep it looking clean and fresh.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your washing machine doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. By following these five simple steps, you can maintain a fresh, efficient washing machine and keep your laundry looking and smelling great. A clean washing machine not only ensures that your clothes come out cleaner, but it also extends the lifespan of your appliance, saving you money in the long run.

For more expert home appliance tips, check out this Forbes article for additional cleaning hacks from the professionals.

Looking for a professional deep cleaning service? Our Deep Cleaning Service is perfect for a thorough, detailed clean. Contact us today to learn more!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How often should I clean my washing machine?

It's recommended to clean your washing machine every 1-2 months to prevent build-up and ensure it runs efficiently. If you frequently wash heavily soiled laundry or use a lot of detergent, you may need to clean it more often.

2. Can I use bleach to clean my washing machine?

While bleach can be used to disinfect your washing machine, it is not the best option for regular cleaning. Vinegar or a dedicated washing machine cleaner is a gentler and more effective solution for breaking down build-up and keeping your machine running smoothly.

3. My washing machine still smells after cleaning. What should I do?

If your washing machine still smells after cleaning, it may be due to a build-up of detergent residue or mould in hard-to-reach areas. Try repeating the cleaning process and ensure that the door seal and detergent drawer are thoroughly cleaned. Leaving the door open between washes can also help prevent musty odours.

4. Can I clean my washing machine without running a cycle?

While running a cycle is the most effective way to clean the drum, you can also clean your washing machine manually. Use a vinegar solution to clean the door seal, detergent drawer, and any visible grime. Scrubbing the drum with a sponge or toothbrush can also help remove stubborn spots.

5. How can I prevent mould in my washing machine?

To prevent mould, always leave the door slightly open between washes to allow the drum to air dry. Regularly clean the door seal and detergent drawer, and make sure to use the right amount of detergent to prevent build-up. Additionally, running a hot wash with vinegar every few months will help keep mould at bay.