How to Clean a Washing Machine: Step-by-Step Guide

A washing machine cleans your clothes, but the machine itself needs regular cleaning too. Detergent residue, fabric softener, lint, moisture, and everyday grime can build up inside the drum, dispensers, seals, and filters. Over time, that buildup may contribute to musty smells and less-than-fresh laundry.

The good news is that cleaning a washing machine is usually simple. Whether you have a front-loading or top-loading washer, this guide will walk you through the main areas to clean, how to prevent odors, and the mistakes to avoid.

Important: Always check your washing machine's owner's manual before using any cleaning product. Cleaning recommendations vary by brand and model.

What You'll Need

Before you start, gather a few basic supplies:

• Washing machine cleaner approved for your model

• Microfiber cloths

• Mild dish soap

• Warm water

• Small cleaning brush or old toothbrush

• Small bowl, towel, or bucket

• Your washing machine's owner's manual

Some manufacturers may recommend a specific washer-cleaning product or allow another cleaning agent. Follow the instructions for your particular machine.

Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or other cleaning products.

How to Clean a Front-Loading Washing Machine

Front-loading washers are especially prone to trapping moisture around the rubber door gasket, so paying attention to the seal is an important part of your cleaning routine.

1. Empty the Washer

Remove all clothing and other items from the drum before cleaning.

Check around the inside of the drum and door area for small items such as coins, tissues, hair ties, or other debris.

2. Run the Washer's Cleaning Cycle

Look for a setting labeled something like:

Clean Washer, Tub Clean, Self Clean, or Drum Clean.

Follow your machine's instructions for that cycle.

Use only the cleaning product recommended or approved for your washer. If your machine does not have a dedicated cleaning cycle, check the owner's manual for the correct alternative.

3. Clean the Rubber Door Gasket

Gently pull back the folds of the rubber gasket and inspect them for lint, hair, detergent residue, and trapped moisture.

Wipe the gasket with a soft cloth and warm, mildly soapy water unless your manufacturer recommends another method.

Pay special attention to the folds where moisture and debris can collect.

Dry the gasket thoroughly when you're finished.

4. Clean the Detergent Dispenser

Detergent and fabric-softener residue can build up inside the dispenser.

If your dispenser is removable:

Remove it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Wash it with warm water and mild dish soap.

Use a small brush to loosen buildup from corners and crevices.

Rinse it thoroughly and allow it to dry before reinstalling it.

If the dispenser cannot be removed, wipe the accessible areas carefully with a damp cloth.

5. Check the Drain-Pump Filter

Some front-loading washers have a user-accessible drain-pump filter near the lower front of the machine.

Check your manual before opening it.

If your machine has one, place a towel or shallow container underneath because some water may drain out.

Remove debris from the filter and clean it according to the manufacturer's directions before reinstalling it securely.

6. Wipe Down the Exterior

Use a soft damp cloth to clean the control panel, door, handle, and outside surfaces.

Avoid soaking the controls or spraying cleaner directly into electronic areas.

Dry the exterior with a clean microfiber cloth.

How to Clean a Top-Loading Washing Machine

Top-loading machines also collect detergent residue, lint, and buildup, especially around the dispensers and upper edges of the tub.

1. Empty the Washer

Make sure there are no clothes or other items inside.

Inspect the drum for loose debris before starting.

2. Run the Cleaning Cycle

If your washer has a Clean Washer, Tub Clean, or Self Clean setting, use it according to the owner's manual.

Add the washer-cleaning product recommended for your machine and allow the cycle to finish completely.

If your washer does not have a dedicated cleaning cycle, use the cleaning method specified by the manufacturer.

3. Clean the Dispensers

Check the detergent, bleach, and fabric-softener dispensers for residue.

Remove them if your model allows.

Wash removable parts in warm, soapy water and use a small brush for stubborn buildup.

Rinse and dry them before putting them back.

4. Wipe Around the Tub and Lid

Residue can collect around the top edge of the wash tub, underneath the lid, and around hinges.

Wipe these areas with a soft cloth dampened with mild soapy water.

Pay attention to grooves and edges where dust and detergent residue may collect.

5. Clean the Exterior

Wipe down the control panel, lid, sides, and handles.

Use a soft cloth and avoid saturating electronic controls.

How Often Should You Clean a Washing Machine?

A good starting point is to check your washer's manufacturer recommendations.

Many households benefit from running the washer's cleaning cycle approximately once a month, although the ideal schedule depends on your machine and how often you use it.

You may need to clean the washer sooner if you notice:

Musty or unpleasant odors

Visible detergent or fabric-softener buildup

Residue around the door gasket

Laundry that doesn't smell fresh after washing

A washer-cleaning reminder or indicator light

Homes that do several loads of laundry every day may need more frequent maintenance than homes that use the washer only a few times each week.

How to Prevent Washing Machine Odors

A few everyday habits can help keep your washer fresher between deep cleanings.

Leave the Door or Lid Open

When it's safe to do so, leave the washer door or lid slightly open after a cycle.

This allows moisture inside the machine to evaporate instead of remaining trapped.

Remove Wet Laundry Promptly

Try not to leave damp clothing sitting inside the washer for long periods.

Move laundry to the dryer or drying rack as soon as reasonably possible.

Use the Correct Amount of Detergent

More detergent does not always mean cleaner clothes.

Using too much can leave residue inside both the washer and your laundry.

Follow the detergent directions and your washer manufacturer's recommendations, especially if you have a high-efficiency machine.

Wipe the Door Gasket

If you have a front-loading washer, occasionally wipe moisture and debris from the rubber gasket.

This is one of the most important places to check if your washer begins to smell musty.

Keep Dispensers Clean

Detergent and fabric-softener dispensers can become coated with residue.

Check them regularly and clean them before buildup becomes heavy.

Common Washing Machine Cleaning Mistakes

Mixing Cleaning Products

Never mix household cleaning chemicals.

In particular, bleach should never be combined with vinegar, ammonia, or other cleaners because dangerous fumes or reactions can occur.

Use one manufacturer-approved cleaning method at a time.

Assuming Every Washer Can Be Cleaned the Same Way

A cleaning method that is appropriate for one washing machine may not be recommended for another.

Always check your owner's manual before adding vinegar, baking soda, bleach, washer cleaner, or any other product directly to the machine.

Using Too Much Detergent

Excess detergent can create buildup inside the drum, hoses, dispenser, and other areas.

Measure detergent according to the product instructions and your washer's recommendations.

Ignoring the Gasket and Dispensers

Cleaning only the drum leaves several common trouble spots untouched.

Door seals, detergent dispensers, filters, and tub edges can all collect residue.

Closing the Washer While It's Still Damp

Trapping moisture inside the machine can encourage musty smells.

Allow the interior to dry between loads whenever your washer manufacturer recommends doing so.

Forgetting Routine Maintenance

Cleaning the washer is only part of regular maintenance.

Periodically inspect hoses, dispensers, filters, and other user-serviceable parts according to your owner's manual.

Why Does My Washing Machine Smell?

A musty washing-machine smell is often caused by a combination of moisture and residue.

Possible sources include:

Detergent buildup

Fabric-softener residue

Moisture trapped around the gasket

Wet laundry left in the drum

Debris inside a filter

A washer that isn't drying between loads

Start by cleaning the areas recommended for your machine and running the manufacturer-approved cleaning cycle.

If the odor continues after cleaning, consult your owner's manual or appliance manufacturer because the problem may require additional maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I clean my washing machine with vinegar?

Some cleaning guides recommend vinegar, but not every washing-machine manufacturer recommends putting vinegar inside the appliance.

Because cleaning instructions vary, check your owner's manual before using vinegar in the drum, dispenser, gasket, or other parts of the washer.

A manufacturer-approved washing-machine cleaner is often the simplest option.

Can I use baking soda in my washing machine?

Check your manufacturer's instructions first.

Although baking soda is commonly used for household cleaning, that does not automatically mean it is recommended for every washing-machine model.

Can I mix vinegar and baking soda to clean my washing machine?

It's better to follow one manufacturer-approved cleaning method rather than combining household ingredients.

Mixing vinegar and baking soda also causes them to react with one another, so the foaming action doesn't necessarily mean the mixture is cleaning your washer more effectively.

How often should I clean my washing machine?

Check your owner's manual first. For many households, a monthly cleaning routine is a reasonable starting point.

Clean the machine sooner if you notice odors, visible residue, or a washer-cleaning reminder.

Why does my front-loading washer smell?

Front-loading washers can retain moisture around the rubber door gasket and other enclosed areas.

Check the gasket, detergent dispenser, filter, and drum for residue or trapped moisture, then run the recommended washer-cleaning cycle.

Should I leave my washing-machine door open?

If your manufacturer allows it and it's safe in your household, leaving the door or lid slightly open after washing can help moisture evaporate.

Do I need to clean the washing-machine filter?

Some machines have filters that homeowners can clean, while others do not.

Check your manual to see whether your model has a user-serviceable filter and how frequently it should be cleaned.

Final Thoughts

A clean washing machine can help keep your laundry routine running smoothly and prevent residue and odors from building up inside the appliance.

The most important rule is simple: follow the instructions for your specific washing machine.

Use the machine's cleaning cycle when available, keep dispensers and seals clean, use the correct amount of detergent, and allow moisture to escape between loads.

With a little routine maintenance, you can keep your washer cleaner, fresher, and ready for laundry day.