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How to clean a washing machine
By Ellie Reeves | 12th September 2022 | 7 min read
The best way to clean a washing machine is to break the task down into smaller chunks. This will ensure you thoroughly clean each component and don’t miss anything.
1. Clean the drum
The drum is one of the main areas in your machine where grime, germs and detergent residue will accumulate. That’s why it’s often the best place to start when cleaning your washing machine.
Pour white vinegar into the drum
Pour one glass of white vinegar directly into the drum. White vinegar is a natural cleaner that can help to kill germs and dissolve grime. If you don’t want to use white vinegar, there are several professional washing machine cleaners available. If you choose to use a professional cleaner, always follow specific instructions on the packaging.
Run the machine on a hot cycle
With your vinegar added, run your machine on an empty wash at a high temperature of 60-70 degrees.
Wipe the drum
After the cycle completes, wipe the inside of the drum with a clean cloth to remove any remaining residue.
2. Clean the detergent drawer
The detergent drawer in your machine can be a breeding ground for germs. Detergent gel or powder can accumulate easily and become encrusted in the drawer, eventually turning into mould.
Remove the drawer
Refer to your washing machine manual to safely remove the detergent drawer.
Soak & scrub
Soak the drawer in hot water for an hour or until the residue has soaked off. Scrub off any stubborn deposits with an old toothbrush.
Rinse and dry
Rinse the drawer thoroughly and allow it to dry before reinserting it into the machine.
3. Clean the seals
The rubber seal in your washing machine between the door and the drum stops water from spilling onto your floor. It’s also a utopia for dirt and grime, as it is often ignored and rarely wiped clean.
Washing machine seals can be cleaned using a mild detergent or vinegar solution and a cloth. Make sure you clean in between the folds of the seal where dirt tends to accumulate.
After every wash, gently wipe the seal with a cloth to remove any moisture, dirt, or detergent residue. This simple habit will prevent mould buildup and extend the life of the seal.
4. Clean the filter
The filter in your machine is designed to catch loose debris like tissues, coins and lint. However, the filter can become clogged over time, so regular cleaning is important.
First off, you need to locate your filter. If you have a front-loading machine, the filter will usually be on the bottom right-hand side. If you can’t find your filter, check your user manual.
Remove the cover, take out the filter, and then use a cloth or an old toothbrush to clean off any dirt. For more thorough cleaning, soak the filter in warm water before scrubbing. Once you’ve cleaned all the dirt, always reinstall the filter before running your washing machine again.
If you don’t clean the filter regularly, it could result in a water leak. That’s why we suggest cleaning your washing machine filter every four months.
5. Clean the exterior
While you’re cleaning the interior of your washing machine, it’s also a good idea to clean the exterior.
To clean the exterior of your washing machine, simply wipe it down using a multi-purpose cleaner and microfibre cloth.
With the help of someone else, move the washer away from the wall to clean the back and hoover up any dirt. This will help reduce dust buildup and improve ventilation.
How to maintain a washing machine
Regular maintenance of your washing machine will help it function as it should and reduce the amount of time you need to spend cleaning in the future. Here are some of our top tips for maintaining your washing machine:
Remove clothes straight away
Set yourself a reminder to remove clothes from the drum as soon as the cycle finishes. It’s also a good idea to leave the door open at the end of a cycle. Both of these actions will help to limit the amount of moisture build-up in your machine, which can allow mould and germs to fester.
Check the hoses
We recommend checking your washing machine hoses for cracks or bulges every couple of months. It’s also important to keep a lookout for any leaks at the end of each washing cycle.
Use the recommended amount of detergent
You might think that using more detergent will make your clothes cleaner and fresher, but in fact, you’ll get the opposite result. Using too much soap will leave residue on your clothes and in the detergent drawer, allowing germs to populate.
Always read the user manual
Before you use your machine or attempt to fiddle with different parts of it, you should always read the manual. There may be features you don’t know about that you could make use of. Some smart washing machines have an automatic release for the detergent, which uses the exact amount that is needed for each wash type.
Check the filter
Your washing machine filter will stop tissues, coins, receipts, etc from entering the pump. You should check your filter every four months to ensure it hasn’t become clogged.
Time for a new washing machine?
If your washing machine is past its best, take a look at our range of freestanding and built-in washing machines. If you want to fit your own machine, take a look at our guide to plumbing in a washing machine.
Washing machine cleaning FAQs
Why do I need to clean my washing machine?
Without the correct cleaning, washing machines can become a breeding ground for grime, mould, and limescale. In fact, without regular cleaning, your washer might start to smell musty, lose efficiency, or even develop faults.
How often should I clean my washing machine?
You should try to clean your washing machine drum every two months and perform a thorough cleaning of all components every six months.
What products are best for cleaning a washing machine?
White vinegar is a great natural cleaner, but there are also specialised washing machine cleaning products available that are effective against limescale and mould.
Why does my washing machine smell bad?
A bad smell in your washing machine is usually caused by mould, mildew, or bacteria buildup. Regular cleaning of the drum, seals, and detergent drawer can help eliminate odours.
Can I use bleach to clean my washing machine?
Bleach can be used to clean a washing machine. However, it’s important to run your washing machine empty on a rinse cycle afterwards to remove any remaining bleach from the machine.