Wondering how to clean your washing machine? We’ve got handy tips and tricks for cleaning your washer and keeping it in top condition.
We rely on some of the best washing machines to free our clothes of dirt, germs, and stains on a regular basis, so it makes perfect sense that you’re going to want to keep the washer itself clean.
Residues from the detergent and your clothes can build up in the machine and detergent drawer, causing your washer to be less clean than it should be. This can cause unwanted smells, and can even affect the performance of your washing machine.
- Dish soap
- Cloth
- Hot water
- Sponge (and/or toothbrush)
- Washing machine cleaner (or liquid chloring bleach)
We caught up with Michael Forbes, product specialist at AEG, about the importance of cleaning your washing machine - and how often you should do it. Cleaning your washing machine at least once a month will "keep the machine in the best possible condition and ensure clothes come out looking their best," he explains.
"For areas that have hard water, more attention should be paid to frequently cleaning a machine to avoid any limescale build-up. This build-up of minerals can cause the appliance to work harder and less efficiently," he adds.
Read on for our expert guide to keep your washer and your clothes as clean as can be. Or, if yours is a top-load washer, check out our guide on how to clean a top-load washer.
How to clean your washing machine: Quick steps
- Clean the inside of your washing machine
- Run a cleaning cycle
- Rinse and spin
- Clean the detergent drawer
- Wipe the drum and rubber seal
- Clean the outside of your washing machine
How to clean your washing machine: Step-by-step guide
1. Clean the inside of your washing machine
Grab a sponge and soapy water and clean under the seal all the way around the machine door. This is a prime spot for mold to grow, so take your time removing any detergent that’s built up.
Once you’ve cleaned the seal, give the drum and the inside of the washing machine door a thorough wipe-down. A simple dish soap like this Dawn Platinum liquid soap on Amazon will do.
"The drum and door seal should be cleaned every two months, taking care to get into the seal, especially at the bottom of the door," Forbes explains.
2. Run a cleaning cycle
To properly clean the washing machine, use a washing machine cleaner like these tablets from Affresh on Amazon (or pour half a cup of liquid chlorine bleach into the dispenser). We recommend using washing machine cleaners as they have special ingredients to get rid of grease and detergent residues.
Then, run a normal cycle on your washing machine, or use the dedicated cleaning cycle if your washing machine has this setting.
Michael Forbes explains that "generally, a maintenance wash (cleaning cycle) should be done at least once a month."
3. Rinse and spin
To make sure all the cleaning solution has been washed out, run an extra rinse and spin cycle at a hot or warm temperature.
4. Clean the detergent drawer
Washing detergent can easily build up in the dispenser drawer, so it's a good idea to wash yours regularly to keep it fresh. Take the drawer out and wash it using soapy water and a sponge (or a toothbrush for any serious buildup). Then, make sure you dry it before reinserting into the washing machine.
Forbes has a helpful tip for keeping the drawer clean: "Due to the wet environment and detergents used, you may notice mold growth in the detergent drawer. Opening the drawer slightly after every use can help prevent this."
5. Wipe the drum and rubber seal
Wipe any moisture away from the drum, rubber seal, and the inside of the washing machine door to prevent mold. Leaving the door open will help to air dry it, too.
6. Clean the outside of your washing machine
You'll be surprised by how much gunk can fall onto the exterior of your washing machine, so wiping it down can really help it look cleaner.
Now, enjoy your new sparkling washer - and all the clean clothes that come with it.
How to clean your washing machine: FAQs
How often should you clean your washing machine?
We recommend cleaning your washing machine once a month or every six months if you don’t use your washing machine really regularly. A hot wash, along with the tips we’ve mentioned below, will help keep your washing machine as effective and hygienic as possible, and it’ll also prevent your washing machine from smelling damp.
How to stop your washing machine from smelling
There are a few steps you can take to prevent nasty odors. Taking your clothes out as soon as they're done, using the right amount of detergent, and leaving the door open are some of the things you can do to keep it smelling natural.
For more detailed steps, check out our expert guide on how to stop your washing machine from smelling.
