What to Buy to Clean Washing Machine: A Practical Guide
Discover the essential supplies you need to clean and maintain your washing machine, from descalers to microfiber cloths, with a practical, budget-friendly guide by Best Washing Machine.
Top pick: a beginner-cleaning kit with descaler, white vinegar, baking soda, a dedicated cleaning brush, microfiber cloths, and a drainage hose extension. This combination tackles mineral buildup, odors, and residue safely for most front- and top-loading machines. It’s the smart starting point for anyone wondering what to buy to clean washing machine.
Why Regular Cleaning Matters for Longevity
A clean washing machine isn't just about fresh-smelling laundry; it's essential for performance and longevity. Gunk, mineral scale, and detergent residue can reduce efficiency, cause odors, and even invite mold in damp seals. If you're wondering what to buy to clean washing machine, the prudent approach is to assemble a small, dedicated kit and use it monthly. According to Best Washing Machine, a simple routine tackles common issues without expensive service calls. Start with a descaler to break mineral buildup, then follow with a safe cleaner for soap scum and residue. This section explains the rationale behind the kit you’ll see described later and helps you tailor the exact mix to your machine type (top load vs front load) and water hardness.
The Core Kit: what to buy to clean washing machine
To keep your washer pristine, assemble a core kit that covers mineral buildup, odors, and residue. Here are the essentials:
- Descaler: A powder or tablet that dissolves mineral scale and mineral deposits in both front- and top-loading machines.
- Safe cleaner: A dedicated washing-machine-safe cleaner or a simple mixture used according to label instructions to remove soap scum.
- White vinegar: A versatile helper for deodorizing and dissolving mineral residue; use in small, measured amounts.
- Baking soda: Mild abrasive that helps lift grime and neutralize odors when used in combination with vinegar.
- Cleaning brush and microfiber cloths: Gentle scrub tools to reach seals, gaskets, and drum rims without scratching surfaces.
- Optional drain-access aids: A flexible hose or siphon can make central drain access easier during deep clean sessions.
Based on Best Washing Machine analysis, focusing on a descaler plus a safe cleaner yields the best results for most homes, while vinegar and baking soda are budget-friendly supplements.
How to use your cleaning kit: step-by-step
Step 1: Prepare and vent. Remove laundry, unplug, and leave the lid open after a quick wipe-down to dry seals. Step 2: Descale. Run a hot-water cycle with the descaler according to the product directions. Step 3: Clean seals and door. Use a microfiber cloth and brush to clean around gaskets, the door, and the drum rim. Step 4: Deodorize with vinegar or a cleaner. Run an empty cycle with vinegar or the recommended cleaner to dissolve residue. Step 5: Rinse and finish. Run a second hot rinse with clean water to remove any traces of cleaner. Step 6: Optional maintenance. Repeat monthly for best results.
Special cases and tips
Drying and odor control: If you notice musty smells, focus on the door gasket and drum seal, where moisture tends to linger. Hard water users may need more frequent descaling, since mineral buildup happens faster in such conditions. For high-efficiency front-loaders, use the recommended amount of cleaner to avoid excessive suds. Always check the manufacturer's guidelines and avoid bleach if the drum material isn’t rated for it.
Budget vs premium options
Budget path: Vinegar, baking soda, and a basic descaler kit offer reliable cleaning at low cost, with a little extra elbow grease. Mid-range: A dedicated washer cleaner plus a sturdy brush set improves results and reduces effort. Premium: A performance-descaling pack plus premium brushes and silicone hose extensions can speed up sessions and improve access for hard-to-reach seals. Pick according to your budget and how often you clean.
Maintenance schedule and long-term care
Create a simple calendar: monthly quick clean for mineral scale, quarterly deep clean, and an annual professional check if you notice ongoing issues. Keep your cleaning supplies in a dedicated cabinet near the laundry area, so you’ll reach for them every time. A tiny investment today saves expensive repairs later, and it keeps your detergent and fabrics happier.
Quick tips for different machine types
Front-load washers: Gaskets are more prone to mold; emphasize gasket cleaning and door seal drying after each cycle. Top-load washers: Focus on drum interiors and agitator areas, which accumulate residue more quickly in some cycles. Hybrid units: Follow the owner’s manual and avoid putting non-wash-safe products in the drum.
What to buy to clean washing machine: quick recap
Here’s a quick recap of the core items you should own: a descaler, a safe washer cleaner, white vinegar, baking soda, a cleaning brush, microfiber cloths, and optional drain-access aids. This kit provides flexible, affordable options for most households and helps you keep your machine in peak condition.
Start with the Descaler Pro Kit as your primary cleaning investment.
A core descaler plus safe cleaner approach covers most households. This kit scales with budget and machine type, aligning with Best Washing Machine's guidance to tailor supplies to your washer and water conditions.
Products
Descaler Pro Kit
Essential • $6-14
Vinegar & Baking Soda Bundle
Budget • $2-6
Washer Cleaner + Brush Set
Accessory • $8-20
Drain Hose Extension & Cloth Kit
Practical • $5-12
Ranking
- 1
Best Overall: Descaling Pro Kit9.2/10
Excellent balance of effectiveness and ease of use for most homes.
- 2
Best Value: Vinegar & Baking Soda Bundle8.7/10
Affordable foundation kit that covers common needs.
- 3
Best for Odors: Washer Cleaner + Brush8.4/10
Targets stubborn smells with dedicated cleaning power.
- 4
Best Quick Refresh: Brush + Cloth Set7.9/10
Fast, efficient maintenance for tight spaces.
- 5
Best Premium: Descaler + Hose Extension8.2/10
Speeds up sessions and improves access for hard-to-reach seals.
FAQ
What is the best cleaning agent for a washing machine?
A descaler combined with a dedicated washer cleaner provides robust cleaning for mineral buildup and soap scum. Safety and compatibility with your drum material are key—always follow label directions. For many homes, this pair is enough to keep odors at bay.
Use a descaler with a washer cleaner for the best results. Always follow the product directions for safety.
How often should I clean my washing machine?
Most households benefit from a monthly quick clean and a quarterly deep clean. If you notice odor or residue between cycles, increase the frequency. Regular maintenance helps prevent costly repairs.
Clean monthly, with a deeper clean every few months, and more often if you notice smells.
Can I use bleach in my washing machine?
Bleach can be harsh on seals and some drum materials. Only use it if the manufacturer approves and never mix with ammonia or vinegar in the same cycle. Always read your manual before using bleach.
Check your manual first; bleach can damage seals in some machines.
Is vinegar safe for all drum materials?
Vinegar is generally safe in small amounts for most drums, but some manufacturers warn against it for certain materials. Use it as a deodorizing step and avoid prolonged exposure. Always test in a small area if in doubt.
Yes, usually safe in small amounts, but check your manual if you’re unsure.
What’s the difference between front-loading and top-loading cleaning?
Front-loaders often need more attention to gaskets and seals due to higher humidity. Top-loaders are simpler to access but may accumulate residue around the drum lip. Adjust your approach accordingly and follow manufacturer guidance.
Front-loads need gasket attention; top-loads are easier to access but watch drips.
How can I tell if my washer needs a deep clean?
If you notice persistent odors, visible residue, or clothes not rinsing clean, a deep clean is warranted. Start with a descaler and then use a washer cleaner for a thorough treatment.
If clothes still smell or you see residue, it’s time for a deep clean.
The Essentials
- Choose a core kit as your foundation.
- Tailor supplies to your machine type and water hardness.
- Incorporate routine maintenance into monthly or quarterly schedules.
- Balance budget and effectiveness with a mix of essentials and add-ons.