When to Clean Washing Machine: Essential Maintenance Guide
Learn when to clean washing machine, how often to schedule maintenance, and a practical, step-by-step routine to keep odors away and maximize efficiency. Includes front-load vs top-load guidance, safety tips, and a repeatable schedule.
This guide answers the core question of when to clean washing machine, how often to perform maintenance, and what a simple, repeatable routine looks like. You’ll learn to spot odor and residue cues, select effective cleaning methods, and follow practical steps that work for both front-load and top-load models. Start today and protect your clothes and your machine.
Why Regular Cleaning Matters
A washing machine handles tough jobs every day, and its surfaces accumulate detergent residue, minerals from hard water, and damp warmth that can promote mold growth. Knowing when to clean washing machine and how often to perform maintenance helps you avoid odors, mold, and mineral buildup that reduce efficiency and wear on your clothes. According to Best Washing Machine, establishing a regular cleaning routine is one of the simplest ways to extend the life of your appliance and keep it running smoothly. This section explains the why behind routine cleaning, including how often to clean based on usage, water quality, and model type. By understanding your washer’s stress points—drum, door seals, detergent drawer—you’ll know where to focus attention during each cleaning cycle. Make a note of the cues your machine gives you: unusual smells, longer wash times, or clothes that don’t feel as clean as they should.
Signs Your Washer Needs Cleaning
Listen for a sour or musty odor that comes and goes with each cycle. Visually, soap scum around the door gasket, mineral deposits in the detergent drawer, and mold growth in corners of the drum are common indicators that buildup is occurring. If clothes emerge damp or there’s a noticeable shift in cleaning performance, that’s another signal to clean. Regular inspections of the door seal, detergent compartments, and drainage hose help you catch problems early and prevent more serious failures. When mold is detected, address it promptly with the recommended cleaning method and allow the area to dry completely before your next load. Early intervention saves headaches and extends the life of your washer.
How Often Should You Clean?
The general guidance is a basic maintenance clean every 1-3 months, with a deeper descale or full clean every 6-12 months, depending on water hardness and laundry load. If you have hard water, more frequent checks reduce mineral buildup and odors. If you wash heavily soiled items or run large loads, you may need to clean more often. For front-load models, pay particular attention to the door seal and detergent drawer, which are common sources of mold when not cleaned regularly. Based on Best Washing Machine analysis, sticking to a predictable schedule helps prevent surprises and keeps your washer operating efficiently. Create a clean rhythm that suits your home and materials, and adjust as you learn your machine’s quirks.
Front-Load vs Top-Load: Cleaning Differences
Front-load washers tend to trap more moisture around the door gasket and can develop mold if the seal is not wiped down after use. They also benefit from periodic gasket scrubbing and a more frequent cleaning cycle with a hot-water option. Top-load machines are generally easier to clean around the lid and agitator but can still harbor residue in the dispenser cups. Regardless of configuration, use a hot-water cycle with a cleaning agent every few months and wipe dry all crevices after a cycle. This section helps you prioritize those areas most prone to buildup for your specific model.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Schedule
Use this framework to keep your washer in top shape. The detailed actions appear in the separate STEP-BY-STEP block, but this schedule gives you a clear cadence you can follow:
- Daily/Weekly: Wipe the door gasket and detergent drawer after use to remove moisture and residue.
- Monthly: Inspect hoses and filter and wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth. Run a quick hot-water cycle with a cleaning agent.
- Quarterly: Perform a thorough clean with vinegar and baking soda, focusing on the drum, dispenser drawers, and seals.
- Biannual: Descale if you have hard water or notice mineral deposits forming.
- Annually: Have a professional inspect hoses and connections if you use the machine heavily.
Maintenance Tips to Prevent Buildup
Proactively maintaining your washer helps prevent odor and residue. Keep the detergent drawer clean and dry, use the correct type and amount of detergent for your machine, and avoid overfilling the drum. After a cleaning cycle, leave the door or lid ajar to air out the interior and promote drying. If you notice persistent smells or moisture, address the issue promptly rather than letting it fester. The Best Washing Machine team recommends pairing a regular routine with model-specific guidance from your user manual to maximize longevity and performance.
Tools & Materials
- White vinegar(2 cups for cleaning cycle)
- Baking soda(1 cup for deodorizing and cleaning)
- Liquid dish soap(For gasket and drawer scrubbing)
- Microfiber cloths(For wiping surfaces and seals)
- Old toothbrush(For tight crevices around the gasket)
- Bucket(To catch drips and hold warm water)
Steps
Estimated time: 45-60 minutes
- 1
Prepare and gather supplies
Power down the machine if possible, unplug the unit, and remove all laundry. Gather vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, microfiber cloths, an old toothbrush, and a bucket. Clear the area around the washer to avoid drips on floors or electronics.
Tip: Have towels ready and keep a waste bin nearby for debris. - 2
Run a hot-water cycle with vinegar
Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the drum and run the hottest cleaning cycle available. This helps dissolve mineral buildup, deodorize the drum, and prep the seals for deeper cleaning.
Tip: Watch the drum during the cycle for unusual noises and stop if you smell burning or see leaking. - 3
Clean seals and dispensers
While the cycle runs, dampen a microfiber cloth with vinegar and wipe the door gasket, paying attention to folds where moisture hides. Remove the detergent drawer and scrub with a cloth or toothbrush using soapy water to remove residue.
Tip: Rinse the drawer thoroughly and dry before returning it to place. - 4
Deodorize with baking soda
After the vinegar cycle finishes, sprinkle baking soda inside the drum and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Re-run a short hot cycle to rinse away loosened grime and odors.
Tip: Do not mix baking soda directly with vinegar inside the drum during the same cycle. - 5
Wipe exterior and dry the seal
Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth, then thoroughly dry the door gasket and seams. Ensure every crevice is dry to prevent mold growth between uses.
Tip: Leave the door ajar between uses to promote airflow. - 6
Rinse, then air-dry
Run a final rinse cycle with plain water and leave the door open to air-dry. This helps remove any residual moisture that leads to odors or mold.
Tip: If possible, position the washer where airflow is not blocked.
FAQ
How often should I clean my washing machine?
Most households benefit from a basic clean every 1-3 months and a deeper clean every 6-12 months, adjusted for water hardness and usage. Observed odors or residue mean you should clean sooner.
Generally every month or two for a basic clean, and every six to twelve months for a deep clean if your water is hard or you have heavy use.
Can I use bleach to clean a washing machine?
Bleach can damage seals and rubber parts if misused. Use vinegar or a washer-safe cleaner instead, following the manufacturer’s directions.
Bleach is not recommended for routine cleaning; use vinegar or a specialized washer cleaner instead.
Is vinegar safe for front-load washers?
Yes, small amounts of vinegar are safe for most front-load washers when used in hot cycles. Do not soak seals and avoid mixing with other cleaners in the same cycle.
Yes, using a bit of vinegar in hot cycles is generally safe for front-load washers; don’t mix cleaners in one cycle.
What are signs of mold in a washer?
Musty odors, visible mold around the door gasket, dark spots in crevices, or residual moisture after cycles indicate mold growth that should be addressed promptly.
If you smell mold or see dark spots around the gasket, address it quickly and clean thoroughly.
Should I leave the door open after cleaning?
Yes. Leaving the door or lid ajar after cleaning helps air-dry the interior and reduces lingering moisture that invites mold.
Yes, leaving the door open after cleaning helps the washer dry out faster and prevents mold.
Watch Video
The Essentials
- Establish a regular cleaning cadence for your washer.
- Monitor for odors or visible residue as early warning signs.
- Use purpose-specific cleaners and avoid mixing chemicals.
- Dry seals and leave the door ajar to prevent mold growth.
