Let’s be honest—when was the last time you cleaned your washing machine? If you’re like most people, it’s probably been a while, if ever. After all, it cleans your clothes, so doesn’t that mean it stays clean itself? Not quite.
Washing machines, whether front-load or top-load, can accumulate soap scum, detergent residue, dirt, and even mold over time. These hidden messes can lead to unpleasant odours, reduce your machine’s efficiency, and even shorten its lifespan. The good news? With a little effort and some household supplies, you can restore your washer to peak condition.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you exactly how to clean your washing machine—inside and out. Whether you’re dealing with a funky smell or just doing preventative maintenance, these tips from JP Appliance Repair will help keep your laundry fresh and your washer in top shape.
Why You Should Clean Your Washing Machine
Before we dive into the steps, let’s take a quick look at why it’s so important to clean your washer:
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Eliminate odors: Leftover detergent, lint, and bacteria can lead to musty smells.
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Prevent mold and mildew: Especially in front-load washers where moisture lingers.
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Improve efficiency: A clean washer runs better and uses less energy.
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Protect your clothes: Dirty residue can transfer onto your laundry.
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Extend appliance life: Routine cleaning reduces wear and tear.
Now that we know why it matters, let’s get into the cleaning process.
What You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy cleaners or expensive tools. Here’s what you’ll need for the job:
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White vinegar
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Baking soda
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A soft cloth or microfiber towel
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An old toothbrush
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Dish soap
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Optional: commercial washing machine cleaner
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A spray bottle
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean a Washing Machine
Step 1: Clean the Detergent Dispenser
The detergent drawer is one of the grimiest places in the washer. Over time, detergent and fabric softener can build up and create gunk.
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Remove the drawer (check your owner’s manual if you’re unsure how).
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Soak it in warm, soapy water for 15–20 minutes.
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Use a toothbrush to scrub away residue in corners and grooves.
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Rinse and let it dry before putting it back.
💡Tip from Jp Appliance Repair: If your detergent tray smells musty, add a splash of vinegar to the water for deeper cleaning.
Step 2: Clean the Rubber Gasket (for Front-Load Washers)
The rubber seal around the door is a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
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Pull back the rubber seal and look for gunk, lint, and standing water.
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Spray a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water.
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Let it sit for a few minutes.
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Use a cloth or toothbrush to scrub it clean.
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Wipe dry with a clean towel.
For stubborn mold, you can use a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water, but make sure the room is well-ventilated.
Step 3: Run a Cleaning Cycle
Now it’s time to clean the inside of the washer drum.
For Front-Load Washers:
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Pour 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum.
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Run the washer on the hottest and longest cycle with no laundry inside.
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Once that’s done, sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda into the drum.
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Run another hot cycle.
For Top-Load Washers:
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Fill the drum with hot water (or run a hot cycle).
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Add 4 cups of white vinegar to the water.
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Let it agitate for 5–10 minutes, then pause the cycle and let it soak for 1 hour.
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After soaking, resume the cycle and let it finish.
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Add 1 cup of baking soda, then run one more hot cycle.
This method deodorizes, breaks down soap scum, and removes mineral deposits.
Step 4: Clean the Drum and Agitator
After running the cleaning cycles, take a cloth and wipe down the inside of the drum and around the agitator (the tall spindle in the center of top-load machines).
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Use warm soapy water or a bit of vinegar on the cloth.
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Don’t forget the lid or door and the edges—these areas often trap dirt.
Step 5: Wipe Down the Exterior
Let’s not ignore the outside of your washing machine.
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Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap.
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Wipe down the top, sides, and controls with a soft cloth.
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Dry with a microfiber towel to prevent streaks.
🧼 Pro tip: Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads, as they can scratch the finish.
Step 6: Clean the Filter and Drain Pump (If Accessible)
Some washers have a lint trap or drain filter that needs to be cleaned regularly.
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Look for the filter near the front base of the washer (usually behind a small panel).
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Place a towel and shallow pan underneath—it might leak!
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Unscrew the filter and remove lint, coins, or small objects.
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Rinse the filter under warm water and screw it back in.
If your model doesn’t have an accessible filter, refer to your user manual or contact Jp Appliance Repair for help.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
Here’s a quick guide to keeping your washer clean and healthy:
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Wipe rubber gasket | Weekly |
| Clean detergent tray | Monthly |
| Run cleaning cycle | Monthly |
| Clean filter/drain | Every 2-3 months |
| Deep clean (full guide) | Every 1-2 months |
Regular cleaning not only keeps your machine fresh but also helps spot small issues before they become costly repairs.
Signs Your Washing Machine Needs a Deep Clean
Not sure if it’s time to clean your washer? Here are the warning signs:
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Your clothes come out smelling weird
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There’s visible mold or mildew
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Water doesn’t drain properly
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You notice suds buildup inside the drum
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The detergent drawer is crusty or gunky
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Strange noises during the cycle
If these issues persist even after cleaning, it might be time to call in a pro like Jp Appliance Repair.
When to Call a Professional (Jp Appliance Repair Can Help!)
Sometimes, your washing machine problems go beyond a routine cleaning. If your washer:
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Leaks water
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Doesn’t start or spin
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Leaves clothes soaking wet
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Makes grinding or knocking sounds
…it could signal mechanical issues.
That’s when calling an expert like Jp Appliance Repair makes sense. Their trained technicians specialize in diagnosing and repairing washers of all types—so you can get back to clean laundry without the stress.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Option
Want a green solution? Try this:
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Use 1 cup of lemon juice instead of bleach—it naturally deodorizes and breaks down mineral deposits.
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Reuse old toothbrushes and cloths for scrubbing.
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Clean with baking soda and vinegar instead of chemical-heavy cleaners.
You’ll save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and still get fantastic results.
Final Thoughts
Your washing machine works hard to keep your clothes clean—it deserves a little love in return. By following this simple cleaning routine every month or two, you can:
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Prevent mold and odors
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Keep your laundry smelling fresh
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Prolong the life of your appliance
And if things get too complicated? Just give Jp Appliance Repair a call. Their professional repair team is ready to help you keep your washer running smoothly year-round.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use bleach instead of vinegar to clean my washer?
A: Yes, you can use bleach (about 1 cup) instead of vinegar for a deep clean. However, never mix bleach with vinegar or baking soda—it can create harmful fumes. Choose one method and rinse thoroughly afterward.
Q2: How do I stop my washer from smelling between cleanings?
A: Leave the washer door open after use to help it dry out. Wipe down the rubber gasket and drum regularly, and remove wet clothes as soon as the cycle ends.
Q3: Is it safe to use store-bought washing machine cleaners?
A: Absolutely. Brands like Affresh or Tide Washer Cleaner are effective and safe to use monthly. Just follow the instructions. But for a natural, budget-friendly option, vinegar and baking soda work just as well.
