How to Clean a Washing Machine: Front and Top Loaders

Learning how to clean a washing machine solves a problem many people ignore. Your washer cleans clothes, yet it also traps soap scum, lint and moisture. Over time, that buildup causes a musty smell and leaves residue on laundry. The fix is simple, cheap and takes less than an hour.

Why Your Washing Machine Gets Dirty

Modern washers use less water than older models. As a result, detergent and fabric softener do not always rinse away fully. Damp rubber seals and closed doors also create the perfect place for mold and mildew.

Clean your machine every one to three months. Do it more often if you wash heavy work clothes or use cold water only.

What You Need

• Distilled white vinegar
• Baking soda
• A microfiber cloth or soft sponge
• An old toothbrush
• A bowl of warm water

How to Clean a Washing Machine With Vinegar and Baking Soda

This method works on both front-load and top-load washers. Check your owner’s manual first, since some brands recommend specific cleaners.

1. Run a Hot Vinegar Cycle

Pour two cups of white vinegar into the drum. Next, select the hottest, largest-load setting, or use the “tub clean” cycle if you have one. Let the cycle run to completion. The vinegar dissolves soap scum and kills many odor-causing germs.

2. Add Baking Soda for a Second Cycle

Sprinkle half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum. Then run another hot cycle. Baking soda lifts leftover residue and neutralizes smells.

3. Scrub the Gasket and Door

For front loaders, the rubber gasket is the main trouble spot. Pull it back gently and look for black spots. Wipe away grime with a cloth dipped in vinegar. Use the toothbrush on stubborn areas. Then dry the gasket thoroughly.

4. Clean the Dispenser Drawer

Remove the detergent tray if possible. Soak it in warm, soapy water for ten minutes. Scrub away residue, then rinse and replace it. Wipe the empty slot with a damp cloth.

5. Check the Drain Pump Filter

Many front loaders have a small filter behind a panel near the bottom. Place a towel and shallow pan underneath. Open the filter slowly, and remove coins, lint and debris. Because water will spill, work carefully.

How to Keep Your Washer Fresh

A few habits stop odors from returning.

• Leave the door or lid open between loads so air can circulate.
• Use the recommended amount of detergent, because more soap does not mean cleaner clothes.
• Remove wet laundry promptly.
• Wipe the gasket after the final load of the day.

The U.S. Department of Energy also notes that high-efficiency detergent works best in efficient washers. You can read more in its Energy Saver website.

When to Call a Technician

If a bad smell lingers after cleaning, a hose or drain line may have a clog. Call a repair technician if you also notice leaks or loud noises. For a related fix, see our guide on how to unclog a drain.

Final Thoughts

Now you know how to clean a washing machine from drum to gasket. Run a vinegar cycle, add baking soda, scrub the seals and keep the door open. With these simple steps, your washer will smell fresh and your clothes will come out cleaner.