Over time a washing machine collects detergent residue, mildew, and hard-water scale that can leave laundry smelling musty. A monthly cleaning cycle and a wipe of the seals keeps the drum fresh and clothes coming out cleaner.
What you'll need
- White vinegar or washing machine cleaner
- Baking soda
- Cloth or sponge
- Old toothbrush
Step by step
- Empty the drumMake sure the machine is empty with no clothes inside. You want the cleaner working on the drum, not on a load.
- Run a hot cleaning cycleAdd two cups of white vinegar or a machine cleaner tablet and run the hottest, longest cycle. Use a dedicated tub-clean setting if your machine has one.
- Add baking soda if neededFor lingering odors, sprinkle half a cup of baking soda in the drum and run a second hot cycle. This helps neutralize smells the vinegar leaves behind.
- Clean the door sealOn a front-loader, pull back the rubber gasket and wipe out trapped water, hair, and mildew with a damp cloth. This fold is the most common source of odor.
- Wash the dispenser drawerRemove the detergent and softener drawer if it comes out, and scrub away built-up gunk with an old toothbrush under warm water before replacing it.
- Wipe down and dryClean the drum opening, door glass, and outside of the machine, then leave the door open so the interior air-dries.
Handy tips
- Leave the door and dispenser drawer open between washes so the drum dries and mildew cannot form.
- Use the right amount of detergent, since too much leaves residue that feeds odors.
- Wipe the gasket dry after each load if your front-loader smells musty.
Heads up
- Do not mix vinegar with bleach in the same cycle, as combining them can create harmful fumes.
- Check your owner's manual first, since a few manufacturers advise against vinegar on certain rubber and metal parts.
FAQ
How often should I clean my washing machine?
About once a month for regular use. Homes with hard water, heavy use, or a front-loader that traps moisture may benefit from more frequent cleaning.
Why does my washer smell bad?
Usually trapped moisture and detergent residue feeding mildew, most often in the door gasket and dispenser. Cleaning those spots and airing out the drum fixes most odors.
Can I use bleach instead of vinegar?
Yes, a hot cycle with a cup of bleach cleans and disinfects, but run it separately from any vinegar cycle and never combine the two.