How to Clean a Laundry Machine Safely and Thoroughly
How to Clean a Laundry Machine Safely and Thoroughly
Your washing machine has been smelling musty and your clothes aren’t coming out as fresh as they used to. You’ve checked the clothes and they’re clean, but there’s a sour smell that won’t go away. The problem is your washing machine. Over time, detergent residue, fabric softener, dirt, and mold build up inside the drum, dispenser, and seals. This buildup causes odors and can transfer to your clothes. Cleaning your washing machine regularly prevents odors, mold, and residue. Here’s how to clean a laundry machine safely and thoroughly.
Cleaning a laundry machine (washing machine) is the process of removing detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, dirt, and mold from the drum, dispenser, seals, and filter. Regular cleaning prevents odors, mold growth, and residue that can transfer to clothes.
To clean a laundry machine, run a hot cycle with a washing machine cleaner like affresh, wipe the drum and seals, clean the dispenser, clean the filter, and leave the door open. Clean monthly. Don’t use too much detergent, don’t use fabric softener, and don’t close the door between washes.
Step-by-Step: Front Loading Machines
Step 1: Clean the Rubber Seal
The rubber seal around the door is where mold and residue collect. Pull back the seal and wipe inside with a cloth dampened with white vinegar. Check for coins, hair, and debris.
Step 2: Clean the Detergent Dispenser
Remove the detergent dispenser (it usually pulls out or has a release button). Soak it in warm water for 10 minutes. Scrub with an old toothbrush to remove residue. Replace it.
Step 3: Run a Cleaning Cycle
Place 1 tablet of affresh Washing Machine Cleaner in the drum (not the dispenser). Run the hottest cycle with the longest duration. If your machine has a dedicated clean cycle, use it.
Alternatively, pour 2 cups of distilled white vinegar into the drum and half a cup of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda into the dispenser. Run the hottest cycle.
Step 4: Wipe the Drum
After the cycle, wipe the inside of the drum with a clean, dry cloth. Pay attention to the top of the drum where water doesn’t reach.
Step 5: Clean the Filter
Locate the filter (usually behind a small door at the bottom front of the machine). Place a towel underneath. Open the filter, remove debris (coins, hair, lint), and rinse with warm water. Replace the filter.
Step 6: Leave the Door Open
Leave the door open after cleaning to let the drum dry completely. This prevents mold growth.
Step-by-Step: Top Loading Machines
Step 1: Clean the Agitator
Wipe the agitator and the area around it with a cloth dampened with white vinegar. Check for debris underneath.
Step 2: Clean the Dispenser
Remove the detergent and fabric softener dispensers. Soak in warm water for 10 minutes. Scrub with a toothbrush. Replace.
Step 3: Run a Cleaning Cycle
Pour 2 cups of distilled white vinegar into the drum and half a cup of baking soda into the dispenser. Set the machine to the hottest water and the longest cycle. Let the machine fill with water, then pause for 30 minutes to let the solution soak. Resume the cycle.
Alternatively, use 1 affresh tablet in the drum.
Step 4: Wipe the Drum
After the cycle, wipe the inside of the drum with a clean cloth. Pay attention to the top of the drum.
Step 5: Clean the Lint Filter
If your top loader has a lint filter (some do, some don’t), remove it and clean it. Rinse under warm water and replace.
Step 6: Leave the Lid Open
Leave the lid open to let the drum dry completely.
Comparison: Cleaning Methods
| Method | Best For | Cost | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| affresh tablets | Monthly cleaning | Medium | High |
| Vinegar + baking soda | Monthly cleaning | Low | High |
| Vinegar only | Quick clean | Low | Medium |
| Bleach | Mold removal | Low | High (but harsh) |
How to Prevent Washing Machine Odors
Use the right amount of detergent. Excess detergent leaves residue that feeds mold. Use 2 tablespoons per load.
Skip fabric softener. Fabric softener coats the drum and dispenser with waxy residue. Use vinegar instead.
Leave the door open. After every wash, leave the door or lid open to let the drum dry.
Clean monthly. Run a cleaning cycle with affresh or vinegar and baking soda once a month.
Wipe the seal. Wipe the rubber seal on front loaders after every wash.
Use Tide Free and Gentle. It rinses cleanly and leaves less residue than heavy detergents.
FAQ
How do you clean a laundry machine? Clean the rubber seal and dispenser, run a hot cycle with affresh or vinegar and baking soda, wipe the drum, clean the filter, and leave the door open. Clean monthly.
How often should you clean your washing machine? Once a month. If you notice odors between cleanings, run a vinegar-only cycle mid-month. If you wash heavily soiled loads frequently, clean every 2 weeks.
Can you use vinegar to clean a washing machine? Yes. Pour 2 cups of distilled white vinegar into the drum and half a cup of baking soda into the dispenser. Run the hottest cycle. Vinegar kills mold, dissolves mineral deposits, and neutralizes odors.
What is the best washing machine cleaner? affresh Washing Machine Cleaner is formulated specifically for washing machines. It removes residue, mold, and odors. Use 1 tablet per month in the hottest cycle.
How do you prevent washing machine odors? Use the right amount of detergent (2 tablespoons), skip fabric softener, leave the door open after every wash, clean monthly, and wipe the rubber seal on front loaders after every wash.
References
- Tide. “How to Clean a Washing Machine.” tide.com.
- The Spruce. “How to Clean a Washing Machine.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “How to Clean a Washing Machine.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- affresh. “Washing Machine Cleaner Guide.” affresh.com.
