Deep Clean a Washing Machine: Settings, Products, and Timing
Deep Clean a Washing Machine: Settings, Products, and Timing
Your washing machine has buildup. There’s black mold in the rubber seal, residue in the detergent dispenser, and a musty smell coming from the drum. Regular cleaning isn’t enough anymore. You need a deep clean. A deep clean removes all buildup, bacteria, and odors from every part of the washing machine. Here’s how to deep clean a washing machine with the right settings, products, and timing.
Deep cleaning a washing machine is the process of removing all buildup, bacteria, mold, and odors from the drum, rubber seal, detergent dispenser, filter, and internal components. Deep cleaning requires more than a single cleaning cycle. It involves manual cleaning of the seal and dispenser, running multiple cleaning cycles, and cleaning the filter.
To deep clean a washing machine, clean the rubber seal with vinegar and baking soda paste, clean the detergent dispenser, run a hot cycle with 2 cups of vinegar and half a cup of baking soda, run a second hot cycle with affresh, clean the filter, and leave the door open. Do this every 3 months.
Products for Deep Cleaning
White Vinegar
White vinegar kills bacteria, dissolves mineral deposits, and removes residue. Use 2 cups per cleaning cycle.
Baking Soda
Arm and Hammer Baking Soda breaks down residue and deodorizes. Use half a cup per cleaning cycle.
affresh Washing Machine Cleaner
affresh Washing Machine Cleaner is a commercial cleaner designed to remove residue and bacteria. Use 1 tablet per cleaning cycle.
Tide Free and Gentle
Tide Free and Gentle is for washing clothes, not cleaning the machine, but using the right amount prevents buildup.
Lysol Laundry Sanitizer
Lysol Laundry Sanitizer kills bacteria. Use in the rinse for heavily soiled loads.
Step-by-Step: Deep Cleaning a Washing Machine
Step 1: Clean the Rubber Seal (Front Loaders)
Pull back the folds of the rubber seal. Wipe with a cloth dipped in white vinegar. For visible mold, apply vinegar directly, let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe. For stubborn mold, use a paste of baking soda and water, scrub with an old toothbrush, then wipe with vinegar.
Step 2: Clean the Detergent Dispenser
Remove the dispenser and soak in warm water with vinegar for 30 minutes. Scrub with an old toothbrush to remove all residue and mold. Rinse thoroughly and replace.
Step 3: Run a Hot Cycle with Vinegar and Baking Soda
Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser and half a cup of baking soda to the drum. Run the hottest and longest cycle with no clothes.
Step 4: Run a Second Hot Cycle with affresh
Add 1 tablet of affresh Washing Machine Cleaner to the drum. Run another hot cycle with no clothes.
Step 5: Wipe the Drum
After both cycles, wipe the drum with a clean, dry cloth to remove any loosened residue.
Step 6: Clean the Filter
If your washer has a filter (usually at the bottom front), place a towel underneath, remove the filter cover, and clean out lint, coins, and debris. Rinse the filter and replace.
Step 7: Clean the Exterior
Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth and mild soap. Don’t use abrasive cleaners.
Step 8: Leave the Door Open
Leave the door open for several hours to let the drum dry completely.
Deep Cleaning Schedule
| Frequency | What to Do |
|---|---|
| After each wash | Wipe the rubber seal, leave door open |
| Weekly | Wipe the drum and dispenser |
| Monthly | Run a hot cycle with affresh |
| Every 3 months | Deep clean: seal, dispenser, 2 cycles, filter |
| Every 6 months | Deep clean + check hoses |
Settings for Deep Cleaning
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Water temperature | Hottest available |
| Cycle | Longest available (or self-clean) |
| Load size | Largest available |
| Clothes | None (empty) |
| Detergent | None |
| Vinegar | 2 cups in detergent dispenser |
| Baking soda | Half a cup in drum |
| affresh | 1 tablet in drum (second cycle) |
What Not to Do
Don’t use chlorine bleach on rubber seals. Chlorine bleach can damage rubber seals over time. Use vinegar instead.
Don’t close the door between washes. Closing the door traps moisture and promotes mold growth.
Don’t use too much detergent. Excess detergent feeds bacteria and causes residue.
Don’t use fabric softener. It coats the drum and seal with waxy residue.
Don’t mix chlorine bleach and vinegar. Mixing them creates toxic chlorine gas.
Don’t skip the filter. A clogged filter causes odors and poor drainage.
FAQ
How do you deep clean a washing machine? Clean the rubber seal with vinegar and baking soda paste, clean the detergent dispenser, run a hot cycle with 2 cups of vinegar and half a cup of baking soda, run a second hot cycle with affresh, clean the filter, wipe the drum, and leave the door open.
How often should you deep clean your washing machine? Every 3 months. Run a hot cycle with affresh monthly, and do a full deep clean (seal, dispenser, 2 cycles, filter) every 3 months.
What products do you need to deep clean a washing machine? White vinegar, baking soda, and affresh Washing Machine Cleaner. You also need an old toothbrush, clean cloths, and a towel for the filter.
Does vinegar deep clean a washing machine? Yes. White vinegar kills bacteria, dissolves mineral deposits, and removes residue. Add 2 cups to the detergent dispenser and run the hottest cycle. For a full deep clean, also use affresh and clean the seal, dispenser, and filter.
What setting should you use to deep clean a washing machine? Use the hottest water temperature, the longest cycle (or self-clean cycle if available), the largest load size, and no clothes. Add 2 cups of vinegar to the dispenser and half a cup of baking soda to the drum.
References
- Tide. “How to Deep Clean a Washing Machine.” tide.com.
- The Spruce. “Washing Machine Deep Clean Guide.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “Deep Cleaning Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- affresh. “Washer Deep Clean Guide.” affresh.com.
