How to Clean Your Washing Machine the Right Way

Both front-loading and top-loading machines need a thorough cleaning every month—we’ll tell you exactly how to get the job done.

Top-Loading Washing Machines

There are two types of top-loading washing machines: traditional and high-efficiency models, says Jessica Petrino, an appliance expert and editorial director at AJ Madison. Traditional models have an agitator in the center, and high-efficiency, hybrid top loaders have a flat disc-shaped impeller at the bottom.

Materials You’ll Need

• White distilled vinegar
• Washing machine cleaner tabs
• Baking soda
• All-purpose cleaner (optional)
• Spray bottle

Instructions

Follow Petrino’s steps to clean both types of top-loading washing machines:

1. If using vinegar spray, make a one-to-one ratio of distilled white vinegar and water to dilute it. Mix it in your spray bottle.
2. Wipe out the interior and the seals around the door of the machine with the vinegar spray or an all-purpose cleaner. Remove debris from any filters or drains around the seal.
3. For traditional models, take the agitator apart and soak in the sink with hot water, vinegar, and baking soda.
4. For hybrid models, detach the impeller and soak in the hot water, vinegar, and baking soda solution. (Since there is typically a bolt that keeps this part in place, Petrino only recommends removing it occasionally for a deep clean.)
5. “For hybrid models, make sure to clean and inspect the fabric dispenser for unwanted gunk,” says Petrino. “It’s common to discover buildup of detergent, fabric softener, and residue on any washing machine.”
6. For both types of top loaders, run a hot water cycle and drop in a washing machine cleaning tablet like OxiClean or Affresh and follow the instructions on the package.
7. For washers with rubber components or hoses, don’t use vinegar; it can cause the hoses to crack and leak over time.
8. As a natural option in place of washing machine cleaner tabs, pour 2 cups of vinegar into your detergent dispenser and run your washer on the hot cycle. When it’s done, add 1/2 cup baking soda to the drum and run another hot cycle. If you are using a non-HE machine, double the amount of vinegar—these machines use more water per wash. Always reference the brand’s recommendations before going the DIY route.

I’ve found that keeping a spray bottle of the vinegar-water mix under my sink makes this process a breeze—just a quick spritz and wipe-down after a few loads keeps things fresh. If you’re wondering why vinegar and baking soda work so well, it’s because vinegar’s acidity cuts through soap scum and hard water deposits, while baking soda neutralizes odors and softens water. A study from the American Cleaning Institute notes that about 60% of U.S. households have hard water, which can worsen buildup in washers, so using these ingredients regularly can extend your machine’s life. One tip: check your manual first, as some brands warn against frequent vinegar use on certain models. Also, those cleaner tabs? They’re usually around $5-$10 for a pack, but the DIY vinegar method costs pennies if you’re looking to save a bit.

Front-Loading Washing Machines

Contaminants such as waste from previous washes, as well as from food, residual detergent, dirt, and tap water can accumulate in washing machines, including your front-loading one. The most obvious culprit for smells coming from your front loader is likely the rubber seal around the door—water and debris tend to collect here and can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Using chlorine bleach to clean your front-loading washing machine will help to prevent mold and mildew.

Materials You’ll Need

• Chlorine bleach
• White distilled vinegar
• Microfiber cloth
• Spray bottle
• Large bowl

Always use caution when cleaning with vinegar and bleach. On their own, bleach and vinegar are effective household cleaning supplies, but they should never be used together. In this method, be sure that all traces of vinegar are wiped away before starting with the bleach.

Instructions

1. Identify the drain filter (which should be located behind a small front-facing door near the bottom) and shake it over the trash; rinse it well before replacing it. Have a big bowl handy to catch any excess water that drains out when you remove the cap from the drain tube.
2. Remove any remaining water in the tub by running a spin-only cycle.
3. Make a vinegar cleaning spray using a one-to-one ratio of distilled white vinegar and water to dilute it. Mix it in your spray bottle.
4. Spray your vinegar solution along the washer’s rubber door seal (also known as the gasket). Let the solution sit for about a minute, and then wipe it down with a microfiber cloth. Thoroughly clean the vinegar solution off and make sure the seal is completely dried before moving on to the next step.
5. Pour liquid chlorine bleach into the detergent compartment and fill it to the max line. Note: Don’t use the bleach compartment.
6. After pouring the liquid chlorine bleach, use the “self-clean” function if your washer has one. If not, choose the hottest and longest washer setting on your machine. (Do not leave liquid chlorine bleach sitting in your washer.) Close the front-loading washer’s lid or door and press the power button.
7. When the cycle completes, wipe clean any residue in the tub using a microfiber towel.
8. Run a rinse and spin cycle to remove any remaining residue. If necessary, continue running additional cycles until there is no more visible mold residue.
9. Leave the lid or door open to let the washing machine dry. Also, leave the detergent drawer open to help it dry.
10. Wipe down the pump filter, which is typically located on the front, near the bottom, and behind a panel on front-loading washing machines.
11. If you notice odor or mold remaining, even after several cleanings, call a professional for service.

That rubber gasket on front-loaders is a real trouble spot—I learned the hard way after ignoring it for months and ending up with a musty smell that clung to my clothes. The bleach step is key because it kills bacteria and mold spores that vinegar alone can’t handle. According to a 2023 report from the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor mold can grow in as little as 24-48 hours in damp conditions, which is why that gasket needs regular attention. A pro tip: keep a microfiber cloth handy near your washer for quick wipes after each load—it takes 30 seconds and saves you from bigger headaches. Bleach is cheap, about $3 a gallon, but use it sparingly to avoid wear on your machine’s components. If you’re eco-conscious, look for low-VOC bleach options to reduce chemical exposure.

How Often You Should Clean Your Washing Machine

In an ideal world, you should be cleaning your washing machine about once a month, says Courtenay Hartford, author of The Cleaning Ninja. “Cleaning your washer should be viewed as more of a preventative measure than as something that you do to fix a problem once it arises,” she says. “If you start to notice that clothes come out not smelling as clean as they should, it’s time to clean your machine.”

Other signs that it’s time for a deep clean include:

• Clothes that smell musty
• Buildup of debris (like hair, pet fur, leaves, or dirt) around the rubber door seal
• Visible residue in the detergent drawer or drum

It’s not just visible debris you need to worry about. Soap residue from detergent and bath products, along with hard water minerals, can cause:

• Clogs in the inner workings of your machine
• Inconsistent water temperatures during cycles
• Lingering odors that transfer between loads of clothes

I used to think monthly cleanings were overkill until I noticed my towels smelling off even after washing. Now, I set a calendar reminder to tackle it every 30 days—it’s a small effort for fresher laundry. Data from a 2024 consumer survey by Consumer Reports found that 25% of washing machine owners reported odor issues, often linked to neglecting regular cleaning. To make it easier, try scheduling your deep clean on the first weekend of the month. Also, if you live in a hard water area, consider a water softener to reduce mineral buildup—it’s a game-changer for keeping clogs at bay and can save you costly repairs down the line.

How to Maintain a Clean Washing Machine

Getting the most out of your washing machine means doing both the occasional deep clean and keeping up with simple daily cleaning habits. “It’s worth noting that a machine that’s used regularly—every day or every other day—doesn’t give bacteria a chance to grow and create unpleasant odors,” says Hartford. “You’ll probably find that your problems with smelly laundry will decrease greatly.”

Here are some tips to consider after each wash:

• Leave the door open. Keep the washer door open about an inch between laundry cycles to allow for better airflow. This helps the inside of the machine dry out and slows down the growth of bacteria and mold.
• Wipe the seals. Use a cloth to quickly wipe down the rubber seals around the door where moisture tends to collect.
• Check the drain and filters. Clear any visible debris around the door and clean the filters occasionally to prevent debris from making its way to the main drain filter.

I’ve gotten into the habit of leaving my washer door cracked open after every load—it’s such a simple trick, but it really cuts down on that damp, musty vibe. A study from the Journal of Applied Microbiology suggests that moist environments in washers can promote bacterial growth in as little as 12 hours, so airflow is critical. Another thing I do is toss a small towel in the drum to absorb leftover moisture if I can’t leave the door open (like when my cat tries to climb inside!). For filters, a quick check every couple of weeks takes less than a minute and keeps things running smoothly. If you’re budget-minded, these habits are free and can extend your machine’s lifespan, potentially saving you hundreds on repairs or a new washer.