If your washing machine is smelling worse than your post-workout shirt, it’s time to give it a good cleaning. Yes, even washing machines get dirty, so it's helpful to know how to clean washing machines.
Laundry soils, detergent and hard water minerals build up in areas you can't see and mold and mildew can thrive in the washer lid and the door, according to green cleaning coach Leslie Reichert.
So, how often should you clean your washing machine and how do you do it? We spoke to Reichert and Nelly Martinez, Whirlpool's senior brand manager, for their expert tips and tricks.
Best way to clean a washing machine | How to clean a front-loading washer | How to clean a top-loading washer | Meet the experts
What is the best way to clean a washing machine?
"To best clean a washing machine, first remove all items inside and use a cleaning tablet...on the cleaning cycle to thoroughly clean the inside of the appliance," Martinez suggests.
If your washing machine has a detergent dispenser drawer, she recommends using a damp cloth or machine cleaning wipes to wipe down the drawer surfaces. If the drawer is removable, you can also soak it in hot water for an even deeper clean.
"Of course, always check your appliance’s care guide for specific cleaning instructions!" she also emphasizes.
How to clean a front-loading washing machine
- Before cleaning the washer drum, spray the gasket with white vinegar and wipe with a damp microfiber cloth. The rubber gasket at the front of the washer, especially in a high-efficiency (HE) washer, accumulates water, hair, scum and mildew.
- Set the washer to the highest level and the hottest water temperature.
- Add two cups of white cleaning vinegar to detergent dispenser.
- Run the washer through a complete cycle.
- Run another cycle on the highest level and at the hottest water temperature, this time adding a 1/2 cup of baking soda to the drum.
- When the cycle is done, wipe inside drum of washer with a damp microfiber cloth.
- While you’re at it, wipe down the front of the machine, too.
How to clean a top-loading washing machine
- Set the washer to the highest level and the hottest setting.
- Add 4 cups of white vinegar to the wash cycle.
- After the cycle starts, pause the machine and allow it to sit for an hour.
- During this time, wipe down the top of the washer with a microfiber cloth dipped in the hot vinegar water.
- If your top-load washer has an agitator with a removable cap, don’t forget to remove the cap and clean the inside as well.
- Use an old toothbrush to scrub the fabric softener and bleach dispensers.
- After an hour, continue the wash cycle.
- Run another wash cycle using 1 cup of baking soda.
- At the end of the cycle, wipe the top inside of the washer tub with a microfiber cloth to remove any scum.
Pro tip: Prevent mildew and mold by leaving the lid or door open when not in use.
Frequently asked questions
"We recommend cleaning your washing machine about once a month or about every 30 cycles to prevent buildup and soils," advises Martinez.
"Without cleaning your washing machine, you may experience buildup of detergent or soils that cause clothing to smell," she adds. Nobody likes their clothes smelling funky!
Aside from visibly seeing mildew build up, if your machine start to smell, it might be time to consider cleaning it. In other words, you'll probably be able to tell pretty easily if it's time, but you should still be preventative and do regular cleanings.
"It is generally safe to use baking soda or bleach in washing machines, but we always recommend running a rinse cycle before loading clothes back inside," explains Martinez.
Martinez says that bleach is a common (and effective) product used to clean washing machines, but suggests making sure to check your appliance’s care guide first before using it.
Meet the experts
- Leslie Reichert, also known as the "Green Cleaning Coach," is an author, TV personality and cleaning expert.
- Nelly Martinez is the senior brand leader for Whirlpool.
