How to Clean a Washing Machine (Inside and Out)

Hand holding a microfiber cloth to clean washing drum seal — Cleaning your washing machine involves sanitizing the drum, as well as wiping the outside and the inside trays. Emilija Manevska / Getty Images

If you're embarrassed to have typed "how to clean washing machine" into your search bar, we get it. We, too, have faced the washing machine with a feeling of intimidation.

Where to begin? What to use? What's safe, and what's effective?

Well, we've got you covered, and before we dive in, it might take some of the stress down to reassure you that you have options; there isn't just one way.

Washing Modern Washing Machines

The washing machine does a lot for you and your dirty clothes, towels and sheets. A single washing cycle can do wonders for your laundry.

Return the favor with a little bit of easy maintenance to keep it spic, span and smelling sweet! Doing so will not only keep it free of gunk and nasty odors; it'll also help the washing machine function better, for longer.

First, it's worth noting that many newer models come with a self-cleaning feature. If yours is one of the chosen ones, refer to your manual to find out exactly what to do, and how often. Here are some general steps on cleaning both the exterior and interior of this all-important appliance.

5 Steps to Wash the Clothes Washer

Modern tech has significantly reduced the hassle long associated with washing clothes, but these machines need maintenance of their own. As with any task — especially those that can be a little intimidating — it helps to take things one step at a time. First up, we tackle the tub.

Make sure the tub is empty. If it's not, take everything out.
Use a washing machine cleaner tablet or liquid bleach. Most machines have a "bleach only" tray for that purpose. Fill it to the top. If there is no bleach tray, pour a half cup (118 milliliters) of bleach in the tub after it fills up with water. If you're using the tablet, put it at the bottom of the tub.
Once the cleaning solvent is in place, close the washing machine door. Choose the "clean" cycle. If your machine has no "clean" cycle, set it do a rinse cycle with hot water [source: familyhandyman.com]. The hot water will help clean and sanitize the empty machine.
For a top loading washing machine, Maytag says that an extra rinse and spin cycle (after the "clean" cycle) is a good idea to wash away any remaining cleansers or soap scum.
Once it's all done, open the washer door and leave it that way to let the machine air dry. If it's not too hot or cold outside, open the windows for improved air circulation and faster drying.

Alternative Methods and Cleaners

Then, there's good ole vinegar and baking soda. Some purists opt instead to use 1 gallon (4 liters) of white vinegar and 1 pound (500 grams) of Borax to get the job done. Pour them into the tub, then run the hot wash cycle (or the longest and hottest option your machine offers).

For front-load machines, pour the vinegar into the bleach tray instead. Once it's finished, wipe the drum down thoroughly with a clean cloth, and leave the door ajar to fully dry out.

Next, it's time to handle the dispensers:

Whirlpool says to pull the detergent dispenser drawer out "until you feel resistance." Some washing machines have drawers that are removable, but others don't. Even the removable ones are not dishwasher safe, so don't put them in that machine.
Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the dispenser drawers. If you have a washing machine-specific cleaning wipe, even better. A gentle cleaner is fine, if needed. Dry the drawers with a towel.

Don't Forget the Outside

Now, we tackle the exterior. This part's really easy. Wipe down the outside of the machine using a cleaning wipe, sponge or damp cloth. Use mild cleaners for this purpose. Don't use anything that could scratch the machine's finish.

Lastly, don't forget the door.

Using a cleaning wipe or damp cloth, carefully wipe down the inside of the washing machine door.
If you have a front-load washing machine, be aware that moisture can build up behind the rubber seal and cause nasty mildew problems. Be sure to clean the outside of the rubber seal. Then, lift the edge of the door seal up and wipe underneath and behind it.
Be sure to leave the machine door open between washes so the inside can dry out (this step is particularly important if you have a front-load washing machine, but its also good to leave a top load washer lid open).

How Often Do You Need to Clean Your Washing Machine?

Washing machines should be cleaned just once a year if you use plant-based laundry products exclusively. If you use laundry products that have fragrances, petroleum-based ingredients and/or fabric softeners, clean your machine every three to six months (or whenever it doesn't pass the sniff test).

Sometimes, especially with older machines, low temperature washes can fail to fully dissolve the detergent or fabric softener, which can leave a residue in the washer, and even on clothes. The techniques described above should be sufficient to deal with this, but you can also try hotter water, which could help increase the time between machine cleanings.