The Pro Secret to Cleaning Inside Your Washing Machine

Why it’s Important to Clean the Inside of Your Washing Machine

Keeping the inside of your washing machine clean is essential for getting clean laundry. When residue, mold, mildew, and bacteria build up inside the machine, they can transfer to your clothes. This leads to dingy, smelly laundry and can even cause rashes or other health issues.

Here’s why it’s so important to clean the inside of your washing machine regularly:

• Residue and buildup from dirt, oils, and soap collects inside the drum and dispensers over time. This leaves dark streaks on light clothes and prevents detergents from working properly.
• Mold and mildew thrive in the warm, damp environment inside a washer. They spread onto clothes and can cause unpleasant odors. Mold spores are also a health hazard, especially for those with allergies or asthma.
• Bacteria and germs from dirty clothes accumulate and spread to clean loads. This can lead to unsanitary laundry and skin irritation.
• Clogged waterways prevent water from draining properly, leaving standing water where mold and bacteria flourish. Poor drainage leads to soaking wet laundry that takes forever to dry.

Regular cleaning keeps the inside of your washer fresh, extends its lifespan, and ensures you always get clean, sanitary laundry.

Supplies You’ll Need

Cleaning the inside of your washing machine is simple with just a few basic supplies:

• White vinegar – The acidity in vinegar breaks down residue and kills mold and bacteria. Distilled white vinegar works best.
• Baking soda – Helps scrub away built-up grime. It’s also a natural deodorizer.
• Dish soap – Removes oily residue and enhances cleaning action. Use a mild soap, not heavy-duty detergent.
• Old towels – Absorb water and allow scrubbing of drum walls. Use white towels to check for cleaning progress.
• Soft brush or toothbrush – For scrubbing crevices and dispensers. Choose non-metal to avoid scratching surfaces.
• Bucket – For diluting and applying cleaning solutions. Use a 2-3 gallon size to catch water.
• Rubber gloves – Protect your hands from harsh chemicals. Get elbow-length gloves to keep arms dry.

For a deeper clean, you may also need:

• Bleach – Sanitizes and brightens the drum. Use sparingly and open windows for ventilation.
• Descaler – Removes lime and mineral deposits from waterways. Look for washer-safe products.

How to Clean Inside a Top Load Washer

Follow these steps to thoroughly clean a top load washing machine:

1. Wipe Down Interior Surfaces

• Use a soft cloth and warm water to wipe down inside drum walls. Pay attention to areas with residue buildup.
• Remove excess water with a towel and allow drum to air dry with door open.

2. Clean Dispensers

• Soak detergent and softener dispensers in warm water mixed with dish soap. Use a toothbrush to scrub away gunk.
• Rinse dispensers and reinsert into machine. Wipe any debris that falls into the drum.

3. Disinfect and Deodorize the Drum

• Mix equal parts vinegar and hot water. Pour 2 cups of solution into the empty drum.
• Run a cleaning cycle for 5-10 minutes to let vinegar solution soak.
• Stop the cycle, open door, and allow drum interior to air dry completely.

4. Freshen Gaskets and Door

• Dip cloth in equal parts vinegar and hot water. Wipe down door gasket thoroughly.
• Use dry towel to wipe up any excess moisture on gaskets or glass door.

5. Scrub the Agitator

• Remove any debris caught around the agitator. Use toothbrush to dislodge buildup if needed.
• Mix baking soda and dish soap into a spreadable paste.
• Apply paste to agitator with a soft brush. Scrub entire agitator base, top, and fins.
• Rinse agitator thoroughly with clean water.

6. Clean Drain Pump Filter

• Locate access panel on lower front of washer. Drain any water into a bucket.
• Remove filter carefully and rinse under water. Scrub with toothbrush if needed.
• Replace filter securely. Add 1 cup vinegar to empty drum and run a wash cycle to rinse.

With these steps, the inside of a top load washer will look like new! For a monthly maintenance clean, repeat steps 3-5.

How to Clean Inside a Front Load Washer

Let’s go over the process to clean a front load washing machine:

1. Wipe Out Standing Water

• Wear gloves to soak up any standing water in the drum with towels.
• Remove lint trap and rinse filter under water to remove debris.

2. Clean Door Seal and Glass

• Mix equal parts vinegar and hot water. Dip cloth in solution to wipe door gaskets.
• Pay special attention to folds and underside of seal.
• Use dry towel to wipe down glass door.

3. Wash Interior Drum

• Mix 1/4 cup bleach into 1 gallon of hot water. Apply to drum walls with scrub brush.
• Let sit 5 minutes then run a rinse cycle. Stop cycle periodically to scrub with brush.
• Allow drum to air dry completely with door ajar.

4. Freshen Dispensers

• Fill detergent dispenser with hot water to loosen residue.
• Scrub dispenser drawers in soapy water with a toothbrush.
• Rinse drawers and inserts thoroughly before replacing.

5. Clean Drain Pump Filter

• Place towel under front filter cover. Open latch and allow water to drain.
• Remove filter and rinse under faucet. Use toothbrush on stuck-on debris.
• Return filter securely in place, close drain valve, and run empty rinse cycle.

6. Deodorize Drum

• Add 1/2 cup baking soda and run hot rinse cycle for 5 minutes.
• Stop cycle and allow baking soda residue to sit overnight.
• Run regular wash cycle in the morning to rinse away.

With these steps, a front load washer will be sparkling clean and smelling fresh! Repeat monthly for clean laundry every time.

Top Tips for Keeping Your Washer’s Interior Clean

Here are some helpful tips for keeping the inside of your washing machine clean long-term:

• Leave washing machine door open between uses so interior can dry out.
• Use a washer cleaner monthly to freshen the drum and prevent buildup.
• Alternate cycles between hot and cold water settings. Hot water kills bacteria.
• Remove wet laundry promptly after the cycle ends to avoid mold growth.
• Run an occasional cleaning cycle with bleach or vinegar to sanitize the drum.
• Wipe excess moisture from door gasket and glass after each use.
• Clean the drain filter every few months to catch debris and prevent clogs.
• Use less detergent to minimize soap scum buildup. One to two tablespoons is usually plenty.
• Air dry the interior drum and leave the door open between washes.

Following these tips will keep the inside of your washing machine fresh and prevent bacterial and mold growth. Take time to clean your washer monthly for cleaner, fresher smelling laundry.