How to Clean a Washing Machine the Right Way

Cleaning a washing machine the right way means cleaning every part that touches water, detergent, and moisture. This includes the drum, detergent drawer, rubber seal, and filter. When these areas stay clean, clothes wash better, smells disappear, and the machine runs smoothly for years.

This guide explains how to clean a washing machine properly at home, how often to do it, and what causes most washing machine problems.

 

Why Washing Machines Get Dirty Over Time

A washing machine collects residue every time it runs. Detergent sticks to plastic surfaces. Fabric softener leaves a slippery coating. Dirt from clothes settles inside pipes and corners.

Water does not fully drain from the machine after each cycle. Moisture stays inside the drum, rubber seal, and hoses. When this moisture stays trapped, bacteria and mold grow. This leads to bad smells, marks on clothes, and weaker wash results.

 

How Often You Should Clean a Washing Machine

Most washing machines should be cleaned once a month. Machines used daily or washed mainly with cold water need cleaning every two weeks. Hard water areas may need extra descaling every few months.

Simple habits help between cleanings. Leaving the door open after a wash allows moisture to dry. Wiping wet areas slows down odor and buildup.

 

How to Clean a Washing Machine Drum at Home

Cleaning the washing machine drum removes detergent buildup, grease, and bacteria.

Start with an empty machine. Add a washing machine cleaner or white vinegar directly into the drum. Run the hottest wash cycle available. Hot water helps break down residue that cold water cannot remove.

After the cycle ends, leave the door open so the drum dries fully. A clean drum smells fresh and feels smooth to the touch.

 

How to Clean the Detergent Drawer Properly

The detergent drawer often holds thick residue that blocks water flow. Liquid detergents and fabric softeners collect here more than anywhere else.

Remove the drawer completely. Rinse it under warm water. Use a soft brush to clean corners and channels. If residue feels sticky, soak the drawer for a few minutes before cleaning. Dry it fully before placing it back.

A clean detergent drawer allows detergent to dissolve properly during each wash.

 

How to Clean the Rubber Seal on a Washing Machine

Front load washing machines trap water inside the rubber door seal. Lint, hair, and detergent collect inside the folds.

Pull the seal gently and wipe inside with warm water and mild soap. Baking soda mixed with water helps remove stains. Avoid bleach since it weakens rubber.

Dry the seal after cleaning. Keeping this area dry reduces smell and mold growth.

 

How to Clean a Washing Machine Filter

The washing machine filter traps small objects before they reach the pump. When clogged, water drains slowly and the machine becomes noisy.

Check the user manual to find the filter. Place a towel underneath before opening it. Remove debris and rinse the filter with clean water. Put it back securely.

Cleaning the filter every one to two months improves drainage and protects the motor.

 

Using Vinegar and Baking Soda to Clean a Washing Machine

White vinegar removes mineral deposits and neutralizes odor. Baking soda loosens grime and softens residue. Both work well when used separately.

Use vinegar during one monthly hot wash. Use baking soda during the next cleaning cycle. Mixing them reduces their cleaning effect. Monthly use keeps the washing machine clean without damaging parts.

 

How Hard Water Affects Washing Machine Cleaning

Hard water leaves mineral scale inside pipes and heating elements. This scale reduces heating efficiency and affects detergent performance.

Using descaling cleaners every few months helps remove buildup. Anti scale tablets or water softeners reduce mineral deposits and improve wash quality.

 

Daily Habits That Keep a Washing Machine Clean

Leave the door open after every wash so moisture can escape. Wipe the rubber seal and door glass dry. Use the correct amount of detergent based on load size.

Run one hot wash each month even if daily washing uses cold water. These habits keep the washing machine clean for longer.

 

Signs Your Washing Machine Needs Cleaning

Clothes smelling sour after washing is an early sign. White residue on clothes shows detergent buildup. Slow draining or loud spinning suggests a clogged filter.

Cleaning the machine at this stage restores performance and prevents damage.

 

Final Thoughts

A clean washing machine works better, lasts longer, and gives you peace of mind with every wash. If your current machine struggles with odor, noise, or poor cleaning, it may be time for an upgrade. PakRef offers a wide range of reliable washing machines and home appliances built for everyday use. Check out our range and find a washing machine that fits your home, your needs, and your routine.

 

FAQs

 

Can a dirty washing machine affect how clean my clothes get?

Yes. When residue builds up inside the drum, pipes, or detergent drawer, it mixes back into the wash water. This can leave clothes smelling dull, feeling stiff, or showing white marks. A clean washing machine allows detergent to dissolve properly and rinse clothes fully.

 

Is it safe to clean a washing machine with vinegar regularly?

Vinegar is safe when used once a month on a hot cycle. It helps remove mineral deposits and odor. Using it too often can weaken rubber parts over time, so it should not be used weekly. Monthly cleaning gives the best balance between cleanliness and machine safety.

 

Why does my washing machine smell bad even after cleaning it?

Smell usually comes from trapped moisture in the rubber seal, filter, or hoses. Even after drum cleaning, these areas can stay wet. Drying the seal, cleaning the filter, and leaving the door open after washes help prevent the smell from returning.

 

Should I clean a washing machine before installing it in a new home?

Yes. New homes often have dust, construction residue, or hard water deposits in plumbing. Running a hot empty cycle with a washing machine cleaner before first use removes unseen residue and prepares the machine for regular washing.

 

Can too much detergent damage a washing machine?

Using excess detergent creates thick residue inside the machine. This residue traps moisture, blocks water flow, and causes odor. Over time, it also strains the motor and pump. Using the recommended amount keeps the machine cleaner and extends its life.