How to Clean a Washing Machine

Although your washer is using detergent every time you run a load, it’s not cleaning itself. You’ll need to give it a deep clean. When cleaning a washing machine, always start with the wash tub. Deep cleaning this part of your machine regularly will make a difference in your laundry. There are DIY solutions and pre-made washing machine cleaners for the job. Choose the method below that works best for you.

Tip: Many washers have a clean cycle that’s made to help you clean the machine itself. If not, use the water temperature and load size as directed below.

A washer's tub is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and germs. Cleaning a washing machine with bleach is a highly effective way to kill these microorganisms. Bleach also breaks down stubborn stains and gets rid of lingering odors.

• Start with an empty, dry washer.
• Set your washer to a normal setting with warm wash and rinse.
• Fill the detergent compartment with 1/2 cup of bleach.
• Fill the bleach compartment all the way up.
• Run the washer.

A natural alternative to harsh chemicals, peroxide has strong oxidizing properties that dissolve dirt and stains on contact. Since cleaning a washing machine with peroxide won't damage or discolor surfaces, it's safe to use on plastic, enamel or stainless steel.

• Start with a dry and empty washer.
• Set your washer to the cleaning setting or the largest and hottest setting you have.
• Add 2 cups of hydrogen peroxide to the tub and run the washer.

You can use a mold-and-mildew cleaner or try vinegar and baking soda. This combination is a budget-friendly and natural way to get rid of the odors caused by detergent residue or mildew. Vinegar and baking soda can also unclog buildup in your washer's drain.

• Start with an empty and dry washing machine.
• Set your washer to the cleaning setting or the hottest, longest setting you have.
• As the washer fills with water, add 3 or 4 cups of white vinegar.
• Let the washer start to agitate, then stop the cycle.
• Allow the vinegar to soak a minute.
• Add 1/2 cup of baking soda and turn on the agitator again.
• Stop the cycle and let it all soak for up to an hour. If you’re rushed, at least half an hour of soaking is best.
• Run the washer until it finishes.
• If your washing machine isn’t as clean as you like, repeat the process.

Safety Tip: Never mix vinegar and bleach.

The tablets used for cleaning a washing machine contain enzymes and other chemicals that remove buildup, dirt, bacteria and odor. Using cleaning tablets regularly is a convenient way to deep clean your appliance.

• Start with a dry, empty washing machine.
• Drop one tablet of washing machine cleaner into the washer tub.
• Run on your machine’s clean cycle or use a normal cycle on the hottest water setting.

Borax is a non-toxic, anti-fungal cleaner with powerful deodorizing and degreasing properties. Combined with the stain-removers in washing powder, borax is a very effective cleaner.

• Start with an empty tub.
• For a front-load washer, put 2 tablespoons of borax or oxygen bleach and 2 tablespoons of washing soda in the tub of the washing machine. For a top-loading machine, put 1/2 cup of each of the powders into the wash tub.
• Run at the hottest temperature or use the “clean tub” setting on the washer.
• At the end of the cycle, add vinegar to the liquid dispenser tray or washer tub. Use 2 cups for a front-loading machine or 1 quart for a top-loading machine.
• Run another hot water wash cycle. For a top-loading machine, stop the cycle after a few agitations. Allow the solution to sit for 30 minutes, then resume. For a front-loading machine, allow the cycle to complete normally.
• After the last wash cycle has completed, wipe the inside of the machine with a microfiber cloth to clean up any residue.

If you have a front load washing machine, you’re well aware that the door gets dirty. The rubber gasket around the door is a magnet for lint, hair and debris. A top load washer can also get debris stuck around its door. The indentations around the top of its wash tub can get grimy as well.

Luckily, the door or lid is easy to clean:

• Fill a spray bottle with your favorite cleaners and wipe down the front and sides of the washer.
• Clean the top and underside of the lid.
• Clean under the inside lip of the lid, since a lot of old soap and lint can get trapped there.
• If you’re concerned about mold or mildew, use a mix of bleach and water. You can use vinegar and water instead, if you’d prefer.
• Scrub the well with your cloth or paper towel.
• Rinse with water and wipe it dry.

Powder detergent can build up or liquid detergent can gum up the trays. Lint and debris can get in there as well. Knowing how to clean a washing machine isn’t complete without understanding how to clean any removable parts.

• Remove any soap, fabric softener or bleach dispensers from the machine.
• Soak them in hot water. Use a microfiber cloth, old toothbrush or tiny cleaning brushes to rub away any grime.
• Rinse well, dry thoroughly and replace the parts.
• Wipe down the outside of the washer, too. Lint, dust and dirt can cling to any part of the washer.
• Giving the top and sides a good swipe with a microfiber cloth will make your washer shine.

Cleaning a washing machine that loads from the front requires extra attention to detail. It’s easy for water to pool in tight spaces and start to grow mildew or mold. This makes front load machines more prone to bad smells. Knowing how to clean a washing machine like this properly is important.

Once you’ve cleaned the tub, here’s how to clean a washing machine that loads from the front or sides:

• Clean and soak your detergent trays, drawers and removable parts. Use a degreaser to make this job easier.
• Wipe down the outside of the washer.
• Scrub the door gasket with an old toothbrush.
• Wipe it down with your choice of a vinegar or bleach (but never mix the two).
• Clean the filter.
• Finish cleaning off your soaking detergent trays and parts.
• Wipe the inside of the tub and the door with a microfiber cloth.
• Give the whole washer another once-over with the cloth.
• If possible, prop the door open to assure everything dries thoroughly.

Top load machines perform much better when maintained properly. Once you’ve cleaned the tub, here’s how to clean a washing machine that loads from the top:

• Clean and soak your detergent trays, drawers and removable parts.
• Wipe down the outside of the washing machine with mild detergent or glass cleaner.
• Once the cleaner load finishes, clean the parts beneath the tub surround.
• Wipe it down with your choice of vinegar or bleach (but not both).
• Finish cleaning off the detergent parts you've been soaking.
• Wipe the inside of the tub and the lid with a microfiber cloth.
• Swipe the whole washing machine again with the cloth.
• Prop the lid open to assure everything dries thoroughly.

For an extra deep clean, clean the filter and agitator:

• Consult your owner's manual to see how to remove the agitator and washing machine filter.
• Unplug the machine before removing any parts.
• For agitator models, use a socket wrench to remove the bolt holding the agitator.
• Once the bolt is out, reach beneath to lift the agitator from the machine.
• Place the agitator and filter into a bucket of hot, soapy water. Or a DIY cleaning solution of 2 cups of vinegar, 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of water.
• Use a soft bristle scrub brush to scrub down the removed parts.
• Rinse thoroughly, then dry them with a microfiber cloth.
• Place the clean filter and agitator back into the machine.