This buildup leads to:
Musty-smelling clothes
Grayish whites
Reduced cleaning power
Clogged drains and error codes
🔧 Experts recommend cleaning your washer once a month — especially if you use cold water washes (which don’t kill germs).
🌀 How To Clean Your Washing Machine – Step-by-Step (All Models)
🛒 What You’ll Need
2 cups (480ml) distilled white vinegar (kills mold, dissolves buildup)
½ cup (120g) baking soda (scrubs and deodorizes)
A damp cloth or microfiber towel
Old toothbrush (for tight spots)
🔥 Pro Tip: Skip bleach if you have stainless steel parts — it can corrode over time.
👩🔧 Step-by-Step Deep Clean
1️⃣ Wipe Down the Exterior & Door Seal
Wipe the outside of the machine with a vinegar-soaked cloth.
For front-loaders: Pull back the rubber door gasket and wipe out any black mold or slime with a vinegar-dampened cloth or toothbrush.
Remove lint, hair, or debris stuck in the folds.
✅ Do this monthly — mold loves dark, damp crevices.
2️⃣ Run a Hot Vinegar Wash (Sanitize Cycle)
Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser or directly into the empty drum.
Set washer to the hottest, longest cycle (e.g., “Clean Washer,” “Tub Clean,” or “Heavy Duty”).
Let it run completely.
💡 What happens:
Vinegar dissolves soap scum, kills bacteria, and loosens mineral deposits.
3️⃣ Scrub the Detergent & Fabric Softener Trays
Remove trays (if possible) and soak in warm, soapy water.
Scrub with a toothbrush to remove gunk.
Rinse and reinsert.
4️⃣ Sprinkle Baking Soda & Run a Second Cycle
After the first cycle ends, sprinkle ½ cup baking soda into the drum.
Run a second hot water cycle (shorter one is fine).
💡 What happens:
Baking soda neutralizes odors and scrubs away leftover residue.
5️⃣ Wipe It Dry & Leave It Open
Use a dry cloth to wipe the drum, door, and seal.
Leave the lid or door open after each use to air out moisture and prevent mold.
✅ Especially crucial for front-load washers!
🌈 Bonus Tips for Ongoing Maintenance
Use less detergent
Overuse = more buildup. Use high-efficiency (HE) detergent if required.
Skip liquid fabric softener
Coats machine and clothes. Use wool dryer balls instead.
Clean the filter/trap monthly
Removes hair, coins, and gunk (check your manual for location).
Run hot water once a week
Prevents bacteria growth — even without clothes.
Wash towels & underwear at high heat
Kills germs — but clean the machine first!
❌ What NOT to Do
🚫 Mix vinegar + bleach → toxic fumes
🚫 Use abrasive scrubbers on stainless steel
🚫 Ignore foul smells — they mean trouble brewing
❤️ Final Thought: Clean Clothes Start With a Clean Machine
You don’t need expensive cleaners or a service call to keep your washer in top shape.
Just vinegar, baking soda, and consistency.
Because true cleanliness isn’t just about what comes out of the wash…
It’s about what goes into it.
So next time you press “Start”…
Make sure your machine is as fresh as the clothes it’s cleaning.
Because when your washer works right —
Everything comes out better. 💙
