How to Clean a Washing Machine (Top-Load or Front-Load)

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Even though your washing machine is constantly filled with soap and water, it still gets dirty over time. Detergent residue, fabric softener, hard water buildup, lint, and bacteria can all collect inside — causing bad smells, mold, and clothes that don’t feel fully clean.

The good news? Cleaning your washing machine is simple and only takes a few steps.

This guide works for both front-load and top-load washers.

1. Run a Hot Cycle With Vinegar

White vinegar breaks down soap scum, deodorizes the drum, and helps kill bacteria.

How to do it:

  1. Set washer to the hottest, largest load setting
  2. Add 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum
  3. Run a complete wash cycle
  4. Leave the lid/door open afterward

This removes most buildup in the drum.

2. Clean the Rubber Door Gasket (Front-Load Only)

Front-loaders trap moisture inside the rubber seal, which leads to mold and mildew.

How to clean it:

  1. Pull back the rubber gasket
  2. Wipe inside with a cloth soaked in vinegar
  3. Remove hair, lint, and debris
  4. Dry completely

If you see black spots (mold), scrub with:

  • Vinegar + baking soda paste
  • Or a bleach wipe (if needed)

This is one of the biggest causes of washer odors.

3. Run a Second Hot Cycle With Baking Soda

Baking soda helps remove odors and freshen the machine.

Steps:

  1. Add ½ cup baking soda directly into the drum
  2. Run another hot cycle
  3. Leave lid/door open after cycle finishes

Together with vinegar, this deep-cleans both the drum and internal hoses.

4. Clean the Detergent Tray

Detergent and softener trays get nasty fast.
If you’ve noticed black slime or clumps, this is why.

How to clean it:

  1. Remove the tray (it usually slides out)
  2. Soak in hot soapy water
  3. Scrub with an old toothbrush
  4. Rinse and dry
  5. Reinstall

This prevents clogs and buildup.

5. Clean the Drain Pump Filter (Front-Load Washers)

This catches coins, lint, hair, and debris — and gets clogged often.

Where it is:

Usually behind a small panel on the lower front of the machine.

How to clean it:

  1. Place a towel under the panel
  2. Twist open the filter cap
  3. Drain excess water
  4. Pull out debris
  5. Clean the filter under hot water
  6. Reinstall

If your washer smells or won’t drain properly, this is often the cause.

6. Wipe Down the Outside & Inside

Use a microfiber cloth with warm, soapy water.

Clean:

  • Control panel
  • Door
  • Top surface
  • Drum interior

Avoid harsh chemicals on digital controls.

7. Leave the Door Open After Every Load

This is the #1 way to prevent mildew.

Moisture trapped inside the washer leads to:

  • Mold
  • Musty smells
  • Bacteria growth

Keeping the door open lets it air out naturally.

8. Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Washer Clean

Do these once a month:

  • Run a vinegar cleaning cycle
  • Clean the detergent tray
  • Wipe the rubber door gasket
  • Clean the drain pump filter
  • Leave the door open after washing

If you use a lot of liquid detergent or fabric softener, clean even more often — they create buildup faster.

Signs Your Washer Needs Cleaning

  • Clothes smell musty
  • Black spots inside the gasket
  • Water pooling under washer
  • Washer doesn’t drain well
  • Bad odor when you open the door
  • Visible residue inside the drum

A clean washer = cleaner clothes.

Quick Summary

To clean your washing machine:

  1. Hot cycle with vinegar
  2. Clean door gasket (front-loaders)
  3. Hot cycle with baking soda
  4. Clean detergent tray
  5. Clean drain pump filter
  6. Wipe machine
  7. Leave door open

Takes about 30 minutes total.

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