How to Clean a Washing Machine: Front-Load & Top-Load Guide

Interior of home laundry room with modern washing machine | Pixel-Shot

A washing machine spends its life cleaning clothes, towels, and bedding, but the machine itself needs regular cleaning too.

Over time, detergent, fabric softener, body oils, lint, dirt, and moisture can accumulate inside the washer. Front-loading machines may develop residue around the rubber door gasket, while top-loaders can collect buildup around dispensers, the tub rim, and other hidden areas.

Eventually, you may notice:

A musty smell
Clothes that don’t smell completely fresh
Slimy detergent residue
Dark buildup around a front-load gasket
A dirty detergent dispenser
Visible debris in the tub

The good news is that cleaning a washing machine is usually straightforward.

The most important rule is to follow the cleaning procedure designed for your particular machine. Modern washers often have a dedicated cycle called Clean Washer, Self Clean, Tub Clean, Pure Cycle, or something similar. Manufacturers may specify a washing-machine cleaning tablet, liquid chlorine bleach, no added cleaner at all, or another particular method.

That means there is no single vinegar-and-baking-soda recipe that should be poured into every washer.

Here’s how to clean both front-loading and top-loading washing machines safely, tackle common odor problems, and keep the machine fresher between deep cleanings.

🧺 Before You Start: Check Your Washer Manual

Before adding any cleaning product to your washing machine, find the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.

Look for a cycle named something like:

Clean Washer
Clean Washer with affresh
Tub Clean
Self Clean
Self Clean+
Pure Cycle
Basket Clean

Different manufacturers—and even different models from the same brand—can give different directions.

One washer may call for a dedicated washing-machine cleaning tablet.

Another may allow chlorine bleach.

Another may instruct you to run its self-cleaning cycle with nothing added at all during routine maintenance.

Follow your model’s instructions rather than assuming a cleaning hack you’ve seen online is universally safe.

🧽 What You’ll Need

Depending on your washer and its manufacturer’s instructions, you may need:

Microfiber cloths
Soft cleaning cloth or sponge
Mild dish soap
Small soft brush or old toothbrush
Clean towel
Washing-machine cleaner approved for your machine
Liquid chlorine bleach only if your manufacturer specifically allows it
Shallow pan or towels for cleaning a pump filter

You usually do not need:

Essential oils
Lemon juice
Baking soda
Multiple household cleaners
A complicated homemade solution

Keep the process simple.

🫧 Step 1: Empty the Washing Machine

Remove all clothing and other items from the drum.

A washing-machine cleaning cycle should generally be run with an empty washer.

Check carefully for:

Socks
Washcloths
Coins
Hair ties
Small toys
Tissues

that may have been left behind.

Never run a dedicated cleaning cycle with laundry inside unless your machine’s instructions specifically say otherwise.

🧼 Step 2: Run the Washer’s Cleaning Cycle

If your washer has a dedicated cleaning cycle, use it.

Select the appropriate cycle and add only the cleaner specified by the manufacturer.

For example, depending on the washer, instructions might call for:

A washing-machine cleaning tablet
A particular amount of liquid chlorine bleach
No cleaner at all for routine self-cleaning

Do not add regular laundry detergent unless the manual tells you to.

Let the entire cleaning cycle finish without interruption.

These cycles are often designed differently from ordinary laundry cycles, using different water levels, temperatures, agitation patterns, or cycle lengths to clean areas where residue tends to collect.

🧴 What If Your Washer Doesn’t Have a Cleaning Cycle?

Consult the manual.

Some manufacturers provide an alternative cleaning procedure using:

A hot cycle
A high-water-level cycle
A specific washer cleaner
Another model-specific setting

Avoid guessing.

A standard hot wash with a random combination of vinegar and baking soda is not necessarily an appropriate substitute.

If the original paper manual is long gone, the manufacturer’s website usually allows you to find the manual using the washer’s model number.

🚪 How to Clean a Front-Load Washing Machine

Front-loading washers are efficient and gentle on clothing, but their horizontal design creates several areas where moisture and residue can linger.

The main areas to clean are:

Drum
Rubber door gasket
Detergent dispenser
Door and glass
Pump filter, if the model has a user-serviceable one

🌀 Step 1: Run Tub Clean or Clean Washer

Make sure the drum is empty.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your washer’s:

Tub Clean
Self Clean
Clean Washer

cycle.

Add only the recommended product.

When the cycle finishes, wipe away any loosened residue you can see.

If the instructions recommend a rinse cycle afterward, run it.

🖤 Step 2: Clean the Rubber Door Gasket

The rubber seal around a front-loading washer door deserves particular attention.

Its folds can trap:

Water
Hair
Lint
Detergent residue
Small objects

Carefully pull the gasket back enough to inspect the folds without stretching or damaging it.

Remove loose debris.

Then wipe the gasket using the method specified by the washer manufacturer.

For ordinary maintenance, a damp cloth may be sufficient.

Some manufacturers provide specific procedures for heavier buildup, including approved diluted bleach solutions. Use those methods only when they are specified for your model.

Dry the gasket thoroughly when finished.

🔎 Check the Gasket for Hidden Objects

While cleaning, look for:

Coins
Bobby pins
Buttons
Hair clips
Small socks
Pet hair
Lint

These items can lodge inside the gasket.

Sharp metal objects can potentially damage the rubber seal, so remove them carefully.

Also inspect the gasket for:

Tears
Cracks
Persistent mold-like staining
Leaks

A damaged gasket may need professional repair or replacement rather than more aggressive cleaning.

🧴 Step 3: Clean the Detergent Dispenser

Detergent drawers can accumulate thick, sticky residue—especially when liquid detergent and fabric softener are regularly used.

Pull the drawer out according to the washer’s instructions.

Many models have a release tab that allows the drawer to come out completely.

Remove detachable inserts if applicable.

Rinse the drawer and inserts with warm water.

Use a soft brush to loosen buildup.

Wipe the compartment where the drawer normally sits, taking care not to flood the interior of the appliance.

Dry the pieces and reinstall them correctly.

🫧 Why Detergent Drawers Get So Dirty

Laundry products don’t always rinse away completely.

Buildup becomes more likely when:

Too much detergent is used
Fabric softener is overfilled
Products are especially thick
The washer receives mostly cold washes
The dispenser remains damp

Using the correct amount of detergent can help prevent future residue.

🧹 Step 4: Clean the Pump Filter if Your Washer Has One

Many—but not all—front-loading washers have a user-accessible drain-pump filter near the bottom front of the machine.

This filter can collect:

Lint
Coins
Hair
Buttons
Small fabric pieces
Other debris

A dirty filter may contribute to:

Odors
Slow draining
Drain errors
Water remaining in the drum

Before Opening the Filter

Read your washer manual first.

Water may pour out when the filter is opened.

Depending on the design, you may need:

Towels
A shallow tray
A drain hose supplied with the washer

Unplugging the washer may also be recommended before maintenance.

Never open an unfamiliar filter compartment without checking the instructions.

🪣 How to Clean a User-Serviceable Pump Filter

Follow your washer’s exact procedure.

Generally, the process may involve:

Turning off and unplugging the washer.
Opening the filter access door.
Draining remaining water.
Unscrewing the filter.
Removing lint and debris.
Rinsing the filter.
Checking the filter housing for objects.
Reinstalling the filter securely.
Closing the access panel.

A filter that is not replaced correctly can leak, so take care when reinstalling it.

🚪 Step 5: Clean the Door and Glass

Wipe the interior and exterior door surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth.

Pay attention to the lower portion of the window where water and residue may collect.

Use a small amount of mild soap if the manufacturer’s instructions allow it.

Then wipe away soap residue and dry the surface.

Avoid spraying excessive cleaner directly into seams, hinges, locks, or electronic components.

💨 Step 6: Let the Washer Dry

After the cleaning cycle, leave the washer door slightly open when it is safe to do so.

This allows moisture inside the drum and gasket to evaporate.

Also leave the detergent drawer slightly open if the manufacturer recommends it.

Good airflow is one of the simplest ways to reduce musty odors in a front-loading washer.

Child and Pet Safety

An open washer can pose risks in households with young children or pets.

Never allow children to climb inside a washing machine.

If leaving the door open isn’t safe in your household, follow the manufacturer’s alternative ventilation recommendations.

🧺 How to Clean a Top-Load Washing Machine

Top-loading washers don’t have the large front door gasket associated with front-loaders, but they still accumulate detergent, lint, body oils, and soil.

The most important areas are:

Wash basket
Detergent and softener dispensers
Bleach dispenser
Area beneath the lid
Tub rim
Agitator or impeller area, when accessible according to manufacturer instructions

🌀 Step 1: Run the Cleaning Cycle

Empty the washer completely.

Select:

Clean Washer
Self Clean
Tub Clean
Basket Clean

or your model’s equivalent.

Add the manufacturer-approved cleaner if directed.

Do not add ordinary laundry detergent unless instructions call for it.

Allow the entire cycle to finish.

🧽 Step 2: Wipe the Basket and Tub Rim

When the cycle is complete, inspect the visible tub.

Wipe away loosened residue with a clean cloth.

Pay attention to the upper rim, which may not receive as much direct washing action during normal loads.

Hair, lint, and detergent residue can collect here.

🧴 Step 3: Clean the Dispensers

Depending on the machine, a top-loader may include separate compartments for:

Detergent
Fabric softener
Chlorine bleach

Remove washable inserts if the manufacturer allows it.

Rinse them with warm water and use a soft brush for stubborn buildup.

Wipe the surrounding surfaces.

Make sure everything is reinstalled properly.

Do not mix cleaning chemicals inside the dispenser compartments.

🧼 Step 4: Clean Around the Lid

Wipe:

Underside of the lid
Hinges
Lid rim
Control area
Top surface

with a slightly damp microfiber cloth.

Residue and splashes can collect around the lid even though they aren’t visible while the washer is closed.

Do not spray liquid directly onto electronic controls.

Spray your cloth instead—or simply dampen it.

🌀 What About the Agitator?

Traditional top-loading machines have a central agitator, while many newer models use a low-profile impeller.

Wipe accessible surfaces according to the washer’s care instructions.

Don’t begin dismantling the agitator simply because you saw someone do it online.

Some components are intended to be removed for maintenance; others are not.

If you suspect heavy residue beneath the agitator, consult the manual or an appliance technician.

🧪 Should You Clean a Washing Machine With Vinegar?

White vinegar appears in countless washing-machine cleaning recipes.

But I would not use vinegar as the default recommendation for every machine.

Washer materials, seals, hoses, coatings, and manufacturer instructions differ.

If your washer manufacturer specifically approves diluted vinegar for a certain cleaning purpose, follow those directions.

Otherwise, use the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning cycle and product.

There is little reason to risk appliance components when a purpose-designed cleaning process is already available.

🥄 Should You Use Baking Soda?

Baking soda is another popular washing-machine cleaning ingredient.

Again, it isn’t universally necessary.

Adding baking soda to a washer’s cleaning cycle may interfere with the process intended by the manufacturer or leave residue if used excessively.

If your manual doesn’t call for it, skip it.

Baking soda has plenty of useful applications elsewhere in the home. See Cleaning with Baking Soda: 15 Safe and Effective Uses Around the Home for better places to use it.

🍋 What About Lemon Juice?

Skip it unless your manufacturer specifically recommends it.

Lemon juice is acidic and offers no compelling advantage over the cleaning process designed for your appliance.

The same applies to:

Citric acid
Essential oils
Homemade fragrance blends

unless the washer manufacturer explicitly approves them.

🌿 Should You Add Essential Oils?

I would not.

Essential oils are not necessary for cleaning the washing machine.

Putting oils into the machine can introduce additional residue, and fragrance does not address the source of a musty odor.

If a washer smells bad, investigate:

Standing moisture
Dirty gasket
Detergent buildup
Fabric-softener residue
Drain filter
Drain hose
Plumbing

rather than masking the smell.

🧴 Can You Use Chlorine Bleach?

Only when your washer’s cleaning instructions allow it.

Several manufacturers do provide bleach-based cleaning procedures for certain models, particularly for significant odor or mold buildup.

But the required:

Amount
Compartment
Cycle
Rinsing procedure

can vary.

Never assume that instructions for one washer apply to another.

Use exactly the amount specified.

More bleach is not more effective and may damage components over time.

☠️ Never Mix Bleach and Vinegar

This is critical.

Never combine chlorine bleach with vinegar or another acidic cleaner.

The reaction can release dangerous chlorine gas.

Also never mix chlorine bleach with:

Ammonia
Unknown cleaning products

If you’ve used one cleaner in the washer, follow the rinsing instructions completely before using another product later.

One cleaning chemical at a time is the safest rule.

⚠️ Don’t Mix Random Cleaning Products

A washing machine is not the place to experiment with DIY chemistry.

Avoid combinations such as:

Vinegar + bleach
Vinegar + hydrogen peroxide
Bleach + ammonia
Washing-machine cleaner + bleach unless specifically instructed
Multiple commercial cleaners at once

Use one manufacturer-approved cleaning method.

Then rinse as directed.

👃 Why Does My Washing Machine Smell?

A musty washing-machine smell usually indicates moisture or residue somewhere inside the appliance.

Common causes include:

Detergent buildup
Fabric-softener residue
Dirty gasket
Standing water
Dirty drain filter
Frequently leaving damp laundry in the drum
Poor airflow
Excess detergent
Drain or plumbing problems

Running another scented product through the machine may hide the smell temporarily without fixing the underlying cause.

🫧 Are You Using Too Much Laundry Detergent?

More detergent does not necessarily mean cleaner clothes.

High-efficiency washers use much less water than older machines.

Excess detergent can fail to rinse away completely and contribute to:

Residue
Odors
Excess suds
Dirty dispenser drawers
Buildup inside the washer

Follow both:

Washer instructions
Detergent dosing directions

If you have an HE washer, use detergent labeled HE.

🧴 Fabric Softener Can Also Build Up

Liquid fabric softener is designed to leave ingredients behind on fabrics.

Residue can also accumulate in:

Dispensers
Washer components
Tub surfaces

Do not overfill the softener compartment.

Clean the dispenser regularly.

If you’re dealing with persistent buildup, consider reducing how often or how much softener you use.

👕 Remove Laundry Promptly

Wet laundry left inside a closed washer creates an ideal damp environment for musty odors.

When a cycle finishes, remove clothing as soon as reasonably possible.

Then allow the drum to dry.

If you routinely forget finished loads, use your washer’s:

End-of-cycle alert
Phone notification
Smart appliance reminder

if available.

💨 Leave the Door or Lid Open Between Loads

When safe for your household, leave the door or lid open after washing.

This encourages evaporation.

Front-loaders benefit particularly from drying the gasket and drum.

You can also wipe visible moisture from the lower gasket after the final load of the day.

🧻 Dry the Gasket Regularly

You don’t need to deep-clean the door gasket after every load.

But a quick wipe of standing water can reduce moisture accumulation.

Check inside the folds periodically for:

Hair
Lint
Small objects
Residue

A few seconds of maintenance is far easier than dealing with severe buildup later.

🧴 Leave the Detergent Drawer Open

If your washer manufacturer recommends it, leave the detergent dispenser slightly open between loads.

This improves airflow through an area that otherwise remains damp.

Periodically remove and rinse the drawer before residue becomes thick and difficult to remove.

📅 How Often Should You Clean a Washing Machine?

There isn’t one schedule for every model.

Many manufacturers recommend a cleaning cycle approximately once a month, every certain number of wash cycles, or whenever the washer’s cleaning reminder appears.

Heavy-use households may need more frequent cleaning.

Consider cleaning sooner if:

The washer smells musty.
You see visible residue.
The detergent drawer is dirty.
The gasket contains buildup.
Clothes don’t smell fresh after washing.
The machine displays a cleaning reminder.

Your washer manual should be the final authority.

🗓️ Simple Washing Machine Maintenance Schedule

After Most Loads

Remove laundry promptly.
Leave the door or lid open when safe.
Allow dispenser area to dry.

Weekly

Inspect the gasket on a front-loader.
Wipe visible detergent spills.
Check for trapped debris.

Monthly or Manufacturer-Recommended Interval

Run Clean Washer/Self Clean/Tub Clean.
Clean detergent dispensers.
Inspect the gasket thoroughly.
Clean a user-serviceable pump filter if required.

Periodically

Check water hoses.
Inspect for leaks.
Clean accessible inlet screens if the manual instructs you to.
Vacuum dust around and behind the appliance when safe.

🚰 Check the Water Inlet Hoses

Periodically inspect the hoses behind the washing machine.

Look for:

Cracks
Bulges
Leaks
Corrosion at connections

A failing washer hose can cause substantial water damage.

Follow the appliance and hose manufacturer’s recommendations regarding inspection and replacement.

If you see leakage, shut off the water supply and address the problem rather than simply tightening components blindly.

🧹 Clean Under and Behind the Washer

Lint, dust, pet hair, and lost objects can accumulate around the washing machine.

If the appliance can be moved safely according to its installation instructions, periodically clean:

Along the sides
Behind it
Beneath accessible edges

Never strain water, electrical, gas, or drain connections when moving laundry appliances.

For stacked or tightly installed units, clean only accessible areas unless a professional can safely move the machine.

🧴 Clean the Exterior

For routine exterior cleaning, a damp microfiber cloth is usually enough.

If necessary, add a tiny amount of mild dish soap.

Wipe:

Top
Front
Sides
Handle
Control area

Then dry.

Do not spray cleaner directly onto:

Control panels
Electrical seams
Display screens

Apply liquid to the cloth instead.

🖤 What If You See Mold-Like Buildup?

Small amounts of dark residue around a gasket may sometimes be removable using the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning procedure.

Follow your specific washer instructions.

Some manufacturers provide a diluted bleach method for severe gasket buildup or mildew odors.

Do not invent your own bleach concentration.

If heavy growth:

Keeps returning
Extends into inaccessible areas
Cannot be removed
Accompanies leaks or standing water

the machine may require professional service.

🌊 What If Water Remains in the Washer?

Standing water can indicate more than a cleaning problem.

Possible causes include:

Clogged pump filter
Kinked drain hose
Blocked drain
Pump problem
Installation issue

Check the manual’s troubleshooting section.

If the machine is not draining correctly, don’t simply continue running cleaning cycles.

Address the drainage problem.

🧦 What If the Washer Leaves Debris on Clothes?

Residue on freshly washed laundry may be caused by:

Too much detergent
Undissolved detergent
Fabric softener
Dirty washer
Excess lint
Overloading
Tissue left in a pocket

Run the manufacturer’s cleaning cycle and review your detergent usage.

Also make sure you’re not overloading the drum.

Clothes need enough space to move and rinse properly.

🚫 Common Washing Machine Cleaning Mistakes

Avoid:

Pouring vinegar into every washer automatically
Mixing vinegar and chlorine bleach
Mixing multiple cleaners
Using too much bleach
Adding regular detergent to a cleaning cycle unless instructed
Running Self Clean with clothes inside
Ignoring the detergent dispenser
Forgetting the front-load gasket
Opening a pump filter without preparing for water
Leaving wet laundry in the machine
Closing a damp washer immediately after every load
Assuming fragrance equals cleanliness
Dismantling an agitator without checking the manual
Using essential oils inside the washer

The machine’s own care instructions should always outrank a generic cleaning recipe.

📋 Front-Load vs. Top-Load Cleaning Checklist

Task	Front Load	Top Load
Run cleaning cycle	Yes	Yes
Clean detergent dispenser	Yes	Yes
Clean door gasket	Yes	No front gasket
Inspect pump filter	Often, if user-serviceable	Model dependent
Wipe door/lid	Yes	Yes
Clean tub rim	Yes	Yes
Leave door/lid open to dry	When safe	When safe
Check agitator/impeller	No traditional agitator	When applicable
Follow manufacturer cleaner instructions	Always	Always

🧼 A Simple Monthly Washer-Cleaning Routine

For many machines, a basic maintenance session looks like this:

Empty the washer.
Inspect the drum.
Run the manufacturer-recommended cleaning cycle.
Clean the detergent dispenser.
Wipe the door or lid.
Clean the front-load gasket if applicable.
Clean the pump filter if required.
Wipe the exterior.
Allow the machine to dry.

Once you’re familiar with your washer, most of that routine requires very little hands-on time.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to clean a washing machine?

Use the washer’s dedicated Clean Washer, Tub Clean, Self Clean, or equivalent cycle according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Can I clean my washing machine with vinegar?

Only if the manufacturer of your particular washer approves it. Vinegar should not be treated as a universal washing-machine cleaner.

Can I use baking soda?

It generally isn’t necessary unless your washer instructions specifically recommend it. A dedicated washer-cleaning cycle and approved cleaner are the safer default.

Can I use bleach?

Some washing-machine manufacturers specifically permit liquid chlorine bleach for particular cleaning procedures. Use it only according to your washer’s directions and never exceed the stated amount.

Can I mix bleach and vinegar?

No. Never mix chlorine bleach with vinegar. The reaction can release hazardous chlorine gas.

How often should I clean my washing machine?

Many manufacturers recommend approximately monthly cleaning, after a specified number of loads, or when the machine displays a cleaning reminder. Check your manual.

Why does my front-load washer smell?

Common causes include detergent residue, moisture around the gasket, a dirty dispenser, a clogged pump filter, excessive detergent, or leaving wet laundry inside.

Should I leave the washing-machine door open?

Allowing the machine to air-dry can help reduce moisture and odor. Do so only when it is safe in your household and consistent with manufacturer guidance.

How do I clean the rubber seal?

Remove trapped debris and wipe the gasket using the method recommended by your washer manufacturer. Dry it thoroughly afterward.

Do I need to clean the detergent drawer?

Yes. Residue can accumulate inside dispensers, so remove and rinse washable components periodically according to the machine’s instructions.

Does every front-loader have a filter I can clean?

No. Many front-loading machines have user-serviceable pump filters, but designs vary. Check the manual before opening panels.

Why does my washing machine still smell after cleaning?

The problem may involve a dirty gasket, drain filter, drain hose, excess detergent, plumbing, standing water, or residue somewhere the cleaning cycle can’t correct. Persistent odors may require troubleshooting or professional service.

✨ Final Thoughts

Cleaning a washing machine doesn’t require a complicated homemade recipe.

In fact, one of the best things you can do for a modern washer is to stop assuming every machine should be cleaned with the same ingredients.

Start with the manual.

Run the machine’s Clean Washer, Tub Clean, Self Clean, or equivalent cycle at the recommended interval. Clean the detergent dispenser. Pay special attention to the rubber gasket and drain filter on front-loading machines. Wipe the lid, rim, and dispensers on top-loaders.

Then focus on prevention.

Use the correct amount of detergent, remove wet laundry promptly, clean dispensers before residue becomes severe, and let the machine dry between loads when it is safe to do so.

Skip unnecessary vinegar-and-baking-soda experiments, never combine household cleaning chemicals, and use chlorine bleach only when your machine’s instructions specifically permit it.

A little regular maintenance can keep the washer fresher, reduce buildup, and help the machine do what it was designed to do: clean your laundry.