The Ultimate How-To Guide to Cleaning Your Washing Machine

Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?

There’s an age-old debate about appliances that use water and soap: Do we really need to clean them? Unfortunately for us, yes, we do need to clean appliances like washing machines regularly. Fortunately for you, it doesn’t have to be that complicated. 

In this comprehensive guide, we break down the simple steps to clean your washing machine regularly. By following the easy steps listed in our guide, you can create a personalised cleaning routine and ensure your washing machine is hygienic, fresh and performing optimally. 

Why Is It Important to Clean Your Washing Machine?

A washing machine is one of the most-used, sturdy appliances in most homes, designed to clean clothes. But over time and with consistent use, detergent residue, fabric softener, lint, dirt, and moisture can build up inside the machine. If your washing machine isn’t cleaned regularly, it can lead to unpleasant odours, mould growth, reduced washing performance and even shorten the lifespan of your machine. 

Many homeowners assume that because washing machines regularly use water and detergent, they stay automatically clean. In reality, the opposite can occur.

Did you know that some washing machines have more germs than household toilets? Body fats, minerals, soap and fabric softeners can cling to the sides of the walls of the drum and pipes. This can be a potential breeding ground for bacteria.

Over time, washing machines can accumulate:

• Detergent residue
• Fabric softener build-up
• Lint and dirt particles
• Hard water deposits
• Mould and mildew

Regular cleaning of washing machine can help:

• Improve washing performance
• Reduce unpleasant smells
• Prevent mould growth
• Extend the life of your appliance
• Keep clothes smelling fresher after every wash

Common Dirty Spots in Your Washing Machine

How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?

There is certain confusion about the ideal timelines for cleaning washing machines. While it depends on your use, consistency, and washing habits, there are specific guidelines on how often you should clean your washing machine. 

These guidelines are often recommended by manufacturers and brands, keeping their machines in mind. 

As a general guide:

If you wash frequently or regularly use cold-water cycles, cleaning your washing machine frequently may be beneficial.

Now that we know the why and when of cleaning washing machines, let’s look at how to clean a washing machine in the step-by-step guide below. 

Step 1: Clean the Washing Machine Drum

The drum is where most detergent residue, dirt, and bacteria accumulate.

Many modern washing machines include a dedicated Drum Clean, Tub Clean, or Self-Clean cycle designed specifically for maintenance.

How to Clean the Drum

1. Ensure the washing machine is empty.
2. Select the Drum Clean or Tub Clean cycle if available.
3. Use a manufacturer-approved cleaning product if recommended.
4. Allow the cycle to complete fully.
5. Leave the door open afterwards to allow the interior to dry.

If your machine does not have a dedicated cleaning cycle, refer to the user manual for recommended cleaning instructions.

5 Signs Your Washing Machine Drum Needs Cleaning

• Musty odours
• Smelly filter
• Clothes don’t smell fresh after washing
• Visible residue inside the drum
• Excess detergent build-up

Step 2: Clean the Detergent Dispenser

The detergent drawer is one of the most commonly overlooked areas of a washing machine.

Liquid detergent and fabric softener can leave behind sticky residue that attracts mould and bacteria over time.

How to Clean the Detergent Drawer

1. Remove the dispenser drawer if possible.
2. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
3. Use a soft brush to remove residue.
4. Clean the drawer cavity inside the machine.
5. Allow the drawer to dry before reinstalling.

Regular cleaning helps ensure detergent flows correctly during every wash cycle.

How to Clean the Detergent Drawer of a Top-Loading Machine

1. Remove the detergent, bleach, or fabric softener drawers. If your top load washer has an agitator, dismantle it for cleaning.
2. Check the manual for instructions on how to dismantle an agitator. 
3. Fill a large bowl of warm water with a washing machine cleaner. 
4. Submerge all removal parts in the solution. Leave them for 15-20 minutes to loosen any grime. 
5. Use an old toothbrush to get rid of any stains, dirt, or buildup. 
6. When you’re done, rinse all the parts with fresh water. 

Step 3: Clean the Door Seal and Filter

The door seal and filter of a washing machine are often where moisture, lint, and debris collect.

Cleaning the Door Seal

For front-load washing machines:

• Pull back the rubber seal carefully.
• Remove any lint, hair, or debris.
• Wipe with a damp cloth.
• Dry thoroughly after cleaning.

Cleaning the Filter

Most washing machines have a filter designed to catch lint, coins, buttons, and other debris.

Check your user manual for the filter location and cleaning instructions.

Cleaning the filter regularly can help:

• Improve drainage
• Prevent blockages
• Maintain washing performance
• Reduce wear on the pump

How to Remove Black Mould From Your Washing Machine Drum

Washing machines are usually built from stainless steel, on which black mould does not grow; however, dirt and lint deposits can still harbour black mould. 

The problem with black mould spores is that they are invisible. They can land on your clothes without you noticing. They can also transfer to the washing machine drum, where the humid atmosphere makes it conducive to mould growth. Black mould can also grow on the paddles around washing machine drums. 

The washing machine drum paddles are in high contact with dirty clothes and have high moisture levels. This makes them susceptible to black mould growth. 

You can remove black mould from your washing machine drum by placing 200g of bicarbonate soda (only soda, no other cleaner necessary) inside the empty machine. Run it on a long cycle above 60℃. Bicarbonate soda is mildly abrasive, biodegradable, and cost efficient. It also breaks down soap residue and grit. 

You can also remove black mould using a mould cleaner. 

Steps to Remove Black Mould from the Washing Machine Drum

• Ensure the washing machine is empty and dry
• Wear protective gloves 
• Spray a small amount of mould cleaner on a microfibre cloth. Wipe the entire conference of the washing machine drum. 
• Ensure you cover all areas of the washing machine drum, including the back.
• For stubborn stains, use a brush with warm water and scrub until the stain fades or the dirt is loose. 
• Rinse the machine with warm water. 
• Leave the door open and let it dry for at least an hour. 

The 30-Minute Laundry Rule

A popular tip for hygienic laundry is called the ‘30-minute laundry rule.’ The 30-minute laundry rule is a guideline that states that you should move wet clothes from the washing machine to the dryer or a drying rack within 30 minutes of the cycle ending. 

The 30-minute window is important for hygiene and washing machine performance. Once your washing machine cycle stops, the microbes begin feeding on trapped moisture. If your clothes are left in the machine too long, they can retain a sour, musty smell that is difficult to remove even after drying or with fresheners. 

Why the 30-minute laundry rule matters:

• Damp clothes that sit in the drum will remain in clumps or tangles, forming deep and stubborn wrinkles that require more effort and time to iron. 
• The warm and humid enclosed space of a closed washing machine creates a breeding ground for bacteria and mildew. 
• If clothes are left in the machine for hours, you have to re-wash the entire load to remove the stale smell. 

Additional Washing Machine Maintenance Tips

While regular cleaning is often the best way to maximise your machine’s lifecycle, there are additional tips you can use to maintain your washing machine. 

A few simple habits you can practice are:

Leave the Door Open After Washing

Allowing air circulation helps reduce moisture and discourages mould growth.

Use the Correct Amount of Detergent

Using too much detergent can lead to residue build-up and poor rinsing performance.

Check Pockets Before Washing

Removing coins, tissues, and small objects can help prevent damage to the drum and filter.

Run a Hot Wash Occasionally

If you primarily use cold water cycles, an occasional hot wash can help remove detergent and bacteria build-up.

Do not Use Home Remedies

Avoid using a combination of sodium bicarbonate, vinegar, citric acid or any other home remedies to clean your washing machine, as they can damage the parts. Vinegar is corrosive and can damage rubber seals and some metals. 

Use a Dedicated Washing Machine Cleaner

The best thing to clean a washing machine with is a dedicated washing machine cleaner. Several brands have their own washing machine cleaners specially for their machines. Using one made for your machine is always recommended. 

Common Signs Your Washing Machine Needs Cleaning

You may need to clean your washing machine if you notice:

• Unpleasant odours
• Visible mould around the seal
• Poor cleaning performance
• Excess detergent residue
• Slow drainage
• Clothes that don’t smell fresh after washing

Addressing these issues early can help maintain hygiene, retain freshness, and ensure your machine lasts longer.

Keep Your Washing Machine Performing at Its Best

A washing machine isn’t a small investment. Most quality machines deliver 7-11 years of service and the difference isn’t in the price tag or the brand but on how you maintain and run the machine. Washing machines that are regularly cleaned and maintained will last longer, perform efficiently, and deliver hygienic and fresh-smelling clothes. If you follow the above guide to cleaning your washing machine, you can help it operate effectively and keep your clothes looking and smelling their best. 

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