Cleaning Pros Share the Best Way to Clean a Washing Machine

It probably feels as though you're constantly tossing loads of clothes, sheets, towels, and other household items into the washing machine. It's one of the hardest-working appliances in most homes — but when was the last time you cleaned it? If it's been a while, read our expert-backed washing machine cleaning guide.

"Keeping your washing machine clean is an important step in getting your clothes clean. Skip it and you risk the growth of bacteria, mold and musty odors, not the kind of environment you want to clean your clothing in," says Carolyn Forté, the former executive director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab.

Luckily, many modern washing machines have self-cleaning cycles, making it easy to freshen things up. Our cleaning pros also reveal the often-overlooked areas you should clean and offer tips for preventing odors and other unpleasant buildup in your washing machine.

If you're looking for additional tips to help your washing machine work more effectively, read up on the different washing machine settings, the common washing machine mistakes that can shorten the appliance's lifespan, and the laundry habits that are wasting water (and raising your energy bill).

Below, experts explain everything you need to know about how to clean a washing machine.

With all the detergent, fabric softener, body soil and dirt that goes into your washer with each load, anything that's not removed builds up over time and creates the perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew and odors.

Here's what to do once per month for a clean, pristine machine:

1. Run a cycle: Many newer models have a dedicated washer cleaning cycle that presets the time, agitation and water temperature, and all you need to do is simply add bleach. If yours doesn't have this cycle, add 1/2 cup of liquid chlorine bleach to the dispenser or fill the dispenser to the max line and run a normal cycle with hot water (or follow what the manual says). Or you can use a specialty cleaner, like Affresh or GH Seal star Tide Washing Machine Cleaner, according to package directions. While bleach alone will kill bacteria and mold, it may not dissolve other residues like detergent. These washing machine cleaners have ingredients to rid your machine of greasy build-ups and hard water minerals, too.
   
2. Set an extra rinse and spin: Once the cleaning cycle is done, run another rinse and spin just to make sure any traces of bleach or particle remnants are completely washed away.
   
3. Clean the dispenser drawer: Most newer machines have removable dispensers, so pop them out, take them apart and rinse them well under hot water. Use a soft toothbrush to dislodge any stuck-on gunk. Wipe dry, reassemble and reinsert them into the machine. If they are still wet, wipe them with a cloth or leave them open to thoroughly air dry.
   
4. Wipe and dry the rubber seal and drum: If you have a front-loader, wipe the rubber gasket clean and dry thoroughly to prevent mold. Wipe any moisture from the drum and door or lid, too, or leave it open to air dry.
   
5. Clean the filter: While you probably know you should clean your dryer's lint trap, you might not know your washing machine also has a filter that needs cleaning. In a front loader, there's a small door or panel towards the bottom front. For top loaders, look inside the center agitator or along the top rim of the drum. When you open the door, you might need to drain some water from a small hose into a bowl before removing the round plastic filter to clean. Be prepared to wipe away lint, hair and even loose coins that might have gotten lost in the laundry

Along with cleaning monthly, make it a habit to leave the machine door ajar or lift the lid after each use. This allows air to circulate and dry out any remaining moisture that can contribute to musty smells. Just make sure to keep children and pets away from the open machine as a safety precaution and engage the child lock on your controls if you have one.

1. Take out clean clothes promptly: As soon as a cycle ends, empty the machine to prevent a musty odor from developing in the washtub.
2. Remove any debris or pet hair: If you have a pet that sheds in the house, you're going to find pet hair in your washer after running several loads. Leave the door open until the pet hair and drum are thoroughly dry. Then, using your vacuum's soft brush attachment, vacuum out the fur.
3. Dry the gasket: If you have a front-loading machine, regularly check the gasket to be sure no small items, like baby socks, are trapped in there, and dry it with a towel to keep mold away.
4. Clean the controls and dispenser: With a damp cloth, wipe the controls, door handle and any drips of detergent or softener you see on the front, sides and top of the machine and dispenser. They are easier to remove when still wet, so do it as soon as you notice them. This will keep bacteria and mold at bay and keep your washer looking its best.

While some may recommend cleaning a washer with hot water and vinegar,the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab doesn't believe using vinegar to clean your washer is effective enough. Full-strength vinegar (not diluted in the machine) can dissolve hard water deposits, but it's not as thorough a germ-killer as bleach or as good a cleaner as products formulated for that purpose. Plus, overusing vinegar may damage some parts, like hoses and rubber gaskets.

As for cleaning a washing machine with baking soda, Forté says that it can help freshen and remove odors from the tub but likely won't kill bacteria or fully wash away deposits deep inside the machine.

Amanda Garrity

Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more. 

Laura Millar

Contributing Writer

Laura Millar (she/her) is a freelance lifestyle journalist for Good Housekeeping. She holds a degree in Film, TV & Media from the University of Michigan, and was previously the assistant lifestyle editor for GH, where she covered home design. Her byline has appeared in NBC's TODAY.com, PEOPLE, Real Simple, and Business Insider.