How to Clean Your Washing Machine in 4 Simple Steps
- Best Home Services
- Jan 25
- 3 min read
Ever caught a nasty whiff coming from your washing machine or clothes? If you have, it’s a sure sign your washing machine is crying out for some TLC. Yes, even the machine that’s meant to keep your clothes fresh and clean needs regular attention. But don’t worry – giving your washing machine a proper clean doesn’t have to be a big chore. Let’s dive into this easy, four-step guide to keep your washer smelling fresh and working like a charm.
Why Does Your Washing Machine Need Cleaning?
Your washing machine faces a daily battle against leftover detergent, fabric softener, dirt, and body oils. Over time, these can build up and create the perfect environment for mould, mildew, and unpleasant smells to thrive. Worse still, these residues can transfer onto your clothes, leaving them looking dull and even smelly. And if your washer lives in a damp spot like a kitchen or bathroom, regular cleaning is an absolute must to prevent issues like mould and mildew.
What You’ll Need:
An old toothbrush
4 cups of white distilled vinegar
2 + 1 cups of bleach
A mixing bowl
A cleaning sponge
Microfibre cloth
Step 1: Clean the Detergent Drawer
This part of the washer often gets overlooked, but it’s a magnet for gunk and grime. Here’s how to clean it:
Remove the detergent drawer and take it apart.
Rinse each part thoroughly under hot water to wash away detergent residue.
Use an old toothbrush to scrub away stubborn grime.
Dry the parts with a clean cloth or let them air dry completely.
Reassemble the drawer and slide it back into place.
Tip: Check your washer manual if you’re unsure how to remove the drawer safely.
Step 2: Scrub the Gasket
The rubber gasket is often the culprit behind musty smells, as dirt and mildew like to hide in its folds.
Mix 1 cup of bleach with 1 cup of warm water in a bowl.
Dip a sponge into the solution and wipe down the gasket, pulling it apart gently to get into the crevices.
Let the solution sit for 10 minutes to tackle stubborn mould and grime.
Wipe the gasket clean with a cloth dipped in plain water.
Extra Tip: Keep an eye out for small items like socks that might be trapped in the gasket.
Step 3: Run a Hot Cycle with Vinegar
White vinegar is a superstar for tackling limescale and residue.
Pour 2 cups of white distilled vinegar directly into the drum and an extra splash into the detergent drawer.
Run the machine on its hottest setting or use a self-cleaning programme if available.
Once the cycle is complete, run an extra rinse to get rid of any lingering vinegar smell.
Did You Know? Vinegar is a natural deodoriser that helps combat odours at their source.
Step 4: Run a Hot Cycle with Bleach
While vinegar handles hard water deposits, bleach takes care of bacteria and mould.
Pour 2 cups of bleach into the detergent drawer.
Run the machine on its hottest setting or self-cleaning programme.
Follow up with an extra rinse cycle to make sure no bleach residue is left behind.
Finally, wipe the machine’s exterior with a damp cloth to leave it sparkling.
Warning: Never mix bleach and vinegar as this creates a toxic gas. Always ventilate the room when cleaning with bleach.
How to Keep Your Washing Machine Fresh
Prevention is key when it comes to odours and mould. Here are some simple tips:
Leave the door open: After each wash, let the drum air out to prevent moisture buildup.
Empty promptly: Remove clothes as soon as the cycle finishes to stop musty smells.
Dry the gasket: After each wash, wipe down the rubber seal with a towel.
Tackle pet hair: If you’ve got furry friends, vacuum out any hair left behind in the drum once it’s dry.
Wipe spills: Clean up detergent drips and spills straight away to stop grime from building up.
Info: Learn more about places you may not know to clean here.
Need a Hand?
Feeling like life’s too busy to keep on top of these chores? Don’t sweat it! Our friendly home cleaning experts are here to help with everything from washing machine cleaning to full-house deep cleans. Sit back, relax, and let us do the hard work for you. Contact us today to book your service and reclaim your free time!