How to clean a washing machine
Created by Cheli
Step-by-step guide to deep clean your washing machine, removing residue, mold, and odors.
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Checklist Items (22)
Gather cleaning supplies
You will need white vinegar, baking soda, a microfiber cloth, an old toothbrush, and a spray bottle.
Measure 2 cups of white vinegar
Pour the vinegar into a measuring cup for easy use.
Measure 1/2 cup of baking soda
Have the baking soda ready in a small bowl.
Fill a spray bottle with water
Use plain water for spraying surfaces if needed.
Put on rubber gloves
Protect your hands from cleaning agents and grime.
Clean the washing drum
Remove any visible debris and prepare for deep cleaning.
Remove all clothes and items
Ensure the drum is empty before starting.
Wipe down the drum interior with a dry cloth
Remove lint, hair, or loose debris.
Sprinkle baking soda directly into the drum
Distribute evenly to help scrub away grime.
Pour white vinegar into the detergent compartment
If your machine has a dispenser, add vinegar there; otherwise pour directly into the drum.
Let the solution sit for 15 minutes
Allow the baking soda and vinegar to fizz and loosen buildup.
Clean the detergent dispenser
Remove buildup of detergent and fabric softener.
Pull out the dispenser drawer completely
Press the release lever if present and slide the drawer out.
Soak the drawer in hot water mixed with vinegar
Let it soak for 10 minutes to dissolve residue.
Scrub residue with an old toothbrush, rinse, and dry
Ensure all compartments are clean before reinserting.
Clean the rubber door seal
Mold and mildew often hide in the folds of the seal.
Pull back the seal to expose the crevices
Gently fold the rubber seal outward to reach hidden areas.
Spray vinegar solution onto the seal
Let it sit for 5 minutes to break down mold.
Wipe with a microfiber cloth, using a toothbrush for stubborn spots
Remove all visible mold and dry the area.
Run a cleaning cycle
Use the machine's hottest setting to flush out loosened grime.
Select the hottest wash cycle
Choose 'Sanitize', 'Cotton 90°C', or the highest temperature available.
Start the machine and let it complete the full cycle
Do not interrupt; allow the cycle to finish.
Clean the exterior surfaces
Wipe down the control panel, door, and sides.
Spray a mild all-purpose cleaner onto a microfiber cloth
Avoid spraying directly on electronics.
Wipe the control panel, door, and top surface
Remove fingerprints, dust, and spills.
Dry with a clean cloth to prevent water spots
Buff the surface for a shiny finish.
Leave the door open after cleaning
Allow moisture to evaporate to prevent mold growth.
Keep the door ajar for at least 1 hour
This helps dry the interior and prevents mildew.
Set a regular cleaning reminder
Maintain freshness by cleaning monthly or as needed.
Add a recurring calendar reminder every 4 weeks
Set a notification to repeat the cleaning process.