A washing machine runs water and detergent through every load, but it still needs routine cleaning to perform at its best. Over time, unused laundry soap, fabric softeners, hard-water minerals, and body oils can form a film along the drum, detergent dispenser drawer, and rubber door seals. Left unchecked, this residue traps moisture and creates sour, musty smells that transfer onto clean clothes.
However, cleaning your washer requires following manufacturer instructions—a cleaning cycle restores freshness, but it cannot fix mechanical drainage faults, leaking hoses, or electrical issues.
What Is the Best Way to Clean a Washing Machine?
The best way to clean a washing machine is to identify your model, empty the drum completely, run an empty hot cleaning cycle using a manufacturer-approved washing machine cleaner, wipe down accessible parts like detergent drawers and rubber door seals, and leave the door or lid propped open to dry.
Before You Start: Read the Manual and Identify the Washer Type
Before choosing a cleaner or running a cycle, gather basic cleaning supplies and consult your appliance manual:
- Microfiber cloths
- Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
- Mild liquid dish soap and warm water
- Manufacturer-approved washing machine cleaner (such as Affresh®) or liquid chlorine bleach (if permitted)
Distinguish hands-on manual wiping from powered cleaning cycles. Never combine chlorine bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or other chemical cleaners during a cleaning cycle; mixing these releases dangerous, toxic gases.
| Washer Component / Feature | Front-Load Washers | Top-Load Washers |
| Primary Moisture Traps | Rubber door gasket folds and removable dispenser drawer compartments. | Upper drum rim, lid hinges, agitator base, and splash zones. |
| Dispenser Access | Sliding drawer that usually features a push-release latch. | Top rim cups or central agitator cap dispenser. |
| Drying Strategy | Wipe rubber gasket folds and leave the door cracked 1–2 inches open. | Wipe around the top tub edge and leave the main lid propped open. |
Front-Load Washers: Door Gaskets and Drawer Recesses
Front-load washers rely on an airtight rubber door gasket (or boot) to contain water during high-speed spins. Water, lint, and detergent settle inside the flexible rubber folds. The sliding detergent drawer also collects thick fabric softener buildup. Inspect these accessible folds regularly without pulling or dismantling the rubber seal from the machine housing.
Top-Load Washers: Lid, Tub Rim and Dispensers
Top-load models feature a large lid opening, agitation post or impeller, and an upper drum rim where splash debris and soap scum collect above the normal water line. While top-loaders are less prone to water pooling in door gaskets, their lid hinges, rim crevices, and dispenser cups require routine wiping. Do not attempt to force or remove agitators or dispensers unless your manual explicitly shows owner-serviceable removal.
How to Clean Your Washing Machine Step by Step
Follow this sequence to safely clean your washing machine:
- Empty the drum and verify no stray items remain.
- Add the manufacturer-approved cleaner to the tub or dispenser.
- Select and run the dedicated “Clean Washer” or hot water cycle.
- Clean the detergent drawer and accessible door gaskets or tub rims.
- Wipe down exterior controls and door latches.
- Dry all accessible areas and leave the door propped open.
Remove Laundry and Run the Approved Cleaning Cycle
Ensure the washer drum is entirely empty. Add your chosen, model-approved washing machine cleaner tablet or liquid as specified by the product label and owner’s manual (refer to Whirlpool’s washer cleaning guide or Maytag’s washer care instructions). Select your appliance’s dedicated “Clean Washer” cycle (or a standard cycle using hot water) and run it completely empty. Use the exact dose directed by the product manual; do not combine multiple cleaners or add second chemicals to the same cycle.
Clean the Detergent Drawer and Accessible Seal
If your machine features a removable dispenser drawer, press the release tab to slide it out. Rinse it under warm tap water and gently scrub away caked-on soap or fabric softener using a soft-bristled brush. Wipe down the fixed drawer housing recess before reinstalling. For front-loaders, gently pull back the rubber door gasket folds and wipe away trapped lint and residue using a microfiber cloth dampened with warm, soapy water.
Keeping dispensers and door gaskets clean targets the same often-overlooked cleaning areas that trap grime throughout the rest of the home.
When a Filter or Drain Requires Separate Instructions
Some front-load washers feature a small pump filter access door near the bottom front panel. Only open and clean this filter if your owner’s manual provides clear, user-accessible instructions. Place a shallow pan and towel underneath to catch trapped water before unscrewing the cap. Stop immediately if access requires service disassembly, or if it creates an uncontrolled water release, and call a qualified technician.
Wipe Controls and Exterior Surfaces
Dip a soft microfiber cloth into warm water mixed with a drop of mild dish soap and wring it out until slightly damp. Wipe down the exterior cabinet, door latch, glass panel, and digital control buttons. Always apply cleaner to the cloth rather than spraying liquids directly onto electronic control panels.
Dry Accessible Areas and Check for Leftover Residue
Once the cleaning cycle completes, wipe down the drum, rubber seals, and door interior with a dry microfiber cloth. Leave the door or lid propped open 1 to 2 inches to promote air circulation and allow remaining moisture to evaporate.
- Safety Note: Always ensure young children and pets are kept safely away from open appliance doors.
Why Does the Washer Still Smell After Cleaning?
If your machine retains a musty smell after a complete cleaning pass, use this table to identify the cause:
| Symptom / Smell | Likely Cause | Recommended Action | Next Steps |
| Sour, Musty Odor | Detergent scum or trapped moisture inside gasket folds or drum. | Run a second approved hot cleaning cycle; wipe gasket folds dry. | Leave door propped open after every wash load. |
| Chemical / Soap Film | Overusing liquid detergent or high-sudsing non-HE soap. | Reduce detergent dosage to recommended manufacturer levels. | Perform an extra rinse pass with plain hot water. |
| Persistent Sewage / Rotten Egg Odor | Clogged drain line, dry P-trap, or plumbing vent backup. | Stop running cleaning cycles. Inspect external drain hose setup. | Contact a licensed plumber or appliance repair technician. |
| Burning / Electrical Smell | Overheated motor, worn belt, or electrical component failure. | Unplug appliance immediately. Do not operate the washer. | Call an authorized appliance repair specialist. |
When to Stop Cleaning and Contact an Appliance Technician
Routine cleaning cannot resolve mechanical or electrical faults. If you notice persistent sewage odors, standing water that fails to pump out, active water leaks beneath the machine, burning electrical smells, or torn and deteriorating rubber door seals, stop using the appliance and contact a professional repair technician.
Habits That Help Keep Odors From Returning
Adopting smart laundry habits keeps your washing machine fresh between deep cleanings:
- Measure Detergent Accurately: Use high-efficiency (HE) detergent in the exact amounts recommended by the soap manufacturer—excess soap creates a film that feeds odor-causing residue.
- Remove Wet Clothes Immediately: Transfer clean, damp laundry to the dryer as soon as the cycle ends to prevent sour smells from developing.
- Maintain a Monthly Schedule: Run an approved “Clean Washer” cycle once a month or every 30 wash loads as recommended by your manufacturer.
Establishing routine care habits is an essential part of simple upkeep between cleaning visits that keeps your entire household running smoothly.
Keep the Laundry Area Easier to Maintain
Keeping up with laundry room dust, baseboards, floor mopping, and general housekeeping takes time and effort. For busy households in Everett and nearby served communities, Taskforce Cleaning Services provides reliable, high-quality home cleaning.
Please note that while our team delivers expert residential cleaning for your living spaces, floorings, and room surfaces, our scope does not include internal appliance repairs, mechanical servicing, or plumbing diagnostics.
Looking for dependable support around your home? Contact our team today to learn more about recurring house cleaning in Everett and request a custom estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use vinegar to clean my washing machine?
You should only use vinegar if your appliance owner’s manual explicitly approves it. Frequent or concentrated use of acetic acid (vinegar) can erode internal rubber seals, hoses, and door gaskets over time. Always defer to your manufacturer’s written cleaner recommendations.
How often should I clean a washing machine?
Most manufacturers recommend running a dedicated cleaning cycle once a month or every 30 wash cycles. If your household does multiple heavy loads daily, has pets, or washes muddy sports gear, clean the machine every 2 to 3 weeks.
Why does a front-load washer smell musty?
Front-load washers smell musty when trapped water, lint, and detergent residue sit inside the airtight rubber door gasket folds or dispenser drawer compartments between loads, creating an environment where stale odors thrive.
Can I run a cleaning cycle with clothes inside?
No. Washer cleaning cycles and specialized cleaning tablets are designed to run in an empty drum. Running a cleaning cycle with clothes inside can ruin fabrics due to high water temperatures and concentrated cleaning formulas.
Should I remove the washing machine filter myself?
Only if your owner’s manual provides explicit, step-by-step instructions for a user-accessible pump filter. If accessing the filter requires removing panels, using tools, or dismantling the housing, leave the task to an authorized service technician.
