How to Clean a Washing Machine

Washing machines are essential for keeping clothes clean—but over time, they can develop musty odors, mold, and residue that affect performance. Like any major appliance, they need regular maintenance to stay in top shape. 

In this Redfin article, we’ll show you how to clean your washing machine step-by-step—whether you’re dealing with a front-load model in a house in Denver, CO or maintaining a top-loader in a home in Raleigh, NC. From deep cleaning cycles to expert-backed tips, this guide will help you keep your washer fresh, efficient, and ready for laundry day.

Why cleaning your washer matters

Over time, soap scum, detergent residue, hard water deposits, and mold can build up inside your washer. This not only leads to unpleasant odors but also reduces your machine’s efficiency. Regular cleaning can:

• Improve performance and energy efficiency
• Prevent musty smells and mildew
• Help clothes come out truly clean
• Extend the lifespan of your machine

Renovating your home?

Find out what your home’s worth, edit facts, and see the impact of home projects.

How often should you clean your washer?

As a rule of thumb, deep-clean your washer once a month. Wipe down surfaces weekly and leave the door or lid open after each use to prevent moisture buildup. If you notice smells or see visible grime, it’s time to clean it sooner.

Why monthly maintenance matters
“Every load leaves behind detergent residue and dirt that builds up in your machine,” explains Restoration & Cleaning Services. “That buildup clogs hoses and valves and can lead to mold. Cleaning your washer once a month—or every 30 cycles—helps prevent these problems and keeps your laundry fresh.”

How to clean a front-load washing machine

Front-load washers are prone to mold and mildew because the door seals tightly, trapping moisture. Here’s how to clean it:

1. Clean the rubber gasket

• Wipe the rubber door seal with a cloth soaked in a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water.
• Use a toothbrush to scrub away hidden gunk and mold.
• Dry thoroughly with a clean towel.

2. Clean the detergent drawer

• Remove the drawer and soak it in hot soapy water.
• Use a small brush to clean out detergent and fabric softener buildup.
• Rinse and dry before reinserting.

3. Run a cleaning cycle

• Pour 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum.
• Add ¼ cup of baking soda to the detergent dispenser.
• Run the washer on the hottest cycle without clothes.

What cleaning pros say about cleaning front-load washers

Wipe the gasket and use less detergent to prevent smells
“Front-load washers are mold magnets if you don’t wipe the gasket regularly,” warns Alagang Coolvid. “A monthly deep clean with white vinegar and baking soda keeps things fresh. Just run a hot cycle with vinegar first, then a second with baking soda. And don’t overdo the detergent—too much leads to bad smells and buildup.”

Clean monthly with vinegar and baking soda, and don’t forget the filter
“Clean your front-load washer once a month using 2 cups of vinegar and ½ cup of baking soda on a hot cycle,” recommends Cow Poke Cleaning. “Leave the door ajar after each use and regularly wipe the gasket and detergent tray. Also, don’t skip the filter—clearing it can prevent clogs and extend your machine’s life.”

Run two hot cycles—one with vinegar, one with baking soda
“One of the best ways to clean a front-load washer is to run two back-to-back hot cycles,” explains The Clean Panther. “Start with 2 cups of vinegar in the drum, then follow with ½ cup of baking soda. Always wipe the gasket and detergent drawer, and leave the door open to prevent moisture from getting trapped. We tell all our clients to do this monthly to keep their washer odor-free.”

Deep clean inside and out with the right tools and cleaners
“When we clean washers and dryers, we go beyond the surface,” says HTD Cleaning Services. “We open the top, scrub the bleach and detergent compartments, and use brushes to remove hardened residue. For front-load machines, we clean the glass and chrome with Sprayway Glass Cleaner and always check the rubber gasket for hidden mold. The key is using the right cleaner and following the manufacturer’s care guide.”

How to clean a top-load washing machine

Top-load washers may not trap moisture like front-loaders, but they still collect grime, detergent buildup, and odors over time. A quick monthly clean can help keep your machine running smoothly and smelling fresh.

1. Fill the drum with hot water

• Set your washer to the largest load setting and fill with hot water.
• Add 1 quart of white vinegar and let the machine agitate for 1 minute.

2. Add baking soda

• Add 1 cup of baking soda and run the cycle for a few minutes.
• Pause the cycle and let the solution sit for an hour.

3. Finish the cycle and wipe down

• Resume the cycle to finish.
• Wipe down the inside of the drum, lid, and knobs with a vinegar solution.

What cleaning experts recommend for cleaning top-loaders

Keep the lid open, wipe spills, and run monthly bleach cycles
“With top-load washers, it’s all about regular maintenance,” explains One Of Us Prohandy. “Keep the lid open between washes, wipe up detergent spills, and avoid overusing bleach and soap. Every month, run a cleaning cycle with hot water and a cup of bleach, then rinse. Filters—lint, pump, and water inlet—should be checked quarterly. Funk belongs in music, not your laundry room.”

Use bleach cycles and wipe down the drum after washing
“For top-loaders, a hot cycle with bleach works well—especially if you’re washing heavily soiled loads or using well water,” adds Brandon Schaefer, Executive Director of Product Management at GE Appliances. “Additonally, a few of our GE Appliances’ models offer a dedicated Basket Clean setting, or you can run a heavy-duty cycle manually. Wiping down the inside afterward helps prevent buildup and odor.”

Don’t forget the filters and hoses

Most people skip this part, but cleaning the lint trap (if your model has one) and inspecting water hoses for clogs or mineral buildup can prevent issues down the line. Check your manufacturer’s guide to locate and clean any removable filters.

How to clean every corner—yes, even the filter
“Start by removing the detergent drawer and soaking it in vinegar to eliminate buildup,” says Quantum Satis Cleaning. “Scrub the gasket with cream cleaner and wipes to get rid of sticky residue, and always clean the filter—just be ready for what’s inside. Run a hygiene cycle above 60°C with a washing machine cleaner, then wipe the drum dry. Skipping any of these steps won’t get you the full results—and may leave odors behind.”

Helpful products to clean your washer

From the drum to the detergent tray, having the right tools and cleaners on hand can make washer maintenance easier and more effective. Here are a few expert-approved items worth keeping nearby:

• White vinegar and baking soda – Great for natural deep cleans and odor removal
• Hydrogen peroxide – Disinfects and tackles mold or mildew without harsh chemicals
• Sprayway Glass Cleaner – Ideal for cleaning glass doors and chrome trim on front-load washers
• Cream cleaner and disposable wipes – Useful for scrubbing rubber gaskets and sticky detergent residue
• Toothbrush or detailing brush – Perfect for tight spots like filter caps and drawer tracks
• Washing machine cleaner tablets – Pre-measured, easy-to-use options that break down buildup
• Clearalif Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets – Designed for both HE and traditional machines
• Flo-Kem Green Performance Peroxide Cleaner – A low-tox option for routine freshening

Some tips from pros even mention tossing in a microfiber towel during your cleaning cycle to give it a refresh too.

What cleaning pros use and recommend

Use vinegar and baking soda for a chemical-free clean
“To keep your washer fresh and functional, run a hot water cycle with white vinegar and baking soda every month,” suggests Freedom Forest Farm. “This natural combo breaks down residue without the use of harsh chemicals. Be sure to leave the door and detergent drawer open to prevent mold, and wipe the gasket clean—it’s often where the worst grime hides.”

Deep cleaning with borax and washing soda
“For a deep clean, we recommend adding 2 tablespoons of borax or oxygen bleach and 2 tablespoons of washing soda to the tub of a front-load washer,” advises Calfee Insurance Agency. “Top-load machines need a bit more—use ½ cup of each. Select the hottest water setting or use the machine’s ‘clean tub’ cycle to get the best results.”

Cleaning cycle + a towel = double the freshness
“We recommend a monthly cleaning cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar in the tray and a half-cup of baking soda in the drum,” says Captain Duster. “After the cycle, wipe down the gasket, door, and dispenser with a microfiber cloth. One mistake we often see? Closing the door right after use—always leave it cracked open to let moisture escape. Bonus tip: toss in a towel during the cleaning cycle to freshen it too.”

Skip scented products and clean with safe, low-tox methods
“To avoid hormone-disrupting chemicals, skip bleach and scented products,” advises Million Marker. “Instead, use white vinegar and baking soda for a safe, effective clean. Clean your washer once a month—use vinegar first, then follow with a baking soda rinse cycle. Less detergent also goes a long way in preventing buildup.”

Use hydrogen peroxide or vinegar to fight mold
“To keep your washer in top shape, we recommend disinfecting with hydrogen peroxide,” shares Dionne Cona, owner of Maid Pure Cleaning Services. “Flo-Kem’s Green Performance Peroxide Cleaner is another great natural option. You can also mix baking soda and vinegar to clear buildup and odors. Little habits—like leaving the washer door open—go a long way in keeping mold away.”

Use vinegar monthly and try tablets for a deeper clean
“Run a monthly hot cycle with 2 cups of vinegar to break down residue and kill bacteria,” suggests Clearalif. “Wipe down the drum, gasket, and dispenser to prevent mold. For deeper cleans, try a product like our Clearalif Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets—they’re designed for both HE and traditional washers.”

How to care for your washer between deep cleans

• Always remove clothes promptly after washing
• Leave the door or lid open to air out the drum
• Use the right amount of detergent—more isn’t better
• Wipe the drum and gasket dry after each use
• Run a monthly cleaning cycle

By giving your washer a little attention each month, you’ll avoid costly repairs and keep your laundry routine running smoothly. From top-loaders to high-efficiency models, knowing how to clean your washing machine is a simple habit that pays off.

Frequently asked questions about how to clean a washing machine

1. Can I use bleach to clean my washing machine?

Yes, bleach can be used to disinfect your washer. For top-loaders, add 1 cup of bleach to the drum and run a hot cycle. For front-loaders, pour bleach into the detergent compartment and run a cleaning cycle. Avoid mixing bleach with vinegar or other cleaners.

2. What if my washer still smells after cleaning?

Persistent smells could mean mold is hiding in hard-to-reach spots, like the drain pump filter or behind the drum. Repeat the cleaning process, clean the filter, and leave the door open after every wash to let it dry completely.

3. Do high-efficiency (HE) washers need special cleaning?

HE washers use less water, which means detergent and grime can build up faster. Use HE-compatible cleaning tablets or run a vinegar and baking soda cycle monthly to keep things fresh.

4. Can I clean my washer with just vinegar?

Yes, vinegar is effective at removing buildup and neutralizing odors. Just avoid using it too frequently as it may degrade rubber parts over time. Monthly use is generally safe.

5. How do I clean the drain pump filter?

Locate the filter behind a small door near the bottom front of the washer. Open it, place a towel or shallow pan underneath, and unscrew the cap to remove lint and debris. Always consult your manual for model-specific instructions.