A washing machine can look spotless on the outside while holding detergent film, fabric-softener residue and trapped moisture inside. If clothes come out with a musty smell, have unexpected marks or feel less fresh after washing, it is time to learn how to clean washing machine parts properly. A regular clean takes little effort, protects your appliance and helps every load perform as it should.
How to Clean Washing Machine Step by Step
Before starting, empty the machine completely and check the care instructions supplied by the manufacturer. Cleaning advice can vary between front-loading, top-loading and washer-dryer models, particularly where a dedicated drum-clean programme is available.
You will usually need a clean cloth, an old soft toothbrush, warm water and either a washing-machine cleaner or an approved cleaning product. Avoid mixing cleaners, and never combine bleach with vinegar, as this can create harmful fumes. When in doubt, use the product recommended for your appliance.
Start with the detergent drawer
Pull out the detergent drawer as far as it will go. Many machines have a release catch that allows the drawer to be removed fully. This is where liquid detergent, powder and fabric softener can build up into a sticky coating that encourages mildew.
Rinse the drawer under warm water and use the toothbrush to loosen residue from compartments and corners. Wipe the drawer housing as well, paying attention to the water channels at the back. Dry the drawer before refitting it, or leave it slightly open while the machine airs.
Using more detergent than the pack recommends is one of the most common causes of drawer build-up. Modern detergents are concentrated, and soft water areas often need less detergent than households expect. Reducing the dose can improve rinsing as well as keep the drawer cleaner for longer.
Clean the door seal carefully
For front-loading machines, pull back the folds of the rubber door seal gently. Lint, hair, coins, tissues and small objects can collect inside, along with water that leads to unpleasant smells. Wipe the seal using a damp cloth and mild cleaning solution, then use the toothbrush only where needed.
Check for cracks, loose areas or persistent black staining. Light surface marks may lift with careful cleaning, but a damaged seal should be replaced rather than ignored because it can eventually leak. Do not use sharp tools that could tear the rubber.
Top-loading machines do not have the same large door seal, but they still benefit from cleaning around the lid, hinges and the top edge of the drum. Wipe away splashes before they dry into detergent residue.
Run a hot maintenance wash
Once the drawer and seal are clean, run an empty maintenance cycle. If your machine has a Drum Clean, Tub Clean or similar programme, use that setting and follow the dosage instructions for the approved cleaner. These cycles are designed to use the right water level, temperature and timing to remove residue from parts you cannot reach by hand.
If there is no dedicated programme, run the hottest empty cycle your manufacturer permits for cleaning. Add a purpose-made washing-machine cleaner rather than washing powder or fabric softener. A proprietary cleaner is often the simplest option because it is formulated to deal with limescale, soap film and odours without leaving extra residue behind.
Vinegar is often suggested as a household solution, but it is not suitable for every appliance. Frequent use may affect rubber components and some manufacturers advise against it. It can also be less effective than a machine cleaner for heavy detergent build-up. The manual should always take priority.
Wipe the drum, door and exterior
When the cycle has finished, wipe the inside of the drum, the glass door and the control panel with a soft cloth. Leave the door and detergent drawer open for a few hours so moisture can evaporate. This small habit makes a noticeable difference to odour control, especially in busy homes where the washer is used most days.
For the exterior, use a damp cloth only. Do not spray cleaner directly onto buttons, displays or the control panel, where liquid could enter the appliance.
Do Not Forget the Washing Machine Filter
The drain pump filter catches lint, hair and small items before they cause a blockage. Not every model has a user-accessible filter, so check the manual before opening any panel. On many front-loaders, it sits behind a small flap near the bottom of the machine.
Switch off the machine and unplug it before cleaning the filter. Place towels and a shallow tray below the opening, as trapped water may drain out. If there is an emergency drain hose, empty it first. Unscrew the filter slowly, remove debris and rinse it under running water before putting it back securely.
This task is not always needed every month. For a household with pets, young children or frequent laundry loads, checking it every two to three months is sensible. For lighter use, twice a year may be enough. If the machine is slow to drain, displays a drainage error or leaves water in the drum, inspect the filter sooner.
How Often Should You Clean a Washing Machine?
For most households, a quick wipe of the seal and drawer every few weeks, plus a full maintenance clean once a month, is a practical routine. A machine used for sports kits, muddy uniforms, towels or large family loads may need attention more often.
Hard-water areas need a little extra care because limescale forms faster around heating elements and water channels. A regular appliance cleaner designed for limescale can help, but it should be used only as directed. If your laundry feels stiff, appears dull or your machine takes longer to heat, mineral build-up may be part of the problem.
Equally, a machine used only occasionally can develop odours because water is left sitting in the seal and pipework. Running a maintenance wash before and after a long holiday or period away is a sensible precaution.
Everyday Habits That Keep Your Washer Fresh
A clean machine stays clean longer when a few simple laundry habits become routine. Remove washed laundry promptly instead of leaving damp clothes in the drum overnight. After each wash, leave the door and drawer ajar where it is safe to do so, allowing air to circulate.
Try not to rely on low-temperature washes for every load. Cool cycles save energy and are excellent for suitable everyday fabrics, but they do not always dissolve body oils and detergent residue as thoroughly as warmer programmes. Running occasional warmer washes with towels or bed linen, where garment labels allow, helps reduce build-up.
Use the correct detergent for your machine and measure it carefully. High-efficiency machines are designed to work with low-suds detergent, while too much product can leave a film inside the drum and hoses. Fabric softener can also create residue, so use it sparingly or consider reducing how often you add it if smells keep returning.
Keep the area around the appliance dry and clear. A washing machine needs ventilation, and a cramped cupboard with poor airflow can make damp odours harder to prevent. Check the water hoses occasionally for bulges, cracks or drips, and arrange professional help if you notice a leak, burning smell or repeated error code.
When Cleaning Is Not Enough
A deep clean can solve many freshness and drainage issues, but it cannot repair worn bearings, a failing pump, damaged seals or an ageing heating element. Loud banging during spin, water leaking from underneath, persistent drainage faults or a drum that will not turn all need proper diagnosis.
If your washer is nearing the end of its useful life, look for a replacement that suits the size of your household and your laundry routine. Drum capacity, energy rating, spin speed, quick-wash settings and hygiene or steam programmes can all affect day-to-day convenience. TBM Online makes it easy to compare trusted washing machine brands and find a model that fits your home and budget.
A monthly clean is a small job, but it keeps laundry smelling as fresh as it should and gives your washing machine a better chance of delivering reliable washes for years to come.
