How to Clean Your Washing Machine: A Complete Guide
You probably clean your clothes once a week, but when was the last time you cleaned your washing machine? While the washing machine does regularly get rinsed by your laundry, there is often a build-up of detergent residue, lint, hard water minerals, and even mold when it is not thoroughly cleaned. If the machine itself is dirty, then you can’t expect your laundry to come out looking and smelling fresh.
Not sure how to clean your washing machine? Follow these quick tips to clean your machine in no time!
How to Clean Your Washing Machine: A Complete Guide
Front-Load Machines
If you have a front-load machine, follow these simple tips:
Wipe the Gasket
There is a rubber gasket around the door of front-load machines that creates a seal. It’s important to dry this gasket with a cloth after each wash to prevent the buildup of mold and mildew over time. If you don’t, it can start to smell and is unhygienic for your clothes.
Leave the Door Open
Leave your washing machine door open rather than closing it after a load. This will let air circulate to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate. You don’t want to run the risk of letting bacteria grow as this can cause musty odors, which will get trapped inside the machine.
Monthly Cleaning Cycle
Once a month, give your washing machine a complete clean. To do this, start by running an empty cycle with two cups of white vinegar in the detergent dispenser. White vinegar is an all-natural washing machine cleaner that removes soap scum and mineral deposits, disinfects the machine, and eliminates odors. Then, run another empty cycle with ½ cup of baking soda in the drum. Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive washing machine cleaner, helping to scrub away lingering residues and neutralize any remaining odors. Doing this monthly will break down any buildup in the machine and keep it smelling fresh.
Top-Load Machines
If you have a top-load machine, the cleaning process is slightly different, so follow along with these steps once a month:
Run a Hot Water Cycle to
- Fill the Machine with Hot Water: Use the hottest water setting available and fill the machine to the top.
- Add Cleaning Solution: Add 1 cup of white vinegar and ½ cup of baking soda or a washing machine cleaner to the drum. Let this soak for an hour before starting the cycle and letting it run. In addition to the hot water, these active natural ingredients will flush out any detergent residue or other build-up inside the machine. They’ll also sanitize the machine so that it is fresh for your clothes.
Clean the Agitator
In the center of the machine is the agitator, which can build up detergent and fabric softener residue over time. To clean this part of the machine, start by turning off and unplugging the machine. Then, wipe down the agitator with a mixture of vinegar and water on a clean cloth.
Clean the Top Rim
It’s really important to get into every nook and cranny of your machine, including the top rim. After you’ve cleaned inside the drum, be sure to wipe inside the rim as well as the underside of the washing machine lid.
Final Care Tips on How to Clean Washing Machine
The following tips apply to all types of washing machines, helping you get a deep clean that lasts:
Cleaning Washing Machine Detergent Drawer
We recommend cleaning your detergent drawer once a month. This is the little drawer where you put detergent, fabric softener, and bleach. Not only does detergent residue often build up in the drawer, but it can mold if you don’t keep an eye on it. To clean this drawer out, remove it from the machine and use a soft brush with detergent to scrub away any buildup. Rinse it out with warm water once it is clean.
And, if you want to make life a little simpler, try using Sheets Laundry Club’s critically acclaimed detergent sheets. All of our pre-measured sheets can be popped directly into the drum of the machine, so you never have to worry about cleaning the drawer.
Check the Filter
Finally, check and clean the filter in your washing machine once a month. You may need to consult your washing machine manual to locate the filter. This essential part of the machine works to trap lint, hair, and other debris from your laundry, keeping them from entering the machine's drainage system. Here’s how to clean it:
- Unplug your washing machine
- Remove the filter
- Rinse it under warm water
- Scrub away any stuck debris
- Inspect the filter for damage, or signs that it needs to be replaced
Regularly checking and rinsing out the filter helps keep your washing machine running efficiently.
Avoid Overloading
Word to the wise: don’t overload your machine. We know it can be tempting to shove all your laundry into one load, but it’s not good for the machine or your clothes. When clothes aren’t able to move freely around the machine, it often results in detergent residue being left on them and in the machine. To avoid this, fill your machine loosely so that the clothes can move around properly.
Use HE Machine-Compliant Detergent
HE, or high-efficiency washing machines can often become damaged by too many suds. For this reason, it’s important to know what type of machine you have and pay attention to the detergent you are using. Sheets Laundry Club works in all machines, including HE, so you don’t have to worry about any issues arising during a wash. Our detergent sheets dissolve easily in water, providing a thorough but gentle wash that’s safe for your machine and clothes.
A Lean, Clean Laundry Machine with Sheets Laundry Club
If you want a truly clean washing machine, you have to be willing to commit to a once-a-month refresh. It’s easy and doesn’t take a lot of time, but it makes a world of a difference when it comes to the longevity of your machine and the cleanliness of your clothes. For a quick recap of this article that you can share with friends, check out this TikTok video.
Once your machine is fresh as a daisy, you can work on getting your clothes cleaner than ever with Sheets Laundry Club. Our natural detergent and range of other laundry and cleaning products foster feel-good vibes with fresh-smelling scents. And, if you sign up for our convenient subscription service, you can have all the essentials delivered to your door, including our bestselling Laundry Sheets. For more laundry tips, be sure to connect with us on social media, visit our website, or give us a shout here.
Jamie Dorman
Jamie Dorman is the Social Media and Content Manager at Sheets Laundry Club. She has been in advertising for 11 years and is passionate about keeping our clothes and planet clean with eco-conscious products. She is also an avid reader, recreational guitarist and her favorite Sheets Laundry Club scent is Sea Breeze.