It might sound strange, but even your washing machine needs a wash. Over time, detergent residue, fabric softener, lint, hard water minerals, and even mould can build up inside the drum and internal parts of your washer. The result? Unpleasant odours, reduced efficiency, and laundry that doesn’t smell quite as fresh.

Regular maintenance keeps your washing machine running efficiently and ensures your clothes come out clean and fresh every time. This guide walks you through when and how to clean your washing machine, step-by-step.

And if things get too out of hand (or you just prefer to skip the mess), Tumble is always ready to help, with professional laundry services that keep your clothes clean and fresh, even when your machine needs a break.

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How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?

A good rule of thumb is to deep clean your washing machine once every month or every 30 to 40 washes. If you do laundry more frequently, you may want to clean it more often.

Here are a few signs it’s time for a clean:

• Clothes smell musty even after washing

• Visible mould or mildew in the rubber seal or drum

• Water doesn’t drain properly

• A buildup of grime in the detergent drawer or filter

Regular maintenance helps avoid these problems and keeps everything running smoothly.

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How to Clean a Washing Machine

Cleaning a Front-Load Washer

Front-load washers are loved for their efficiency and modern design, but they’re also notorious for trapping moisture, especially around the rubber door gasket. That area, combined with lower airflow and detergent residue, makes them more prone to mould and musty smells.

The key to keeping a front-loader clean is focusing on the gasket, drawer, and drum hygiene, and ensuring good airflow after every wash. Here’s how to deep clean it properly:

1. Run a hot wash with vinegar. Add 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum (not the detergent drawer). Run a full cycle on the hottest setting with no clothes inside. This helps break down detergent residue and bacteria.

2. Clean the rubber door gasket. Front-load washers have a rubber seal that often traps moisture, hair, and grime. Wipe it thoroughly with a cloth soaked in equal parts water and vinegar, checking all the folds.

3. Wash the detergent drawer. Remove the detergent drawer, soak it in warm soapy water, and scrub with a toothbrush to remove buildup. Rinse and dry it before re-inserting.

4. Run a second cycle with baking soda. Sprinkle half a cup of baking soda into the drum and run another hot cycle. This helps deodorise and scrub out any leftover grime.

5. Wipe down the machine. Finish by wiping the drum, door, and exterior surfaces with a soft, damp cloth.

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Cleaning a Top-Load Washer

Top-load washers don’t have the same rubber seals as front-loaders, so they tend to be a bit less mould-prone. However, they often suffer from grime buildup around the agitator, inner rim, and detergent dispensers, especially if they’re used with powder detergents or fabric softeners.

The good news is that you can fill and soak the entire tub, making cleaning a little easier. Follow these steps to clean a top-load washer properly:

1. Fill and soak with vinegar. Set your washer to the largest load and hottest water setting. Once full, add 4 cups of white vinegar and pause the cycle. Let it soak for 1 hour to loosen residue and odours, then resume the cycle.

2. Scrub the drum and agitator. Use a cloth or soft brush to scrub the inner drum and around (and under) the agitator, where buildup can hide.

3. Clean the dispensers. Remove the detergent and softener compartments if possible, soak them in soapy water, and scrub them clean. Rinse and dry before placing them back.

4. Run a second cycle with baking soda. Add 1 cup of baking soda directly into the drum and run another full hot cycle. This freshens and helps clean deeper into the machine.

5. Wipe down the machine. Use a damp cloth to clean the lid, control panel, knobs, and the top edge of the drum.

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Don't Forget These Parts

While you're focused on the main drum and cycles, there are several often-overlooked components that deserve attention during your cleaning routine. These hidden spots can harbor bacteria, mould, and buildup that affect your machine's performance and your laundry's freshness.

Some parts people frequently forget to clean include:

• Rubber seals. Especially on front-load machines, these trap moisture and can breed mould. Dry them after every wash.

• Detergent drawer. Pull it out and rinse it regularly to prevent detergent and fabric softener buildup.

• Drain pump filter. Found near the bottom of the machine, this catches small items like coins or hair ties. Clean it every few months.

• Exterior. A simple wipe with a damp cloth keeps your washer looking fresh and clean.

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Tips to Keep Your Machine Fresher Longer

Beyond the monthly deep cleaning routine, there are several daily and weekly habits that can significantly extend the freshness of your washing machine. These simple maintenance practices take just a few minutes but can save you from dealing with stubborn odours, mould growth, and costly repairs down the line.

Here are some essential daily tips to maintain a clean and fresh washing machine:

✅ Leave the door open after each cycle to help the drum dry out and prevent mould growth.

✅ Wipe the rubber seal and drum regularly, especially if you notice moisture.

✅ Use the right amount of detergent. Too much detergent can leave residue that causes odours.

✅ Use high-efficiency (HE) detergent if you have a high-efficiency washer.

✅ Run a hot water cycle occasionally to keep things fresh.

❌ Don't let wet clothes sit in the machine for too long. This encourages mould and musty smells.

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Final Thoughts

A clean washing machine means cleaner clothes, less wear and tear on your appliance, and a fresher-smelling laundry space. With just a few steps each month, you can keep your washer performing at its best.

And if you’re ever too busy (or just not in the mood to scrub rubber seals and rinse drawers), a laundry service like Tumble can help take the load off.

Book a laundry service at Tumble today and enjoy hassle-free, professionally cleaned laundry.