Cleaning your washing machine is a great habit to keep clothes smelling fresh and the appliance running smoothly. Here’s a practical, easy-to-follow guide you can use today. What you’ll need

• Washing machine cleaner tablets or liquid (optional: white vinegar and baking soda)
• Clean cloths or sponges
• An old toothbrush or small brush
• A mug or measuring cup

Best-practice steps

1. Run a hot cleaning cycle with an empty washer

• If your machine has a dedicated “drum clean” or cleaning cycle, use it on the hottest setting with an empty load.
• If there’s no dedicated cycle, run a normal hot wash (60°C/140°F or higher) with nothing in the drum.
• Add a cleaner tablet or a cup of white vinegar (optional) to help break down soap scum and mineral deposits.
• After the cycle finishes, leave the door or lid ajar to let the tub dry.

2. Clean the detergent dispensers

• Remove the dispenser drawer if possible and rinse it under warm water.
• Use a damp cloth or a small brush to remove soap scum from the well and any hard-to-reach corners.
• If removable, soak the parts in warm, soapy water, rinse, and dry before reinserting.

3. Wipe down the drum and door seal

• Wipe the inside of the drum with a damp cloth; pay attention to corners and any visible residue.
• For the door seal (the rubber gasket), pull back the folds and wipe away moisture, detergent, and mold with a mix of water and white vinegar or a mild detergent solution.
• Don’t forget the door itself and the outer surfaces of the machine.

4. Clean the filter and exterior

• If your machine has a user-accessible lint/filter, remove and rinse it under running water.
• Wipe the exterior surfaces with a damp cloth to remove fingerprints and dust.

5. Final rinse and dry

• Run a short rinse cycle with hot water if you see any cleaning residue.
• Leave the door open for a while after cleaning to ensure everything dries thoroughly and to prevent musty smells.

Tips for maintenance

• Clean monthly or after every 30 cycles, especially if you use a lot of detergent, softeners, or hard water.
• Use the right amount of high-efficiency (HE) detergent if you have an HE model to reduce residue buildup.
• If you notice persistent odors, repeat the hot cleaning cycle and consider a quarterly gasket wipe-down to prevent mold.

If you’d like, I can tailor the steps to your machine’s type (front-load vs top-load) and share a quick 15-minute weekly maintenance routine.