How to Clean Your Washing Machine (Front Load and Top Load)

Your washing machine cleans your clothes every week, but when was the last time something cleaned it? If the answer is "never" or "I honestly can't remember," you're in very good company. Most people don't think about washing machine maintenance until they open the door one day and get hit with a smell that's somewhere between wet dog and old gym socks.

That smell isn't just unpleasant -- it's a sign that mold, mildew, soap residue, and mineral deposits have been quietly building up inside your machine. And if you think about it, it makes sense. You're constantly running warm water mixed with detergent and body oils through a dark, enclosed space. That's basically a recipe for funky buildup.

The great news is that cleaning your washing machine is surprisingly easy, takes less than an hour of hands-on effort, and uses supplies you probably already have at home. Whether you have a front-loading or top-loading machine, we'll walk you through the entire process step by step.

Why You Need to Clean Your Washing Machine

We know it sounds a little ridiculous -- a machine that washes things shouldn't need to be washed itself. But here's the reality of what's happening inside your washer every time you run a load.

Detergent residue accumulates. Liquid detergent, fabric softener, and pods don't fully rinse away with every cycle. A thin film builds up on the drum walls, in the hoses, and around the dispenser drawers. Over time, that film becomes a sticky layer that traps dirt and bacteria.

Hard water leaves mineral deposits. If you live in an area with hard water, calcium and magnesium are constantly coating the inside of your machine. Those white, chalky streaks you might notice aren't just cosmetic -- they can clog water inlet valves and reduce flow over time.

Mold and mildew thrive in moisture. This is especially true for front-load washers, where the rubber door gasket creates a perfect sealed environment for mold growth. But top loaders aren't immune either. Any standing water left after a cycle becomes a breeding ground.

Your clothes suffer. A dirty washing machine means your clothes aren't getting as clean as they should be. You might notice a musty smell lingering on your towels and sheets, gray-looking whites, or an overall dinginess that no amount of extra detergent will fix. In fact, adding more detergent usually makes the problem worse.

The bottom line is that a clean washing machine means cleaner clothes, lower energy bills, and a machine that lasts years longer. It's one of those tasks -- like deep cleaning your dishwasher -- that takes almost no time but makes a massive difference.

What You'll Need

You don't need any specialty products for this. Here's your supply list:

• White distilled vinegar -- Two cups. This is the workhorse for dissolving mineral deposits, cutting grease, and killing mold and bacteria.
• Baking soda -- Half a cup. A natural deodorizer and gentle abrasive that tackles stains and odors without scratching surfaces.
• A microfiber cloth or old towel -- For wiping down surfaces and the door gasket.
• An old toothbrush -- Essential for scrubbing tight crevices, gasket folds, and dispenser compartments.
• Spray bottle (optional) -- Handy for mixing a vinegar-water solution for spot cleaning.

That's it. No need for bleach in most cases (and you should never mix bleach with vinegar -- the combination produces toxic chlorine gas). Commercial washing machine cleaner tablets work fine too, but the vinegar and baking soda method is cheaper, just as effective, and entirely non-toxic.

How to Clean a Front-Load Washing Machine

Front loaders are the bigger offenders when it comes to odor and mold because of their design. That rubber door gasket seals in moisture after every cycle, and the horizontal drum doesn't drain as completely as a top loader. Here's the full routine.

Step 1: Clean the Rubber Door Gasket

This is ground zero for washing machine grime. Peel back the rubber gasket around the door opening and take a look. If you see black or brown spots, that's mold. If there's a slimy film, that's soap scum and body oil residue. Either way, it needs to go.

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the entire gasket generously. Let it sit for two to three minutes, then use your microfiber cloth to wipe all the way around. Peel the gasket folds back as far as they'll go and get into every crease.

For stubborn mold spots, dip your old toothbrush in undiluted vinegar and scrub directly. You might need to make a few passes on areas with heavy buildup. This is similar to the kind of persistence needed when you're tackling soap scum on shower doors -- patience and the right solution always win.

Once the gasket is clean, dry it thoroughly with a towel. Leaving it wet defeats the purpose, since moisture is what caused the problem in the first place.

Step 2: Clean the Detergent Dispenser

Pull out the detergent dispenser drawer -- on most front loaders, there's a release tab that lets you remove it completely. You'll probably find a layer of caked-on detergent residue, fabric softener sludge, and possibly some mold in there.

Soak the drawer in a sink full of hot water and a splash of vinegar for 15 minutes. Then scrub every compartment with your toothbrush to remove the softened residue. Pay attention to the top and underside of each section.

While the drawer is out, use your toothbrush and a vinegar-dampened cloth to clean the cavity where the drawer sits. There's usually buildup in there too, and it's a spot most people never think to check.

Rinse the drawer thoroughly, dry it, and slide it back in.

Step 3: Run a Vinegar Cleaning Cycle

Now it's time to let the machine clean itself from the inside. Add two cups of white distilled vinegar directly to the drum (not the detergent dispenser). Select the hottest water setting and the longest cycle available on your machine. Many modern front loaders have a dedicated "clean washer" or "tub clean" cycle -- if yours does, use that.

Run the cycle with the machine completely empty. The hot vinegar water will circulate through the entire system -- the drum, the hoses, the pump, and the drain -- dissolving mineral deposits, killing bacteria, and breaking down soap residue in places you could never reach by hand.

Step 4: Run a Baking Soda Cycle

After the vinegar cycle finishes, sprinkle half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum. Run another hot cycle, this time a shorter one if your machine offers that option.

The baking soda works as a gentle scrub for the drum interior and neutralizes any remaining odors. It also brightens the stainless steel drum if it's looking dull or discolored.

Important: Just like with dishwasher cleaning, never run vinegar and baking soda together in the same cycle. They react and neutralize each other, leaving you with slightly salty water that does nothing useful.

Step 5: Wipe Down the Exterior and Leave the Door Open

Once the final cycle is done, wipe down the entire exterior of the machine with a damp cloth -- the door, the top, and the control panel. Clean the door glass on both sides.

Then do the single most important thing for front-load washer maintenance: leave the door open. Every single time you finish a load, leave that door cracked. This lets air circulate inside the drum and gasket area, preventing the moisture buildup that causes mold in the first place. It's a tiny habit that prevents the vast majority of front-load washer odor problems.

How to Clean a Top-Load Washing Machine

Top loaders are generally less prone to mold issues because gravity helps water drain out more completely, and the lid design allows more airflow. But they still accumulate detergent residue, mineral deposits, and grime that affect performance. The process is slightly different from a front loader.

Step 1: Fill the Drum with Hot Water

Set your washer to the largest load size and the hottest water temperature. Start the cycle and let the drum fill completely with hot water, then pause the machine. You want a full tub of hot water to work with.

Step 2: Add Vinegar and Let It Soak

Pour two cups of white distilled vinegar directly into the full tub of hot water. Close the lid and let the machine agitate for about one minute to mix the vinegar throughout the water. Then pause the cycle again and let the vinegar-water solution soak for one full hour.

This long soak is what really breaks down buildup in a top loader. The vinegar solution reaches every surface inside the drum, including areas under the agitator (if your machine has one) and around the upper rim where detergent residue loves to collect.

While the tub is soaking, dip your microfiber cloth in the vinegar water and use it to wipe down the inside of the lid, the upper rim of the tub, and any visible surfaces above the water line. Use your toothbrush on stubborn spots.

Step 3: Complete the Cycle and Add Baking Soda

After the hour-long soak, let the cycle resume and run to completion. Once it's done, fill the tub again with hot water, add half a cup of baking soda, and run another full cycle. This brightens the drum, removes any lingering vinegar smell, and provides a final deodorizing pass.

Step 4: Clean the Agitator and Dispenser

If your top loader has a center agitator, the area underneath it is a common hiding spot for gunk. On many models, the agitator cap pops off or unscrews, allowing you to clean around and beneath it. If yours is removable, take it out, soak it in vinegar water, and scrub it down.

Also check the bleach and fabric softener dispensers if your machine has them. They tend to get clogged with crusty residue. Remove them if possible and soak in hot vinegar water, then scrub clean.

Step 5: Wipe and Leave the Lid Open

Give the exterior a wipe-down and leave the lid open after every wash to promote air circulation. Top loaders are more forgiving than front loaders, but leaving the lid closed between uses still contributes to musty odors.

How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?

Here's a realistic schedule that keeps your machine fresh without turning it into a weekly chore:

After every load:

• Leave the door or lid open to let the interior air dry.
• For front loaders, quickly wipe the gasket dry with a towel.

Once a month:

• Run a hot vinegar cycle to prevent buildup from getting out of control.
• Wipe down the gasket, dispensers, and door glass.

Every three to four months:

• Do the full deep clean process outlined above -- gasket scrub, dispenser soak, vinegar cycle, and baking soda cycle.

A clean machine also means more efficient laundry cycles — check out our guide on saving money on laundry for 12 more ways to cut costs.

Twice a year:

• Pull the machine away from the wall and check the water supply hoses for cracks, bulges, or leaks. Replace rubber hoses every five years, or switch to braided stainless steel hoses, which last much longer.
• Clean the lint filter or drain pump filter (usually located behind a small panel at the front bottom of the machine).

Sticking to this maintenance schedule not only prevents odors and keeps your clothes cleaner, it also saves you money. A well-maintained washer runs more efficiently, which means lower water bills and less strain on the machine's motor and pump. Neglected machines work harder, use more water, and are far more likely to break down prematurely.

Tips to Keep Your Washing Machine Smelling Fresh

Prevention is always easier than a deep clean. These daily habits make a significant difference:

• Use the right amount of detergent. More soap does not mean cleaner clothes. Excess detergent is the leading cause of residue buildup and odor. Follow the manufacturer's recommended amount, and if you have a high-efficiency (HE) machine, only use HE-formulated detergent.
• Switch to liquid or powder detergent if pods are causing residue. Some pod casings don't fully dissolve in cold or quick wash cycles, leaving behind a filmy residue.
• Don't leave wet clothes sitting in the drum. Transfer them to the dryer or clothesline as soon as the cycle finishes. Wet laundry sitting in a closed machine for hours is a fast track to mildew.
• Run a hot cycle occasionally. If you usually wash on cold (which is great for saving on your electric bill), run at least one hot cycle per week. Hot water helps dissolve detergent residue and kill bacteria that cold water leaves behind.
• Clean the lint trap and drain filter. Front loaders have a small drain pump filter at the bottom front, usually behind a small panel. Check it every couple of months for trapped coins, hair ties, and lint.

When to Call a Professional

Most washing machine odors and performance issues are solved by the cleaning methods above. But there are a few situations where a professional should take a look:

• Persistent mold that keeps returning quickly after cleaning, which may indicate a seal that needs replacing.
• Standing water in the drum after cycles complete, suggesting a drain pump or hose issue.
• Unusual noises during the spin cycle, which could point to bearing wear or a loose drum.
• Water leaking from underneath the machine, which could be a hose connection, pump seal, or tub seal problem.

A repair technician can diagnose these issues before they turn into expensive emergencies. If the buildup has gotten bad enough to cause drain blockages, that's another sign things have gone beyond what a simple cleaning can fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use bleach to clean a washing machine?

Yes, but with caveats. Chlorine bleach is effective at killing mold and sanitizing your machine, but it can degrade rubber gaskets over time if used too frequently. If you choose bleach, use half a cup in an empty hot cycle no more than once every two to three months. Never mix bleach with vinegar -- the combination creates toxic chlorine gas. For regular monthly maintenance, vinegar alone is safer and effective enough for most situations.

Why does my front-load washer smell like mildew even after cleaning?

The most common culprit is the rubber door gasket. Even after wiping it down, mold spores can embed deep in the rubber folds where a cloth can't reach. Try spraying undiluted white vinegar into every fold and letting it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing with a toothbrush. If the smell persists after multiple thorough cleanings, the gasket itself may need to be replaced -- mold can penetrate the rubber over time and become impossible to fully remove. Also make sure you're leaving the door open after every wash to prevent the cycle from repeating.

Is it better to use hot or cold water for the cleaning cycle?

Always use the hottest water setting your machine offers for cleaning cycles. Hot water is critical for three reasons: it dissolves soap residue and grease far more effectively than cold water, it activates the cleaning power of vinegar, and it kills bacteria and mold that thrive at lower temperatures. For your regular laundry, cold water is perfectly fine and more energy efficient. But when you're cleaning the machine itself, hot water is non-negotiable.

How do I know if my washing machine has a self-clean cycle?

Check your control panel for a button or setting labeled "Clean Washer," "Tub Clean," or "Self Clean." Most machines made in the last decade include this feature, especially front loaders and HE top loaders. This cycle runs extra-hot water for a longer duration to flush out residue. It's a great option for monthly maintenance -- just add two cups of vinegar to the drum and run the cycle. If your machine doesn't have a dedicated clean cycle, simply use the hottest, longest regular cycle instead. The results are essentially the same.

Can I use essential oils to make my washing machine smell better?

We'd recommend against it. While a few drops of tea tree or lavender oil might smell nice temporarily, essential oils are, well, oils. They can contribute to the same kind of residue buildup you're trying to prevent, and some oils can degrade rubber gaskets over time. If you want a fresh scent, the baking soda cycle handles odors effectively on its own. A clean machine shouldn't need fragrance to smell good -- it should just smell like nothing, which is exactly the goal.

Wrapping Up

Cleaning your washing machine is one of those home maintenance tasks that delivers instant, noticeable results. The moment you open that freshly cleaned door and there's no musty smell, no visible grime on the gasket, and no residue flaking off the drum walls -- you'll wonder why you waited so long.

Whether you have a front loader or a top loader, the process is straightforward, the supplies cost almost nothing, and the whole thing takes under an hour of actual effort. Your clothes will come out cleaner, your machine will run more efficiently, and you'll avoid the costly repairs that come from years of neglected buildup.

Start with the full deep clean today, then stick to the monthly maintenance schedule. Future you will be grateful -- and so will your favorite t-shirt.