How to Clean and Maintain Your Washing Machine
A smelly washing machine means mold and bacteria are growing inside. Deep-clean your washer in 30-45 minutes and prevent the musty odor from returning with simple monthly maintenance.
Repair & Refinish Team
Published August 5, 2025 · Updated January 12, 2026
What You'll Need
- Microfiber cloths
- Old toothbrush
- Spray bottle
- White vinegar (2 cups)
- Baking soda (1/2 cup)
- Affresh washer cleaner tablets (optional)
- Bleach (1/2 cup, for deep cleaning)
Cost Estimate
Budget
$0
Mid-Range
$5
Premium
$12
A service call for a smelly washer costs $100-$200. DIY cleaning costs $0-$12 in supplies you likely already own.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Clean the Door Gasket (Front-Loaders)
Step 1 of 7Pull back the rubber door gasket on a front-loader and inspect for mold, soap scum, and trapped debris. You'll likely find a disgusting black film. Spray white vinegar generously on the gasket and inside the folds. Scrub with an old toothbrush and wipe with a microfiber cloth. For heavy mold, use a 1:1 bleach-water solution. Wipe until the cloth comes away clean.
Check the gasket drain holes (small holes at the bottom of the gasket). Clear any blockages with a cotton swab — clogged drain holes trap water and breed mold.
Run a Hot Cleaning Cycle
Step 2 of 7Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser (or directly into the drum for top-loaders). Run the hottest, longest cycle available with no clothes. The vinegar dissolves mineral deposits, soap scum, and kills bacteria. For an extra boost, pause the cycle halfway through and let the vinegar water soak for 30 minutes before resuming.
Run a Baking Soda Cycle
Step 3 of 7After the vinegar cycle completes, sprinkle 1/2 cup of baking soda directly into the drum. Run another hot cycle. The baking soda neutralizes odors, removes remaining residue, and scrubs the interior. Together, vinegar and baking soda create a one-two punch that freshens the entire washing system — drum, pump, and hoses.
Clean the Detergent Dispenser
Step 4 of 7Remove the detergent and fabric softener dispensers (most pull straight out or have a release tab). Soak them in hot soapy water for 15 minutes. Scrub the compartments with a toothbrush to remove built-up detergent and softener residue. Also clean the dispenser housing on the machine with a damp cloth. Residue in the dispenser gets re-deposited on your clothes.
Clean the Filter/Drain Trap
Step 5 of 7Most front-loaders have a drain filter or trap behind a small panel at the bottom-front of the machine. Place a shallow pan under it, open the panel, and slowly unscrew the cap. Water will drain out (this is normal). Remove any trapped debris — coins, hair ties, lint, and small items. Clean the filter under running water. Reinstall and close the panel. This filter should be cleaned every 1-3 months.
Water will flow out when you open the drain filter. Have a shallow pan and towels ready to catch it. Open the cap slowly.
Wipe Down the Exterior and Interior
Step 6 of 7Wipe the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth and all-purpose cleaner. Clean the control panel and buttons. Wipe the inside of the drum with a vinegar-dampened cloth. For top-loaders, wipe under the rim where detergent splashes and mold can grow. Leave the door/lid open to air-dry the interior completely.
Establish a Maintenance Routine
Step 7 of 7To prevent odor from returning: (1) Always leave the door/lid open after washing. (2) Use HE detergent in HE machines — regular detergent creates excess suds and residue. (3) Run a hot cleaning cycle monthly with vinegar or Affresh tablets. (4) Clean the drain filter every 1-3 months. (5) Wipe the gasket dry after every use on front-loaders.
Recommended Products
Drop-in tablets that dissolve residue, mineral buildup, and odor-causing bacteria. Use monthly in any washer. EPA Safer Choice certified. The easiest washer maintenance.
HE-formulated for high-efficiency washers. Low-sudsing formula prevents residue buildup. Cleans in cold water. The #1 detergent recommended by washer manufacturers.
Food-grade distilled white vinegar for household cleaning. Natural disinfectant, deodorizer, and mineral deposit remover. One gallon lasts 6+ months of monthly washer cleaning.
Affiliate Disclosure: We earn a small commission when you buy through our links at no extra cost to you.
Tips & Warnings
- Leave the washer door/lid open after every cycle. This single habit prevents 90% of washer odor problems by letting the interior dry.
- Use only HE (High Efficiency) detergent in HE washers. Regular detergent creates excess suds that leave residue and promote mold growth.
- Use less detergent than you think — most people use 2-3x more than needed. Excess detergent is the primary cause of residue buildup.
- Run a monthly hot cleaning cycle with vinegar or an Affresh tablet. Prevention is much easier than remediation.
- Never mix vinegar and bleach — the combination creates toxic chlorine gas.
- Use bleach sparingly and only when needed for heavy mold. Frequent bleach use can damage rubber seals and components.
- If your washer has a persistent mildew smell despite cleaning, the drain hose or pump housing may need professional cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
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