Have you ever smelled something unusual when you pulled out your washing? I sure have. Once, I took out some clean towels from the washer and they were much smelly than when I put them in. Because of that incident, I started to take care of my washing machine with proper cleaning and I do it all the time now.
Since you’re probably like me, managing your family, your career and making your home cozy, you need cleaning routines that do their job. Here, I’ll go through the process of deep cleaning a washer step-by-step with actual advice and bright ideas picked from the web. It’s easier than you think!
Why You Should Clean Your Washing Machine
A washing machine is designed to clean, but it needs cleaning itself once in a while. Detergent, softener, minerals from hard water and mold often build up inside the washer, especially around the rubber gasket. The result? Smelly loads, dirty clothes, and even machine damage.
I noticed this after letting guests stay and smelling the “new” sheets. Never again.
I’ll go over the 11 steps I use every month to keep my washer clean and fresh.
1. Gather Your Supplies
You should have white vinegar, baking soda, old toothbrushes, microfiber clothes and maybe few drops of essential oils.
2. Wipe Down the Exterior
Smear a damp cloth over the outside of your washing machine first. A little bit of lemon essential oil in the mix creates a great scent!
3. Clean the Detergent Drawer
Pull out the detergent drawer and put it in some warm, soapy water to clean it. Scrub off any gunk with your toothbrush.
I once found mold hiding in there — yuck!
4. Scrub the Rubber Gasket
This is where most of the grime hides. Brush all around the rubber seal with vinegar and a toothbrush.
Try stepping inside the roller coaster car after the initial lift, I was amazed when I did.
5. Run a Hot Vinegar Cycle
Add two cups of white vinegar to the drum and set the washing machine to run in the hottest, longest setting, without washing any laundry.
Doing this breaks down collections of minerals and gets rid of bacteria that can cause bad smells.
6. Add Baking Soda and Run Again
Gradually pour around half a cup of baking soda into the drum after the vinegar cycle and then do another hot run.
I always use this mix which is like giving your dyeing machine a spa break.
7. Clean the Filter (If Your Machine Has One)
Locate your washer’s filter (usually near the bottom). Take off the grill and wash it with an old brush under running water.
We once unearthed a stray sock, a few coins and a Lego in our washer and dryer.
8. Wipe Down the Drum and Door
After the cycles are complete, wipe the inside of the drum and door and also the glass, with a dry microfiber cloth.
9. Leave the Door Open to Dry
You only need to leave the washer door open after use to avoid mildew by letting in air.
I started because I read a tip on Pinterest and I’ve used it ever since.
10. Freshen with Essential Oils
Put a few drops of lavender or lemon oil on a damp cloth and wipe down the drum to get a fresh fragrance.
11. Set a Monthly Reminder
It gets easy to forget, so I put a recurring reminder on my phone for monthly cleaning of the washer. Easy and effective.
Helpful Extra Tips
- Always remove wet laundry promptly to avoid mildew.
- Use less detergent if you have soft water.
- Switch to fragrance-free, low-residue products when possible.
Because of these changes, I found that the washer no longer became smelly and the buildup was greatly reduced.
Summary Table: My Go-To Cleaning Products
| Product | Purpose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| White Vinegar | Deodorize and descale | Monthly |
| Baking Soda | Odor neutralizer | Monthly |
| Essential Oils | Fresh scent | Optional |
| Old Toothbrush | Scrubbing hard-to-reach areas | As needed |
Final Thoughts
Until I noticed how much cleaner my laundry was after cleaning my washing machine, I hated doing the task. Now it’s part of my regular home care routine.
Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:
- Small changes can change the way your house feels.
- The right cleaning tools are everything.
- Consistency is more powerful than intensity.
- Adding scent can make the task oddly enjoyable.
- Once you see the before-and-after, you’ll never go back.
Have you ever cleaned the washing machine before? Or is it still on your to-do list? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear your own tips!
