Washing machines are the workhorses of the laundry room, but they aren’t self-cleaning appliances. Over time, they develop a nasty buildup of grime, mold, detergent residue, and mineral deposits. This sludge can make your laundry look dull and gray or leave unsightly white streaks on dark fabrics.
To get fresh clothes, you need a fresh machine. Here is how to clean a washing machine using bleach and vinegar to eliminate odors and keep your appliance running smoothly.
Key Takeaways
- Clean standard washing machines at least twice a year; increase to quarterly if you have hard water.
- HE (high-efficiency) washers require monthly cleaning to prevent mold growth in seals.
- Effective cleaning agents include white vinegar, bleach, or specialized commercial tablets.
- Safety First: Never mix bleach and vinegar directly. Use them in separate cycles to avoid creating toxic chlorine gas.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
You should clean a standard washing machine at least twice a year. If you live in an area with hard water, aim for every three months. This routine removes soapy residue and prevents mineral deposits from clogging the internal components.
However, some situations require more frequent maintenance. If you wash heavily soiled clothes from dirty jobs or sports, or if you live in a hot and humid climate, clean the machine monthly. These conditions create the perfect breeding ground for mildew, mold, and bacteria.
HE (high-efficiency) washers also require cleaning once a month. Since HE models use significantly less water, they don’t always rinse away all the detergent and soil, leading to faster buildup.
Best Cleaners for Washing Machines
You don’t need expensive tools to get the job done. The three most common and effective cleaners are vinegar, bleach, and commercial tablets.
Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is an acidic powerhouse. It cuts through soap scum and dissolves mineral deposits (limescale) that can damage your machine’s tub and hoses. It is safe for both top and front-load washers, though you should check your manual regarding warranty stipulations on vinegar use.
Bleach
Chlorine bleach is your go-to for sanitizing. Its primary job is to kill mold, bacteria, and mildew that cause that “wet dog” smell.
Safety Warning: Handle bleach with care. Ensure good ventilation, protect your skin, and never mix bleach with vinegar or other cleaners, as this creates toxic chlorine gas.
Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
If you prefer a pre-measured solution, commercial tablets like Affresh Tablets or Tide Washing Machine Cleaner work wonders. These contain oxygenated bleach and other surfactants to kill bacteria and break down mineral deposits simultaneously.
How to Clean a Washer
The most effective DIY method involves a two-step process. First, you use bleach to kill the mold. Second, you use vinegar to dissolve the soap scum and minerals.
- Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Beginner
What You’ll Need
- Distilled white vinegar
- Liquid chlorine bleach
- Soft absorbent cloth or microfiber towel
- Old toothbrush (optional for crevices)
How to Clean a Top Loading Washing Machine
1. Fill With Hot Water
Set your top loader to its longest, hottest wash cycle. Start the machine and let the drum fill with water. Stay close by; you need to pause the machine once it is full but before it starts agitating.
2. Add Bleach
Once the tub is full of water, add 4 cups of liquid chlorine bleach. Do not add detergent or vinegar during this step. Close the lid and let the machine agitate for one minute to mix the bleach, then pause the cycle. Let the bleach solution sit for one hour.
3. Complete the Cycle
After the hour soak, restart the machine and let it finish the full wash, rinse, and spin cycle. This flushes out the killed bacteria and mold.
4. Rinse and Repeat With Vinegar
Once the bleach cycle is totally complete, run a second cycle. Set the machine to the hottest, longest setting again. Once the tub fills, add 4 cups of white vinegar. Let it agitate for a minute, pause, and let it soak for an hour.
5. Wipe It Down
After the vinegar cycle finishes, the drum should be sparkling. Dip your microfiber cloth in a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Wipe down the top of the machine, the lid, and the control panel.
How to Clean a Front Load Washer
Cleaning a front load washer requires a little more attention to the door seal, where water loves to hide.
1. Clean the Gasket
Before running any cycles, inspect the rubber gasket around the door. This is a magnet for hair, coins, and slime. Spray it with vinegar and wipe it thoroughly with a soft towel. Use an old toothbrush to scrub deep into the fold of the seal.
2. Run a Bleach Cycle
Pour ½ cup of bleach into the detergent dispenser compartment. If your machine has a specific “Tub Clean” cycle, use that. Otherwise, select the “Normal” cycle with the hottest water setting. Let the machine run completely.
3. Dry the Interior
Once the cycle ends, open the door and wipe down the glass, the door seals, and the inside of the drum with a dry cloth. Removing residual moisture is key to preventing future mold growth.
How to Clean the Dispenser Drawer
The detergent drawer is often overlooked, but it gets clogged with sticky fabric softener and clumpy powder. This residue can block water flow and harbor mold.
1. Remove the Drawer
Most front-load dispensers can be removed. Look for a release tab or button inside the drawer, press it, and slide the drawer out.
2. Soak in Vinegar
Fill a sink or bucket with warm water and add 1 cup of white vinegar. Submerge the dispenser drawer and let it soak for 15 minutes. This loosens the gunk.
3. Scrub and Rinse
Use a toothbrush or sponge to scrub away any black mold or hardened soap. Rinse it thoroughly with fresh water and dry it before sliding it back into the machine.
4. Clean the Housing
Before replacing the drawer, use a damp cloth to wipe out the empty slot in the machine where the drawer sits. This area often has mold growing on the “ceiling” of the compartment.
Professional Deep Cleaning
If you have tried everything and your machine still smells musty or leaves residue, it might be time for professional help. Appliance repair services, such as Sears Home Services, offer deep clean packages. They can dismantle the machine to clean the outer tub and intake areas that you cannot reach.
Why Does My Washer Smell After Cleaning?
Sometimes a washing machine smells worse right after you clean it. This usually happens because the cleaning agent loosened deep layers of sludge but didn’t fully flush them out.
To fix this, run a maintenance cycle again. You can also try adding 1 cup of baking soda to the drum and running a hot cycle. Baking soda is excellent for absorbing odors.
Finally, check your drain filter. If the filter is clogged with lint and sludge, the dirty water cannot drain effectively, leaving the smell trapped inside.
Tips To Keep a Washing Machine Clean
Prevention is easier than scrubbing. Follow these habits to keep your machine fresh between deep cleans.
- Air it out: Leave the door or lid open after every load. This allows the drum and gasket to dry completely, stopping mold before it starts.
- Wipe the seal: Quickly wipe the rubber gasket with a dry towel after laundry day.
- Use less detergent: Most people use too much soap. Excess suds create scum. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended amount for your load size.
- Clear the clutter: Avoid storing detergents and heavy bottles on top of the machine, as vibrations can cause spills that damage the finish or electronics.
FAQs
Can Vinegar Damage Your Washing Machine?
Continuous use of vinegar can degrade synthetic rubber hoses and seals over time, potentially leading to leaks. However, using it periodically for maintenance cleaning is generally safe for most machines. Always check your user manual first.
Can I Use OxiClean to Clean My Washing Machine?
Yes, OxiClean works well. Pour one pouch of OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner directly into the empty drum. Do not add detergent or bleach. Run a normal hot water cycle or your machine’s “Clean Washer” cycle.
Can I Use Lysol to Clean My Washing Machine?
Yes, Lysol Washing Machine Cleaner is a sanitizer designed for this purpose. Pour the recommended amount (usually half the bottle) into the empty drum and run a hot cycle. It kills 99.9% of bacteria and detergents.
Why Does the Water In My Washing Machine Look Dirty?
Dirty water usually indicates rusty pipes, sediment buildup in your water heater, or iron deposits in your local water supply. It can also be caused by a dirty intake valve screen that needs cleaning.
Where is the Filter on a Washing Machine?
On front loaders, the filter is usually behind a small door at the bottom front of the machine. On top loaders, it might be inside the center agitator or along the top rim of the drum. Consult your manual to locate and clean it regularly.
What Happens If You Put a Dishwasher Tablet In the Washing Machine?
Do not do this. Dishwasher tablets need very high heat to dissolve properly and often contain harsh abrasives that can damage washing machine seals. They also create the wrong type of foam, which can cause pump errors.
Can I Mix Bleach and Vinegar to Clean My Washer?
No, you must never mix bleach and vinegar. When combined, they create chlorine gas, which is toxic and can cause severe respiratory issues or chemical burns. Always run a full rinse cycle between using these two ingredients.
