How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?

Your washing machine cleans your clothes --- but who cleans the machine? Most people don't think about washing machine maintenance until they notice musty-smelling laundry or visible mold. Here's a complete maintenance schedule and everything you need to know to keep your washer clean and running efficiently.

How Often to Clean Your Washer

• Monthly: run a drum cleaning cycle
• Monthly: wipe down the door gasket (front-loaders) or drum rim (top-loaders)
• Monthly: clean the detergent drawer
• Every 3--6 months: clean the pump filter (front-loaders)
• Every 6 months: inspect and clean inlet valve screens
• Annually: check and clean the drain hose

How to Run a Cleaning Cycle

Front-Load Washers

Most front-loaders have a dedicated 'Clean Washer' or 'Tub Clean' cycle. Use this with a washer cleaner tablet (Affresh is widely recommended) or 2 cups of white vinegar poured directly into the drum. Run the hottest cycle available. After the cycle, wipe down the inside of the drum and the gasket folds.

Top-Load Washers

Fill the drum with hot water on the largest load setting. Add 4 cups of white vinegar and let it agitate for a few minutes, then pause the cycle and let the vinegar soak for 1 hour. Resume and let the cycle complete. Follow with a second cycle using 1 cup of baking soda.

Alternatively, use a commercial washer cleaning tablet designed for top-loaders --- they're convenient and effective.

Cleaning the Door Gasket (Front-Loaders)

The rubber gasket around the front-load door is the #1 place mold takes hold. After every wash cycle, use a dry cloth to wipe moisture from the folds of the gasket. Once a month, pull the folds back and scrub with a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar, or use a commercial mold remover designed for rubber gaskets.

If you see black mold that won't come off with cleaning, the gasket may need replacement. Left unchecked, it will transfer mold smell to your clothes.

Cleaning the Detergent Drawer

The detergent drawer accumulates sticky detergent residue and softener buildup that can restrict flow and harbor mold. Remove the drawer entirely (most slide out fully with a slight push-down while pulling), soak it in warm water, and scrub with an old toothbrush. Clean the recess it sits in with a damp cloth.

Cleaning the Pump Filter

Front-loaders have a pump filter (usually at the bottom front behind a small door) that catches coins, lint, and other debris. Place a shallow bowl and old towels under it before opening. Unscrew the cap slowly --- water will drain out. Remove the filter, rinse it under running water, and scrub off any buildup before reinstalling.

Why Cleaning Matters Beyond Odor

Regular cleaning isn't just about smell. Detergent residue buildup on drum seals and hoses accelerates wear. Mold in the gasket can degrade the rubber over time. A clogged pump filter strains the drain pump. Regular cleaning directly extends the life of the appliance and prevents costly repairs.