How to Clean Washing Machine: A Simple Guide

A washing machine can look spotless on the outside while hiding detergent sludge, lint and moisture where you cannot see it. If your clean clothes have started smelling musty, showing white marks or feeling less fresh than usual, it is time to learn how to clean washing machine parts properly. A regular clean takes very little effort, costs less than replacing a machine early and helps every load come out fresher.

Most Australian households can clean their washer with a few basics from the laundry cupboard. The key is treating the drum, detergent drawer, door seal and filter as separate jobs. Each area collects a different kind of build-up.

What you need before you start

Check your washing machine manual first, especially if the manufacturer recommends a particular cleaning product or has a dedicated tub-clean program. This is the safest option for newer models and protects your warranty requirements.

For a straightforward clean, have a microfibre cloth, an old toothbrush or small soft brush, warm water, dishwashing liquid and either white vinegar or a washing machine cleaner ready. Bicarbonate of soda can help with lingering odours, but avoid using large amounts of several products at once.

Never mix vinegar with bleach, chlorine-based cleaners or other chemical products. The combination can produce harmful fumes. If you need to use bleach because your machine manual permits it, run it as a separate cleaning cycle and rinse the machine thoroughly afterwards.

How to clean washing machine parts step by step

Start with an empty machine. Take out any laundry, check the drum for forgotten tissues, coins or hair clips, and wipe away visible lint. Then work through the areas below before running a cleaning cycle.

Clean the detergent drawer

The drawer is one of the most common places for sticky residue. Liquid detergent, powder and fabric softener can harden in the compartments, particularly when the drawer is not left open between washes.

Pull the drawer out as far as it will go. Many front loaders have a release tab in the fabric-softener compartment, though the location varies by model. Rinse the drawer under warm water and use a soft brush to loosen old product. Wash it with a small amount of dishwashing liquid, rinse well and dry it before putting it back.

Do not skip the drawer housing. Use a damp cloth or toothbrush to clean inside the opening where detergent flows into the machine. A build-up here can stop detergent from rinsing through properly and may leave residue on clothes.

Wipe the door seal or lid area

Front-loading washing machines have a rubber door seal that catches water, lint, hair and small items from pockets. Carefully pull back each fold of the seal and wipe it with a warm, soapy cloth. Pay close attention to the bottom section, where water tends to sit after a cycle.

If you spot black marks, clean them gently with a manufacturer-approved washing machine cleaner. Persistent mould may mean the seal needs more frequent drying, or in severe cases, professional assessment. Do not scrape the rubber with a sharp tool, as a damaged seal can lead to leaks.

For a top loader, wipe around the lid, rim and detergent dispensers. These machines are less likely to hold water in a door seal, but they can still collect detergent film around the top of the tub.

Run a hot cleaning cycle

Once the drawer and seal are clean, run the machine empty on its hottest available cycle or select the tub-clean setting. Add a washing machine cleaner according to the pack directions. This is often the simplest choice because cleaners are formulated to break down detergent residue and mineral build-up without using trial-and-error quantities.

If your manual allows it and you are using white vinegar instead, add it to the drum or detergent compartment as directed for your machine. Run a hot cycle, then run an extra rinse if there is still a noticeable vinegar smell.

Bicarbonate of soda can be useful for a stale-smelling drum, but it is best used separately from vinegar rather than combined in the same cycle. They react quickly when mixed, which reduces their cleaning effect before they have time to work through the machine.

Clean the drain pump filter

Not every washing machine has an easily accessible filter, so check the manual before opening any panel. On many front loaders, the drain pump filter sits behind a small flap near the bottom front of the machine. It catches lint, buttons, coins and other debris before it reaches the pump.

Turn the machine off at the power point first. Place old towels and a shallow tray beneath the filter cover, as trapped water may drain out. Open the filter slowly, remove debris and rinse it under warm water. Wipe the filter cavity before securely refitting the filter and closing the panel.

This small job can make a real difference if your machine is draining slowly, making unusual noises or leaving clothes wetter than expected. If the filter is difficult to remove or water continues to leak, stop and arrange a qualified repair rather than forcing the part.

Finish with the outside and controls

Wipe the exterior, buttons and display panel using a barely damp microfibre cloth. Avoid spraying cleaner directly onto controls, as moisture can work into the electronics. Dry the surfaces straight away for a clean finish without streaks.

How often should you clean a washing machine?

For most households, a full clean every one to two months is a practical routine. A family running several loads each week, washing sports gear, pet bedding or heavily soiled work clothes may benefit from a monthly clean. A machine used only occasionally can usually be cleaned every two to three months, provided it is aired out between washes.

The warning signs are hard to miss: a sour smell from the drum, grey flakes on clothing, excess suds, slow draining or detergent left in the drawer. Acting early is easier than trying to remove a thick layer of residue later.

Hard water can also affect the schedule. Mineral deposits build up more quickly in some areas and can reduce washing performance over time. A purpose-made machine cleaner used regularly is a convenient option when you want a consistent result without measuring household ingredients.

Everyday habits that keep the drum fresher

Cleaning works best when it is paired with a few simple laundry habits. Use the detergent amount recommended for your load size and water conditions. More detergent does not mean cleaner clothes - it can create extra suds and leave a film behind.

Remove finished washing promptly, then leave the door or lid and detergent drawer slightly open for a few hours. Airflow helps moisture evaporate, making mould and odours less likely. Give the door seal a quick wipe after washing towels, gym clothes or pet blankets, as these loads can leave extra lint and moisture.

Try not to overload the machine. A packed drum reduces water movement, makes rinsing less effective and puts added pressure on the motor. It can also leave detergent trapped in fabric and inside the washer.

When a clean is not enough

A cleaning cycle can solve many common odours and residue problems, but it will not fix a mechanical fault. Book a repair if the machine will not drain, leaks from underneath, has a burning smell, repeatedly trips the power or displays an error code that returns after basic checks.

Likewise, do not keep adding stronger cleaners if mould returns quickly. The cause could be a blocked drain, a damaged seal or a drainage issue that needs attention. Looking after the machine early can help you avoid wasted water, repeat washes and the cost of replacing clothes affected by residue.

A clean washer makes the rest of the laundry routine easier. Put a reminder in your mobile calendar for the next tub clean, leave the door ajar after today’s load, and your machine will be ready to handle the next basket properly.