Washing Your Washer

We wash our clothes, we clean the laundry room, and if we’re diligent, we remove the lint in the dryer screen. But how many of us deep clean our washing machine?

If your response is a thumbs down, you’re doing your laundry—and machine—a disservice. After all, despite the soap and suds, washing machines can get pretty messy. After several cycles, washers can retain mold, mildew and germs and hard water can lead to buildup. Signs that it’s time to clean include lingering musty smells, new stains on laundry after a cycle, poor drainage and a film or residue inside the machine.

Experts suggest cleaning your washing machine about once a month, or every 30 cycles, to keep laundry fresh and the machine running smoothly. With the average American household churning through five to eight loads of laundry a week, the washing machine is a breeding ground for bacteria and unpleasant odors.

As outdoor temperatures start to rise, summer is the perfect time to incorporate this chore into your cleaning routine. Especially in humid climates, it’s important during warmer months to remove wet clothes immediately after the cycle and leave the lid up until the drum dries completely after each use.

While it may be tempting to use bleach to address mold and mildew and dissolve mineral buildup, all-natural options include distilled white vinegar and baking soda, mild dish soap and an all-purpose cleanser.

Now let’s get started!

Clean the Controls

Using a damp microfiber cloth and cleanser, wipe the control panels and around the lid. Use a toothbrush or small scrub brush to remove any stubborn dust and dirt. Spray the entire exterior of the machine with an all-purpose cleanser and wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Lift the Lid

But don’t stop there. In addition to the top of the lid, be sure to clean the underside of the lid completely. You’ll be surprised at the amount of gunk in these areas!

Don’t Forget the Dispenser

Another area that needs a thorough wipe is the dispenser drawer inside the machine. Some models allow the dispenser to be removed. In this case, soak the dispenser in warm, soapy water at least 15 minutes then rinse, wipe clean and air dry completely. If you’re unable to remove the dispenser, pour in two cups of warm white vinegar, let it sit for about 10 minutes then finish with the rinse cycle. For those hard-to-reach areas, scrub with a soft toothbrush and soapy water.

Clean the Drum

Detergent and fabric softeners can clog the machine’s pump filter and reduce water flow, affecting the washer’s efficiency. To clean, fill the tub with hot water. Pour in two to three cups of distilled white vinegar and half a cup of baking soda and set on the longest cycle. Once complete, run through another hot cycle to rinse any leftover residue. Leave the door open until the area is thoroughly dry. If your machine has a removable agitator, clean with soapy water and let dry before reinstalling.

Wipe the Seal

Front-load washers typically have a rubber gasket that attracts lint, hair and mold and therefore needs a good old-fashioned cleaning with a soft cloth and white vinegar. For stubborn debris, scrub the area with a soft brush, rinse with warm water and wipe dry. If your machine has a drain filter you may need to remove with a screwdriver. Once removed, clean with warm, soapy water then run through a second hot rinse cycle. Leave the door ajar to encourage airflow until the area is thoroughly dry.

Find the Filter

Typically located at the bottom of just front-load washers, the filter should be removed and thoroughly cleaned with a small brush or toothbrush and half vinegar, half-water mixture. Rinse and let dry before placing back in the machine.

With a little care and attention, your washing machine will keep your laundry clean and continue to run smoothly and efficiently for many loads to come.