How To Clean A Washer: 10 Amazing Steps

Picture steam curling from a freshly cleaned washer drum, warm and ready for your next load, you’ll want that feeling every week. You can get there with a few simple steps that don’t take much time and won’t cost a fortune. Start with gathering vinegar, baking soda, cloths, gloves, and a soft brush. Run a hot vinegar cycle, follow with baking soda, scrub seals and dispensers, wipe the exterior, and leave the door ajar to prevent odors.

Gather Your Supplies

Before you start, gather everything you’ll need so the job feels simple and stays safe.

You want to feel welcomed into a small project that cares for your home and the planet.

Gather eco friendly supplies like microfiber cloths, a soft brush, and reusable gloves.

Choose non toxic detergents in small amounts so your washer and family breathe easier.

Add a measuring cup, an old towel, and a spray bottle for spots.

Bring a flashlight to check seals and a small bowl for bits that fall out.

Put items on a tray so nothing gets lost.

These steps link your comfort and the task.

You’ll move through cleaning calmly, aware you picked supplies that match your values.

Run a Hot Wash Cycle With White Vinegar

Start a hot wash cycle with just white vinegar to break up soap scum and kill mildew, and you’ll see the drum start to look and smell fresher right away.

Should you desire additional cleaning strength, sprinkle a half cup of baking soda into the drum prior to the cycle starting; it assists in neutralizing odors and loosening grime.

These two steps function in tandem, so execute the vinegar-only cycle initially and incorporate baking soda whenever requiring a more thorough cleanse.

Run Vinegar-Only Cycle

You’ll feel proud performing this straightforward task that links you with fellow homeowners who value their space.

Pour two cups of distilled white vinegar into the drum or detergent drawer, select the hottest, longest cycle, and operate it empty.

Vinegar breaks down soap scum, limescale, and odors without using harsh chemicals, so your machine remains in good condition.

Once the cycle completes, perform a plain rinse to clear away residue.

Consult your washer manual for HE settings initially.

Perform this every one to three months, especially because you live in a hard water area, and you’ll maintain your drum fresh and inviting.

Add Baking Soda (Optional)

If you conducted a vinegar-only cycle and desire an additional enhancement, add baking soda to tackle lingering odors and loosen stubborn residue.

You’ll sprinkle about half a cup directly into the drum or into the detergent tray.

Start a hot wash to let fizzing lift grime and refresh seals.

Some people worry about baking soda myths, but used this way it’s safe and gentle on most machines.

Should you prefer eco friendly alternatives, try washing soda or a paste of lemon and water for spot cleaning.

Move on gently after the cycle and wipe the drum, gasket, and dispenser with a microfiber cloth.

You’ll feel proud of a fresher washer, and you’ll join others who care for their home thoughtfully.

Scrub the Drum and Door Seal

Now it’s time to get hands-on with the drum and door seal, where most of the grime hides and causes that musty smell. You and others who care about a fresh home will feel good tackling this together. Use a soft brush and mild cleaner, working into folds of the seal. Rinse with a damp cloth and leave the door open to dry. Deep cleaning techniques and odor elimination strategies fit here because scrubbing removes trapped soap and mold that machines miss.

Take your time. Move methodically around the drum, checking under the gasket. Invite a friend or family member to join for company and extra hands.

Clean the Detergent Dispenser and Fabric Softener Drawer

Pull out the detergent dispenser and fabric softener drawer. You’ll feel better doing this together with the machine, like you and it are teaming up. Rinse the parts under warm water to loosen soap scum. Soak them in warm water and mild dish soap for 15 to 30 minutes.

Use an old toothbrush to scrub crevices and small holes. Wipe the housing where the drawer sits with the same solution so nothing hides inside. Rinse and dry everything completely. Slide the drawer back in. Repeat this every few weeks to keep your washer working well and smelling clean.

Deodorize With Baking Soda

Sprinkle baking soda evenly across the drum to neutralize odors and reach corners you could miss.

Then mix it with warm water to make a gentle paste you can use on spots and seals.

Finally wipe and rinse thoroughly so your washer smells fresh and stays safe for your clothes.

Sprinkle Baking Soda Evenly

A thin, even layer of baking soda across the drum helps soak up odors and freshen your washer without harsh chemicals.

While you sprinkle baking soda evenly, you’re giving the drum a gentle, safe lift that fights smells and invites a cleaner wash. Stand close, feel confident, and move around the drum to cover all surfaces. Don’t heap it in one spot. Lightly tap the box or spoon to spread a fine dust. Should you notice clumps, break them up with your fingers so the powder sits smoothly.

This step links directly to the next one where you’ll add moisture to activate the soda. Taken together, these actions help the machine feel cared for and keep your laundry smelling welcoming.

Mix With Warm Water

Now you’ll mix the baking soda with warm water so it can wake up and neutralize odors inside the drum.

You’re doing this as part of Step 1: Mix with Warm Water and it ties into Deodorize with Baking Soda.

Mix 2 parts warm water to 1 part white vinegar to loosen grime, then stir in baking soda until it dissolves.

Use that gentle solution to target smells and light residue.

Gather supplies from Step 2 so you feel prepared and supported.

After the vinegar hot cycle from Step 3, add this mixture to the drum and let it sit, giving the baking soda time to absorb odors.

This step links directly to Sprinkle Baking Soda Evenly and prepares the drum for the next cleaning actions.

Wipe and Rinse Thoroughly

Once the baking soda solution has had time to work, grab a clean microfiber cloth and get ready to wipe and rinse thoroughly so your washer actually smells fresh. You’ll feel good knowing you’re not doing this alone, and gentle care keeps the drum welcoming.

Start when wiping the drum, then move to the door seal, crevices, and detergent drawer. Fold the seal back and clean each fold. Rinse the cloth often and replace it when it looks dirty.

After wiping, run a short rinse cycle with warm water to flush loosened debris and baking soda residue. This step keeps soap scum from settling back, protects your machine, and helps your laundry feel cared for.

Remove and Clean the Filter and Drain Pump

Prior to opening the access panel, take a deep breath and remind yourself this is an easy job you can handle.

You belong here with others who care for their home, and you’ll feel proud after the filter and drain pump are clean.

Unplug the washer, turn off water, and place towels or a shallow pan beneath.

Open the panel, unscrew the filter, and pull it out slowly.

Rinse the filter under running water and scrub with an old toothbrush.

Inspect the drain pump housing and gently remove debris.

Rotate the pump impeller to clear trapped gunk, wipe parts with a damp cloth, then reassemble securely.

Run a short rinse cycle to flush remaining bits and enjoy fresh results.

Descale With a Commercial Washer Cleaner (Optional)

You did a great job cleaning the filter and drain pump, and that work makes it easier to treat the rest of the machine.

Now you can choose a commercial washer cleaner to descale gently. Pick one labeled for your washer type and follow the directions. Pour it in, run a hot cycle, and stay nearby in case you need to pause the machine.

When you prefer Safe eco friendly alternatives, you can still achieve Long term descaling effects through using citric acid products made for appliances.

Both routes protect your drum and keep odors away.

You belong to a group of careful owners who care for appliances.

Take your time, check results after the cycle, and repeat as recommended to maintain performance and peace of mind.

Wipe Down Exterior Surfaces and Controls

Grab a soft cloth and a mild cleaner and let’s wipe down the washer’s outside so it looks and feels fresh. You’re part of a household that cares, and this small task keeps your machine welcoming.

Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and lightly mist the top, sides, and front panel. Wipe with a soft lint free cloth, using gentle pressure to lift dirt.

For stubborn smudges, dampen a microfiber cloth and rub in one direction to avoid scratches. Never spray controls directly.

Instead apply the solution to a cloth and carefully clean buttons and the display. Dry everything with a clean towel to prevent streaks.

Do this monthly to protect finishes and keep your washer inviting.

Air Out and Keep the Door Ajar Between Loads

After a cycle, leave the washer door slightly open so moisture can escape and fresh air can flow in.

This small habit helps prevent mold and odors while speeding up drum drying so your machine stays fresher between washes.

When you can, prop the door open for a few hours after wet loads to improve circulation and keep mildew from setting in.

Prevent Mold and Odors

You belong to a group that cares for home and health, so make these easy habits part of your routine.

Wipe the rubber seal after every wash with a microfiber cloth to remove water and soap.

Run a monthly hot cycle with a cup of white vinegar to dissolve deposits and kill bacteria.

Sprinkle baking soda in the drum overnight to neutralize lingering smells.

Don’t overload loads so water rinses properly.

Try lemon or a few drops of essential oil on a cloth for gentle freshness between deep cleans.

Improve Air Circulation

Keeping the washer door slightly open between loads helps the machine breathe and stops damp air from getting trapped. You and your household belong here; this small habit keeps the drum fresh and shared chores easier. After a cycle, wipe seals, then prop the door at about 45 degrees to invite airflow. While you air the drum, keep in mind Step 12: Remove and Clean the Filter and Drain Pump so water can exit freely and odors don’t linger.

Speed Drum Drying

Crack the door open slightly and let fresh air sweep through the drum to speed drying and stop that musty smell from settling in.

You’ll feel better realizing moisture won’t hide in seals or corners.

Airing out helps with fast fabric drying and supports your quick load techniques via reducing dampness between cycles.

Try these friendly habits to keep the drum fresh and your laundry belonging to a tidy routine:

• Leave the door ajar for 30 to 60 minutes after a cycle to let steam escape
• Wipe the gasket and drum edges dry so air moves freely
• Use a small fan or dehumidifier nearby on humid days
• Space loads so the drum isn’t packed tight and air can circulate
• Adopt a quick load techniques schedule to avoid back to back damp loads

Establish a Regular Maintenance Schedule

Plan out a scheme that your family can adhere to.

Schedule thorough cleanings every 30 days.

Include weekly brief chores such as cleaning the door gasket, examining the soap compartment, and keeping the door ajar to air out.

Check tubes every month for damage and secure fittings.

Use mobile alerts or link duties with existing routine days to make it routine and collective.

When residing with others, designate one individual per month and cycle the duty to foster collaboration.

These measures prevent dirt and smells, safeguard your barrel, and simplify wash days for all.