10 Ways To Clean A Washing Machine (Natural & Chemical)

Did you know your washing machine needs cleaning just like your clothes?

Whether it is mold, detergent residue, hard minerals, or hair — a dirty washing machine can leave behind smells and prevent clothes from being fully clean.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• How to use vinegar and baking soda for a natural clean
• Why commercial tablets are highly effective
• The secret to cleaning door gaskets (and how to prevent mold growth)
• Little-known maintenance tricks such as cleaning the drain filter and detergent tray

Let’s get started!

Way #1: Baking Soda and Vinegar (Best Natural Method)

A mix of baking soda and vinegar is a simple, natural way to clean your washer without harsh chemicals.

The active ingredient in vinegar is acetic acid which kills bacteria and breaks down mineral deposits. Vinegar is also a good way to remove odors from your machine.

Baking soda is a gritty powder that helps loosen debris and deodorizes lingering odors. It’s also slightly pH alkaline which enhances the cleaning by neutralizing sticky acids.

This natural combo is a tried and true way to clean washing machines that’s easy and cheap. I recommend using baking soda and vinegar once a month to keep your washing machine clean and with a fresh smell.

Pros

• Inexpensive and widely available
• Natural and non-toxic
• Effectively deodorizes, cleans, and kills bacteria

Cons

• Less effective than commercial tablets

3 Steps For Baking Soda And Vinegar

1. With clothes removed, pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent tray.
2. Drop about 1/2 cup of baking soda directly into the drum.
3. Set the cycle to hot water, largest load, and run it for the longest time possible.

Way #2: Commercial Cleaning Tablets (Easiest Deep Clean)

Pre-packaged washing machine tablets like Affresh or Tide provide an easy and effective way to keep your washer clean.

These tablets came on the market in the early 2000s due to the need for washing machine maintenance especially with high efficiency washers. Many of these tablets contain oxygenated cleaning agents that dissolves grime and cleans internal surfaces once it is broken down in the water.

It’s really as simple as dropping a tablet directly into the washing machine and letting it work its magic.

Pros

• Designed just for washing machines
• Easy to use
• Reaches hard-to-reach crevices

Cons

• More expensive than natural methods
• May not be good if you have skin sensitivities

3 Steps To Using Cleaning Tablets

1. With washing machine empty, drop 1 tablet directly into the drum. Don’t place it in the detergent tray.
2. Choose a hot water cycle at the largest load and longest time possible. You can also choose a cleaning cycle if you have one.
3. Finish the full cycle, and leave the lid open.

Way #3: Scrub Rubber Gasket (Best Mold Prevention)

If you have a front-loading washer, it’s important to clean the rubber gasket around the door to remove mold, dirt, and detergent buildup.

Due to the folds in the gasket, it commonly traps mold, grime, and sludge which can lead to foul odors and impact your clothes cleanliness.

Ideally use a regular spray bottle, and spray on a water/vinegar mix, pure white vinegar, or diluted hydrogen peroxide. Let the solution sit for at least a few minutes, and then scrub it with a soft brush, sponge, or cloth.

After cleaning, leave the door open to allow it to dry and to prevent mold/mildew regrowth.

It’s also essential to leave the washer door open after each use to prevent organic growth.

Pros

• Removes mold and mildew
• Creates cleaner laundry
• Extends life expectancy of gasket

Cons

• Requires a lot of manual effort
• Tedious and must get all crevices
• May damage the gasket if scrubbed too hard

8 Steps To Cleaning Rubber Gasket

1. Open washer door.
2. Pull back on the rubber gasket and inspect for mold, mildew, and grime.
3. Mix equal parts water and vinegar (or water and hydrogen peroxide), or use pure white vinegar into a spray bottle or container.
4. Spray the solution onto the rubber gasket or apply with a cloth.
5. Allow the solution to sit, reaching all the folds, for at least 5 minutes.
6. Pull back rubber gasket, and use a cloth or sponge to scrub all of the debris and mildew.
7. Dry the gasket thoroughly with a cloth.
8. Leave door open and allow it to dry.

Way #4: Leaving Door Open

As a preventative step, leave the washer door open after each cycle to avoid mold and odors. Manufacturers like Whirlpool recommend leaving the washer door at least slightly open after each use to prevent mold growth.

This is especially important with front-loading machines where the gasket is more vulnerable to microbial growth. But even with top-loading machines, it is a good practice to leave the door open to dry it out and prevent fungus.

I also recommend wiping down the gasket, drum, and door with a rag to help with evaporation.

Just be careful if you have small children since they may climb in the washer and possibly get trapped. There are washer child safety locks you can buy online for $10 to keep your kids safe.

Pros

• Prevents moisture buildup and mold growth
• Allows air to circulate in machine
• Extends the life of rubber door gasket

Cons

• Can take up room in tight space
• Safety risk for pets and children

5 Steps To Leaving Door Open

1. Remove clothes as quickly as possible after the cycle.
2. Wipe excess moisture from drum, door, and gasket with a clean rag.
3. Leave the door open a few inches for airflow.
4. Be careful to keep kids out of the laundry room or install a child safety lock on door.
5. Leave door open at least a few hours until fully dry.

Way #5: Clean Detergent Tray (Most Overlooked Task)

A clean detergent tray is key to proper washer maintenance, yet it’s often forgotten.

When the tray gets clogged and dirty, it can lead to ineffective cleaning cycles, restricted water flow, and even stains or odors on clothing.

Most washing machines have removable detergent trays where you press a button/lever on the inside of the tray (or on the side) which releases the tray from the machine.

It’s best to fully remove the tray so you can also clean the tray slot of any debris. You may not have a fully removable tray so check your manual to see if it fully releases.

Once the detergent tray is removed, soak it in water and dish soap to loosen any residue. After soaking, simply scrub it with sponge or brush, and fully dry it.

I recommend cleaning the detergent tray at least once a month as standard maintenance.

Pros

• Removes mold and mildew
• Reduces odors from getting into clothes
• Prevents clogging and maximizes water flow

Cons

• Can take a lot of effort to clean
• Non-removable trays require in-place cleaning
• May be messy if there is sticky buildup

7 Steps To Cleaning A Detergent Tray

1. Pull out detergent tray fully.
2. Press the release button inside the tray, on the side, or underneath — and fully remove the tray. Be careful because your model may not have a detachable tray.
3. Once removed, soak the detergent tray in a mix of water and dish soap for at least ten minutes.
4. Scrub the detergent tray with a sponge or brush to remove any residue.
5. Use a damp cloth or cleaning wipe to clean the tray slot.
6. Dry the detergent tray with a cloth or paper towel.
7. Re-insert the tray into the drawer.

Way #6: Clean The Drain Filter

Your washer’s internal drain filter collects debris like coins, lint, and hair—and it needs regular cleaning to prevent clogs.

If the filter is clogged, dirty, or broken, the washing machine won’t wash or drain properly and may stain or result in odors to your clothes.

Some top-loading washing machines may not have accessible drain filters, especially high-efficiency models — they have self-cleaning pumps instead.

The idea is to remove the filter, typically located at a lower front panel for front-loading machines — and clean it to remove debris.

For top-loading washers, the drain filter tends to be located in the agitator or near the drum rim. You may need to consult the user manual for your machine to find the filter location.

I recommend cleaning the drain filter at least once a month to ensure maximum water flow during drainage.

Pros

• Removes clogs and decreases pump’s strain
• Improves performance and efficiency
• Reduces odors due to poor drainage

Cons

• Can be a wet and messy process
• May be hard to reach with some models
• Improper attachment may cause leaking

8 Steps To Cleaning A Drain Filter

1. Unplug the washing machine for safety.
2. Locate the filter which is typically behind a panel at lower-front (front-loading) or inside agitator or near rim (top-loading).
3. Place a rag or tray underneath the filter to catch any water.
4. Remove the filter by gently pulling it out or twisting it.
5. Rinse the filter under warm water and dish soap, brush it clean of debris.
6. Wipe any residue on the inside of the filter compartment before reinstalling.
7. Re-install filter, make sure it isn’t loose.
8. Close panel, reconnect power, and run a quick rinse cycle to test for leaking.

Way #7: Hydrogen Peroxide (Safest Disinfectant)

Hydrogen peroxide is a safe, non-toxic way to disinfect and freshen up your washer.

As hydrogen peroxide breaks down, it releases a type of oxygen that kills mold and mildew by damaging their cell walls. This method is similar to using bleach except for the fact the hydrogen peroxide is a bit safer to use and more eco-friendly.

There is also a risk of staining clothes if peroxide isn’t fully rinsed off after the cycle. And don’t ever mix vinegar with hydrogen peroxide since it can create a harmful acid (peracetic acid).

The basic idea is to pour about 2-cups of hydrogen peroxide directly into the drum. Turn on the cleaning cycle or a normal cycle with hot water. Set it to the largest load, and longest cycle time possible. Afterwards, open the washer door and allow it to air dry.

Pros

• Naturally disinfects and kills mold
• Safer and more eco-friendly to use than bleach
• Deodorizes and removes light residue

Cons

• May leave staining on clothes if not fully rinsed off.
• Must correctly dilute it to prevent damage to rubber parts
• Somewhat less powerful than bleach

7-Steps To Cleaning A Washing Machine

1. Remove all clothes from the washer.
2. Pour 2-cups of 3% hydrogen peroxide directly into the drum.
3. Run a ‘clean washer’ cycle or a regular cycle with hot water, the largest load, and longest time.
4. Allow cycle to fully complete.
5. Open door and inspect for residue.
6. Run a follow up rinse cycle if there is peroxide residue.
7. Open door of washer and allow it to fully dry.

Way #8: Borax

Borax, a natural mineral, works great for deep-cleaning your washer.

Borax has been used for laundry and cleaning surfaces for over one hundred years. Borax has a slightly alkaline pH which helps dissolve hard water deposits (scale), and loosens grime/debris.

The idea is to pour about 1/2 cup of Borax into the drum (with clothes removed), and run a hot cycle for the longest time possible. For an even stronger cleaning solution, add another 1/2 cup of washing soda (not baking soda) if you have it along with the Borax.

As the Borax solution gets agitated in the washer, it deodorizes the drum, kills bacteria, and helps prevent mold growth.

After washing, leave the door slightly open to dry out the washer.

Pros

• Removes mold, mildew, and odors
• Dissolves hard water scale/deposits
• Deodorizes and disinfects safely

Cons

• Must use hot water during cycle to dissolve powder
• Residue can be left behind in hoses
• May damage rubber parts if used too much

5 Steps To Using Borax

1. Empty the washer of clothes.
2. Pour 1/2 cup of Borax directly into the empty drum.
3. Select the longest, hottest, and largest cycle.
4. Once cycle is finished, wipe down the drum, door, and gasket with a dry rag.
5. Leave the door slightly open to dry it out.

Way #9: Bleach (Strongest Mold Killer)

Bleach effectively cleans and sanitizes your washer by eliminating mold and mildew.

Bleach (sodium hypochlorite) breaks down the cell walls of micro-organisms which makes them inactive. It also loosens detergent residue and grime at the same time.

The idea is to pour about 1-cup of bleach directly into the washing machine or the detergent tray. Run a cleaning cycle (if you have one) or a regular cycle with hot water at the largest load setting.

After the wash is complete, run a second rinse cycle to be certain all bleach residue is eliminated.

Without a follow up rinse cycle, there could be lingering bleach in the machine that may stain your clothes. It’s essential to avoid adding any other cleaning solution like vinegar which can react with bleach and release toxic fumes.

After washing, leave the door open for the gasket and washing machine to fully dry.

Pros

• It’s a strong disinfectant for microbes
• Inexpensive household supply
• Quickly removes odors and detergent residue

Cons

• Overuse may damage rubber parts like door gasket
• Risk of inhaling strong fumes
• Mixing with vinegar or other cleaners may release toxic gases

6 Steps To Using Bleach

1. Without clothes, pour 1-cup of regular liquid bleach into the drum for front-loaders or into the detergent tray for top-loading machines.
2. Select a ‘clean washer’ cycle or a normal cycle using hot water with the largest load.
3. Run cycle fully.
4. Do a follow up rinse cycle to remove all bleach residue.
5. After the rinse cycle, wipe down the rubber gasket with a cloth.
6. Leave door open and allow washer to fully dry.

Way #10: Professional Deep Clean

Washer disassembly is an advanced cleaning method usually reserved for professionals, though some brave homeowners give it a try.

This method involves removing the top or front washer panel, and physically removing the drum assembly.

There can sometimes be a significant amount of mold, detergent debris, and grime around the drum, underneath the drum, and around the hoses that a normal cleaning cycle just won’t clean.

The average price to hire a pro appliance tech to do a deep clean of the washing machine is usually around $100 to $200 but can be more. They sometimes use pressure washers, specialized tools, and commercial cleaners to perform a deep clean.

The main risk of a homeowner deep clean is possibly voiding the warranty, damaging a part, or just taking significantly longer than expected (it can be a lot of work).

Pros

• Thorough cleaning behind/under drum and other hard-to-reach areas
• Improves washer performance that low-tech cleaning cycles can’t accomplish
• No effort if you hire an appliance technician

Cons

• Can cost up to $200 per cleaning
• May not be needed for newer machines
• Potential for upsells during cleaning

8 DIY Steps To Performing A Deep Clean

1. Unplug washing machine for safety.
2. Turn off water for both supply and drain valves.
3. Remove the top or rear panel using a screwdriver. Check with the manual to verify.
4. Disconnect the water hoses inside the machine (drain and recirculation hoses).
5. Clean hoses and water pump of any debris and gunk.
6. Use a long brush or vacuum to remove debris behind and around washer drum.
7. Use a vinegar solution to clean and wipe down all interior parts. Don’t spray any electrical parts.
8. Reassemble all parts and run a rinse cycle to be sure there are no leaks.

Final Thoughts

Regularly cleaning your washing machine is an affordable way to extend its lifespan and maintain optimal performance.

Whether you use a single wash cycle with vinegar, borax, or a cleaning tablet — I recommend running at least one clean cycle (without clothes) monthly.

Besides the clean cycle, don’t forget to periodically clean the drain filter, detergent tray, and rubber door gasket.

It’s also essential to leave the door open to help dry out the machine and prevent mold growth. Just be sure to use a child safety lock on the door if you have small kids or pets.

I hope you enjoyed this guide by TimberSill. Ask me a question below or share your washing machine cleaning technique or experience.