Deep cleaning a washing machine mainly means scrubbing the parts that trap gunk, then running a hot cleaning cycle with a cleaner, vinegar, or baking soda. Always check your manual first in case the manufacturer has specific instructions.
What you’ll need
- Microfiber cloths or sponges
- Old toothbrush or small brush
- Mild dish soap
- White vinegar and/or baking soda, or a commercial washer cleaner tab
- Optional: diluted bleach (for heavy mold, if safe per manual)
Step 1: Empty and prep
Make sure the drum is empty, then unplug the machine or switch off the power if you’ll be working near electrical parts. Many manufacturers recommend starting any deep clean with an empty, hot cycle, so knowing your machine’s hottest setting helps you plan the later steps.
Step 2: Clean drawer and dispensers
Remove the detergent/softener drawer and any removable bleach or softener inserts. Soak them in warm water with a little dish soap for about 15 minutes, then scrub corners and buildup with a toothbrush and rinse and dry before putting them back.
Step 3: Clean seal and door (front-loaders)
Gently pull back the rubber door seal and wipe out lint, hair, and slime with a soapy cloth. For black mold spots, use a mold/mildew spray or a vinegar solution, let it sit a few minutes, then wipe dry and leave the door open to air out.
Step 4: Clean rim and agitator (top-loaders)
Wipe around the top rim where the lid meets the drum, which often traps detergent and grime. If your model allows, occasionally remove the agitator or impeller to soak in hot water with vinegar and baking soda, then scrub and reinstall.
Step 5: Clean the filter
Locate the washer’s drain or lint filter (often behind a small panel at the front bottom on front-loaders). Place a tray or towel underneath, open it carefully, remove debris, then rinse the filter and scrub with a toothbrush before replacing it securely.
Step 6: Run a hot cleaning cycle
Choose one of these (don’t mix vinegar and bleach in the same cycle):
- Commercial washer cleaner: Place a cleaning tablet in the empty drum and run the hottest, longest cycle or “tub clean/self clean” program.
- Vinegar method: Add 1–2 cups of white vinegar to the drum, then run the hottest, longest cycle with no laundry.
- Baking soda method: Add about 1–2 cups of baking soda directly to the drum and run a hot cycle to lift grime and neutralize odors.
Step 7: Optional bleach sanitize
For stubborn smells or visible mold, you can run a hot cycle with about ½–1 cup liquid bleach in the detergent drawer if your manual says this is safe. Follow immediately with an extra rinse or quick wash to flush any bleach residue.
Step 8: Wipe drum, door, and exterior
When the cycles finish, wipe the inside of the drum, the glass or lid, and the door surround with a damp cloth and then a dry microfiber cloth. Wipe the control panel and exterior with a slightly damp cloth and dry so everything is clean and streak-free.
Ongoing prevention tips
- Run a hot maintenance wash with cleaner, vinegar, or baking soda about once a month if you use the machine regularly.
- After every wash, leave the door and detergent drawer slightly open and quickly dry around the door seal to prevent mold and odors.
- Use the right amount of detergent and avoid constant low-temperature washes, which are linked to residue buildup and smells.
