How to clean a washing machine depends on where the dirt is hiding. Most smells come from detergent residue, low-temperature washes, damp seals, clogged drawers or a filter that has not been checked for a while.
The simple routine is: clean the drawer, wipe the seal, check the filter if your manual allows it, then run a hot maintenance wash. Do not mix bleach with vinegar or other cleaners, and follow the appliance manual if it gives specific instructions.
Quick answer: Clean a washing machine by dealing with the drawer, door seal, filter area and drum in that order. Most smells come from damp residue, so drying the seal and leaving the door open between washes matters as much as the hot wash.
Washing Machine Cleaning Checklist
| Area | What to clean | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Drum | Run a hot maintenance wash with a suitable cleaner | Monthly or when smells appear |
| Detergent drawer | Remove and scrub residue from the drawer and slot | Monthly |
| Door seal | Wipe inside the rubber fold and dry it | Weekly |
| Filter | Check for lint, coins and trapped debris if accessible | Every 1-3 months |
| Exterior | Wipe buttons, handle and door glass | As needed |
1. Clean the Detergent Drawer
Remove the drawer if your machine allows it. Soak it in warm water, scrub away softener and detergent build-up, then clean the slot where the drawer sits. Residue in this area is one of the most common causes of musty smells.
2. Wipe the Door Seal
Pull back the rubber seal gently and wipe inside the fold with a damp cloth. Look for lint, hair, grit and small items. Dry the seal afterwards and leave the door open for a while so moisture can escape.
3. Check the Filter Carefully
Many front-loading machines have a small filter behind a lower panel. Put towels down before opening it because water may drain out. Remove lint, coins or debris, then close it securely. If you are unsure, check the manual first.
4. Run a Hot Maintenance Wash
Use a washing machine cleaner or the method recommended by your appliance manual. A hot empty cycle helps clear detergent build-up from the drum and pipes. Vinegar and bicarbonate of soda are often discussed online, but avoid mixing cleaning chemicals and never mix bleach with acidic products.
How To Prevent Washing Machine Smells
- Use the right amount of detergent for your water hardness and load size.
- Run occasional hotter washes if you mostly wash at low temperatures.
- Leave the door and drawer slightly open after washing.
- Remove wet laundry promptly.
- Wipe the seal after very wet or dirty loads.
If you are building out a simple home-care routine, pair this with how to wash pillows once that page is live, and keep kitchen areas clean too. Small residue problems are also why fruit flies can appear; see how to get rid of fruit flies.
Smell and Stain Troubleshooting
| Problem | Likely cause | What to do first |
|---|---|---|
| Musty smell when the door opens | Damp seal, low-temperature washes or trapped detergent | Wipe the seal, leave the door open after washes and run a hot maintenance wash |
| Black marks in the rubber seal | Mould or residue in the folds | Clean carefully with a suitable cleaner and dry the seal after use |
| Drawer smells or looks slimy | Old detergent and softener build-up | Remove the drawer, soak it and scrub the slot it slides into |
| Machine drains slowly | Blocked filter or drain issue | Check the manual, prepare towels, then inspect the filter if accessible |
| Clothes smell after washing | Overloading, too much detergent or machine residue | Reduce load size, use the correct dose and clean the drum/filter routine |
Monthly Washing Machine Maintenance Plan
| Task | Time needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wipe the door glass and seal | 2 minutes | Dry the fold where water sits |
| Rinse the detergent drawer | 5-10 minutes | Scrub the slot as well as the drawer |
| Check the filter area | 10-15 minutes | Use the appliance manual and towels; water may drain out |
| Run a hot maintenance wash | Cycle length varies | Use a suitable machine cleaner or the method recommended by the manufacturer |
| Leave the door and drawer open | Ongoing habit | Air flow helps stop damp smells returning |
For a full laundry reset, clean washable pillows too: how to wash pillows.
More practical how-to pages are grouped in the Bude Meadows Practical Guides hub.
FAQ
What is the best way to clean a smelly washing machine?
Clean the detergent drawer, wipe the door seal, check the filter if accessible, then run a hot maintenance wash with a suitable cleaner.
How often should you clean a washing machine?
A monthly maintenance clean is a good default, with the seal wiped more often if the machine is used heavily.
Should you leave the washing machine door open?
Yes, leaving the door and drawer slightly open after a wash helps moisture escape and reduces musty smells.
For another simple appliance-maintenance job, see how to descale a kettle.
For another safe appliance-cleaning routine, see how to clean a toaster.
For the same monthly home-maintenance routine, see how to clean a dishwasher and how to clean a microwave.
For the full appliance and kitchen reset list, use the Home Cleaning Guides hub.