How to Clean a Washing Machine Drum

How to Clean a Washing Machine Drum

Your washing machine washes your clothes, but who washes the washing machine? Over time, washing machine drums accumulate detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, mould, mildew and bacteria — especially in front loaders where water can sit in the rubber door seal. Regular cleaning keeps your machine smelling fresh, running efficiently and hygienically clean.

How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?

Once a month is the recommended frequency for most households. You should clean it more often if:

• You notice a musty or mouldy smell after washing
• You wash heavily soiled items (sports gear, nappies, work clothes)
• You use cold water for most of your washes
• You primarily use liquid detergent rather than powder

Method 1: Use Your Machine's Drum Clean Program

Most modern washing machines — LG, Samsung, Fisher & Paykel and others — have a dedicated Drum Clean or Tub Clean cycle. This cycle runs the drum empty at a high temperature with no detergent to sanitise the interior.

1. Make sure the drum is completely empty.
2. Select the Drum Clean or Tub Clean program on your machine.
3. Run the cycle (it usually takes 60–90 minutes).
4. Once finished, leave the door open to allow the drum to dry.

Some machines prompt you to run a drum clean after a certain number of washes. Don't ignore this.

Method 2: Clean with Bicarbonate of Soda and White Vinegar

1. Add 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda to the detergent drawer.
2. Add 2 cups (500ml) of white vinegar directly into the drum.
3. Run a hot cycle at 60°C or above with no clothes inside.
4. When the cycle finishes, wipe down the drum interior with a damp cloth.

Note: Do not add both bicarb and vinegar to the dispenser at the same time as they neutralise each other. Adding them to separate locations (drawer and drum) works fine.

Cleaning the Door Seal (Front Loaders)

The rubber door gasket on a front loader is the most common source of mould and mildew smell. It must be cleaned separately:

1. Peel back the rubber seal fold to expose the inside lip.
2. Wipe thoroughly with a cloth soaked in a mild bleach solution (1 tablespoon bleach in 1 litre of water) or white vinegar.
3. Use an old toothbrush to get into crevices.
4. Rinse thoroughly with a clean damp cloth.
5. Leave the door slightly ajar after every wash to allow the gasket to dry.

Cleaning the Detergent Drawer

1. Remove the drawer from the machine (most slide out or have a release button).
2. Soak in warm water and scrub with a brush to remove detergent and fabric softener buildup.
3. Rinse and dry before replacing.

Preventing Mould and Odour

• Always leave the door ajar between washes to allow the drum and seal to dry.
• Remove wet washing promptly after the cycle ends.
• Use the correct amount of detergent — too much leaves residue that feeds mould.
• Run at least one hot wash (60°C+) per week.
• Clean the filter every 2–3 months.

Appliance Advice from Oceania Appliances

If your washing machine continues to smell despite regular cleaning, there may be a service issue. Contact us for advice.

• Phone / WhatsApp: 0422 489 492
• Email: support@oceaniaappliances.com.au