How to Clean a Washing Machine Drum (and Why You Should)

Your washing machine cleans your clothes — but who cleans your washing machine? A dirty drum is one of the leading causes of musty-smelling laundry, reduced wash performance and premature machine failure. The good news is that cleaning your washing machine drum takes less than an hour and should be done every 1–3 months.

Why Does a Washing Machine Drum Get Dirty?

Over time, a washing machine drum accumulates:

• Detergent residue: Excess powder or liquid detergent that hasn't fully rinsed away
• Fabric softener buildup: Waxy residue that coats the drum and gasket
• Mould and mildew: Caused by moisture trapped in the drum, gasket folds and door seals
• Hard water minerals: Limescale deposits on the drum and heating element
• Lint and fibre: Caught in the drum ribs, pump filter and door seal

The result is clothes that smell musty even after washing, reduced machine efficiency and potentially a shortened lifespan.

How to Clean a Front Loader Drum

What You'll Need

• White vinegar or washing machine cleaner tablet
• Bicarbonate of soda
• A cloth or old toothbrush

Step-by-Step

1. Clean the door gasket first: Pull back the rubber seal around the door and wipe away any visible grime, mould or debris with a damp cloth. Use a toothbrush for stubborn mould in the folds. Spray with a mix of white vinegar and water if needed.
2. Clean the detergent drawer: Remove it completely (most pull straight out), rinse under hot water and use a toothbrush to clear any caked-on residue. Leave to dry before reinserting.
3. Run a hot service wash: Add 500ml of white vinegar directly to the drum (not the dispenser), and run a hot wash cycle (60–90°C) with no clothes inside. This kills mould, dissolves detergent buildup and descales the heating element.
4. Add bicarb for a second pass: Sprinkle 100g of bicarbonate of soda into the drum and run another hot cycle. This neutralises odours and breaks down any remaining residue.
5. Wipe down after the cycle: Leave the door and detergent drawer open for a few hours to let the drum air out.

How to Clean a Top Loader Drum

1. Fill the drum with hot water on the longest cycle setting.
2. Add 500ml white vinegar and pause the cycle. Let soak for an hour.
3. Resume the cycle and let it complete.
4. Run a second cycle with 100g of bicarbonate of soda added to the drum.
5. Wipe down the agitator, drum walls and lid seal with a damp cloth after the cycle completes.

How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?

Once a month is ideal if you do frequent laundry. At minimum, every 2–3 months. You should also clean it immediately if you notice any musty smell coming from the machine or on your clothes after washing.

Pro Tips to Prevent Buildup

• Always leave the door or lid open between washes to allow moisture to escape
• Use the correct amount of detergent — more is not better
• Use high-efficiency (HE) detergent in front-loaders — regular detergent creates too much foam
• Clean the pump filter every 1–2 months (usually accessible behind a small panel at the front base of front-loaders)

If your washing machine continues to smell or underperform even after cleaning, it may be time for a service or replacement. Browse our range of quality washing machines at Oceania Appliances — delivered free across Sydney with a 3–6 month warranty.