How to Clean a Washing Machine Drum: Remove Mould and Odours
If your washing machine smells musty or your clothes are coming out with an unpleasant odour, the drum needs a clean. This guide walks you through how to clean your washing machine drum properly — removing mould, bacteria and detergent buildup.
Why Does a Washing Machine Get Dirty?
It seems counterintuitive — a machine that cleans things getting dirty — but it happens for several reasons:
- Low-temperature washes — Modern eco-friendly programs run at 30–40°C, which isn't hot enough to kill all bacteria and mould spores
- Liquid detergent and fabric softener — Leave residue that feeds bacteria and mould
- Keeping the door closed after washing — Traps moisture and creates the perfect environment for mould growth
- Using too much detergent — Excess suds leave buildup in the drum and hoses
What You'll Need
- White vinegar (1–2 cups)
- Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) — half a cup
- Microfibre cloth
- Old toothbrush
- Optional: commercial washing machine cleaner tablet (Affresh, Dettol, Dr. Beckmann)
How to Clean a Front Loader Drum
Step 1: Clean the rubber door seal
The rubber gasket (seal) around the front loader door is a prime spot for mould. Pull back the rubber folds and wipe inside with a damp cloth and a small amount of white vinegar. Use an old toothbrush to scrub any visible black mould spots. Wipe dry afterwards.
Step 2: Clean the detergent drawer
Remove the drawer completely (most pull out with a release tab). Soak it in warm soapy water and scrub with a toothbrush to remove detergent and softener buildup. Rinse, dry and reinsert.
Step 3: Run a hot maintenance wash
Pour 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum (not the drawer). Run the machine on the hottest cycle available (60–90°C) with no clothes inside. If your machine has a 'Drum Clean' or 'Tub Clean' cycle, use that.
Step 4: Run a baking soda wash
After the vinegar cycle finishes, add half a cup of bicarbonate of soda to the drum and run another hot cycle. This neutralises any remaining vinegar and lifts residual odours.
Step 5: Wipe the drum dry
After both cycles, wipe the inside of the drum and door seal dry with a clean cloth. Leave the door open to air out.
How to Clean a Top Loader Drum
For top loaders, fill the drum with hot water and add 2 cups of white vinegar. Let the machine agitate for a minute, then pause and soak for 30–60 minutes. Resume and complete the cycle. Then run a second cycle with half a cup of bicarb soda. Wipe the top of the drum and the agitator dry afterwards.
How Often Should You Clean the Drum?
As a guideline:
- Run a hot maintenance wash once a month
- Clean the door seal and detergent drawer every 2–3 months
- Leave the door open after every wash to let the drum air dry
Products We Recommend
Commercial drum cleaners like Affresh or Dr. Beckmann Service-it Deep Clean are effective and easy to use. Drop a tablet in the drum and run a hot cycle. These are available at supermarkets and hardware stores.
When Cleaning Isn't Enough
If your machine smells even after a thorough clean, the issue may be in the pump filter or drain hose. Check the pump filter (usually behind a small panel at the front base of front loaders) for trapped lint, coins or debris. If the smell persists, it may be time to contact us or consider an upgrade — browse our washing machine range.