How to Clean a Washing Machine Drum: Step-by-Step Guide

Your washing machine cleans your clothes, but it also needs cleaning itself. Over time, residue from detergent, fabric softener, body soil and hard water minerals builds up inside the drum, door seal and dispenser drawer. This causes odours, reduces washing performance and can shorten the machine's lifespan. Here is how to clean it properly.

How Often Should You Clean the Drum?

As a minimum, run a drum cleaning cycle once a month. If you mostly wash at low temperatures (30–40°C), do it every two to three weeks. Cold and low-temperature washes are energy-efficient but do not kill bacteria or dissolve residue effectively — regular cleaning compensates for this.

What You Will Need

• White vinegar (1–2 cups)
• Bicarbonate of soda (half a cup)
• A clean cloth or sponge
• Old toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas
• Warm water

Cleaning the Door Seal (Front Loaders)

The rubber seal around the door of a front loader traps moisture, hair, lint and mould. This is the most common source of washing machine odours.

1. Pull back the folds of the rubber seal to expose hidden areas
2. Wipe thoroughly with a cloth dampened with diluted white vinegar
3. Use an old toothbrush to scrub any visible mould or black residue
4. Dry the seal thoroughly with a clean cloth
5. Leave the door ajar after each wash to allow the seal to dry out

Cleaning the Detergent Drawer

1. Remove the drawer completely (most have a release button)
2. Rinse under warm running water
3. Scrub build-up with an old toothbrush
4. Dry and replace

Running a Drum Cleaning Cycle

Using Vinegar and Bicarb

1. Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the detergent drawer or directly into the drum
2. Run the longest, hottest cycle available (60–90°C)
3. When complete, sprinkle half a cup of bicarbonate of soda into the drum
4. Run a short hot cycle
5. Wipe the drum dry with a clean cloth

Using a Commercial Washing Machine Cleaner

Products like Finish Machine Cleaner, Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner and Bosch drum cleaning tablets work well. Follow the product instructions. These are effective and convenient if you prefer not to use vinegar.

Using Your Machine's Built-In Drum Clean Cycle

Most modern washing machines — Samsung, LG, Bosch, Fisher & Paykel — have a dedicated drum clean or tub clean cycle. Run this monthly with either vinegar or a commercial cleaner. It runs at high temperature for an extended time specifically to remove build-up.

Tips to Keep Your Machine Cleaner for Longer

• Use the correct amount of detergent — more is not better and causes build-up
• Use high-efficiency (HE) detergent in front loaders
• Leave the door and drawer ajar after each wash to dry out
• Remove laundry promptly after washing
• Wipe the door seal weekly

For advice on washing machine models or repairs, contact Oceania Appliances on 0493 300 490 or visit oceaniaappliances.com.au.