How to Clean Your Washing Machine Properly

Washing machines clean your clothes, but who cleans the machine itself? A neglected washing machine builds up detergent residue, mildew, mineral deposits, and bacteria that can transfer onto your clothes, leave them smelling musty, and reduce the machine's efficiency and lifespan. Here's how to do a proper clean.

How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?

• Drum clean (full cycle): Once a month
• Door seal (front loaders): Once a week, quick wipe
• Detergent dispenser: Once a month
• Pump filter (front loaders): Every 2–3 months
• Exterior: As needed

Cleaning the Drum

Using a Washing Machine Cleaner

Products like Finish Washing Machine Cleaner, Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner, or Dr. Beckmann Service-it are excellent. Add to the drum (not the dispenser) and run on the hottest cycle available (60°C or higher). This removes bacteria, mildew, and limescale.

DIY Alternative: White Vinegar + Bicarbonate Soda

Add 500ml of white vinegar to the drum. Run a hot cycle. When complete, add ½ cup of bicarbonate soda to the drum and run another short hot cycle. This combination removes odours and mineral deposits effectively.

Note: Do not mix vinegar and bicarb in the same cycle — they neutralise each other. Use them separately.

Cleaning the Door Seal (Front Loaders)

The rubber door gasket is the most problematic area for mould and mildew. After each wash, leave the door open for 30 minutes to allow moisture to evaporate. For regular cleaning:

1. Mix a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water (or use white vinegar for a non-bleach option)
2. Dip a cloth in the solution and wipe the entire seal fold thoroughly — pull the rubber back to access the full depth of the fold
3. Wipe away all residue with a clean damp cloth
4. Leave the door open to dry

If black mould is well established, a dedicated mould remover spray (applied, left for 10 minutes, then wiped) works better than diluted bleach.

Cleaning the Detergent Dispenser

Remove the dispenser drawer completely. Most slide out with a tab pressed. Soak in warm water for 10 minutes, then scrub all compartments with a small brush or toothbrush. Clean the drawer housing inside the machine too — this area gets gunky. Reinsert when dry.

Cleaning the Pump Filter (Front Loaders)

The pump filter (small panel at the front bottom of the machine) traps lint, coins, and debris. If blocked, it reduces drain performance and can cause leaks and odours.

1. Place a low tray and towels under the filter
2. Unscrew slowly — water will pour out (sometimes quite a lot)
3. Remove all debris from the filter and the housing
4. Clean the filter mesh under running water
5. Screw back firmly

Cleaning the Agitator and Drum Rim (Top Loaders)

Top loaders collect detergent residue under the agitator and around the top rim of the drum. Use a cloth dampened with diluted white vinegar to wipe the drum walls, lid underside, and agitator. Remove the agitator if possible (many twist off) for a thorough clean underneath.

Pro Tip: Use Less Detergent

The majority of washing machine odour and residue problems are caused by using too much detergent. Excess detergent doesn't rinse out fully and feeds mould and bacteria. For front loaders, use HE (high efficiency) detergent and use 50–75% of the recommended amount for normal loads.

Need a New Washing Machine?

If your machine's drum or seal has irreversible mould, or the machine is simply old and due for replacement, Oceania Appliances stocks quality used washing machines from $200. Free delivery across Sydney, 3–6 month warranty on every machine. Call 0481 243 211 or browse online.