Your washing machine washes your clothes — but who washes the washing machine? A dirty washing machine passes bacteria, mould, and odours onto your laundry. Regular cleaning keeps it hygienic, extends its life, and prevents the musty smell that front loaders in particular are notorious for.
Here's the complete guide for both top loaders and front loaders.
How Often to Clean Your Washing Machine
- Drum clean cycle: Monthly
- Dispenser drawer (front loaders): Monthly
- Door seal (front loaders): Monthly
- Filter/pump filter: Every 1–3 months
- Exterior: As needed
How to Clean a Front Loader Washing Machine
1. Run a Drum Clean or Hot Wash
Most modern front loaders have a dedicated Drum Clean or Tub Clean cycle. If yours does, run it monthly with either:
- A proprietary washing machine cleaner (Dr Beckmann, Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner, or similar), or
- 2 cups of white vinegar added to the drum (not the dispenser)
If your machine doesn't have a drum clean cycle, run a hot wash at 60°C or higher with no clothes and no detergent, using white vinegar in the drum.
2. Clean the Door Seal (Critical for Front Loaders)
The rubber door gasket on a front loader is the number one source of musty smells. It traps moisture, lint, hair, and detergent residue.
Once a month, peel back the rubber seal and wipe the inside with a cloth soaked in a solution of warm water and white vinegar (or a small amount of bleach for stubborn mould). Get into all the folds. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
After every wash, wipe the door seal dry and leave the door open for an hour to allow the drum to air.
3. Clean the Dispenser Drawer
Remove the dispenser drawer completely (usually pull it all the way out until it releases). Soak it in warm soapy water for 15 minutes, then scrub with an old toothbrush. Rinse, dry, and replace.
While the drawer is out, clean the cavity it sits in with a damp cloth.
4. Clean the Pump Filter
The pump filter (usually accessed via a small flap at the bottom front of the machine) collects lint, coins, hair ties, and other debris that makes it through the wash. A blocked filter strains the pump and can cause draining problems.
- Place a towel on the floor in front of the flap to catch water.
- Open the flap and slowly unscrew the filter. Have a container ready — water will drain out.
- Remove any debris from the filter and the filter housing.
- Rinse the filter under running water.
- Replace and screw back in firmly (hand tight).
How to Clean a Top Loader Washing Machine
1. Run a Hot Clean Cycle
Fill the drum with hot water (use the hottest setting). Add 2 cups of white vinegar. Let it agitate for a minute, then pause the cycle and let it soak for 1–2 hours. Resume and complete the cycle.
Then run another hot cycle with half a cup of baking soda added to the drum.
2. Clean the Agitator and Drum
Spray the inside of the drum (including around the agitator) with a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and water. Wipe down with a microfibre cloth. Pay attention to the top of the agitator, which often builds up detergent residue.
3. Clean the Dispenser Tray
Remove and soak in warm soapy water. Scrub with a toothbrush. Rinse and replace.
4. Clean the Lid and Exterior
Wipe the lid interior, the top of the machine, and the control panel with a damp cloth. Dry thoroughly.
Preventing Mould and Odours
- Leave the door/lid open between washes — This is the single most effective thing you can do. Moisture in a sealed machine creates mould.
- Don't leave wet clothes sitting in the machine — Transfer laundry to the dryer or line promptly after washing.
- Use the right amount of detergent — Excess detergent leaves residue that feeds mould.
- Use liquid detergent in front loaders — Powder detergent can build up in the dispenser and drum in front loaders.
When Is It Time to Replace Instead of Clean?
If your machine smells despite regular cleaning, has a mould problem that returns within days, or has visible rust inside the drum, it may be time to consider a replacement.
Oceania Appliances stocks quality refurbished washing machines from $299 with free delivery across Sydney. All come warranted for 3–6 months.
Questions? Call 0481 243 211 or visit us at 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park — open 7 days, 10am to 8pm.