How to Clean Your Washing Machine Drum: Monthly Maintenance Guide

Your washing machine cleans your clothes — but who cleans the washing machine? Mould, detergent residue and hard water deposits build up in the drum over time, causing unpleasant smells and reducing washing effectiveness. Here's how to keep it clean.

Why Does a Washing Machine Drum Get Dirty?

Every wash cycle leaves behind small amounts of detergent residue, fabric softener, minerals from hard water and body soil from clothing. These accumulate in the drum, door seal (gasket), detergent drawer and drain filter. Over time, they create the ideal environment for mould and bacteria — which is what causes the musty smell many washing machines develop.

How Often Should You Clean the Drum?

• Drum clean cycle: Once a month
• Door seal (gasket) wipe-down: Weekly
• Detergent drawer: Monthly
• Drain filter: Every 3 months

Method 1: Use Your Machine's Drum Clean Cycle (Easiest)

Many modern washing machines have a dedicated Drum Clean or Tub Clean cycle. This runs a hot, empty cycle designed to sanitise the drum.

1. Ensure the machine is empty
2. Add a drum cleaning tablet (available at supermarkets) or 250ml of white vinegar to the drum
3. Select the Drum Clean cycle and run it
4. Once complete, wipe down the door seal with a cloth

Method 2: Hot Wash with White Vinegar (Front Loaders)

1. Ensure the machine is empty
2. Pour 500ml of white vinegar into the detergent drawer (or drum)
3. Set the machine to the hottest wash cycle (60°C or higher)
4. Run the full cycle
5. Wipe down the door seal and leave the door open to air dry

Method 3: Bicarb Soda and Vinegar (Deep Clean)

1. Add 1 cup of bicarb soda directly into the drum
2. Run a short hot wash cycle
3. Add 500ml of white vinegar to the detergent drawer
4. Run another hot wash cycle
5. Wipe the drum, door seal and detergent drawer

Cleaning the Door Seal (Front Loaders)

The rubber door gasket on front loaders is the most common place for black mould to grow. After every wash, wipe the inside of the seal with a dry cloth. For a deeper clean, dip a cloth in a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water and wipe thoroughly — paying attention to the fold of the rubber where water collects.

Tips to Prevent Drum Buildup

• Leave the door open after every wash to allow air circulation
• Don't use more detergent than recommended — excess detergent is the biggest cause of buildup
• Use liquid detergent if you have hard water (less mineral deposits than powder)
• Remove clothes promptly after the cycle finishes

Oceania Appliances

We stock a wide range of certified refurbished washing machines with 3-month warranty, free delivery across Sydney and NSW. Call 02 9627 7355 or visit oceaniaappliances.com.au.