How to Clean a Washing Machine: Easy Steps for Better Efficiency

Does cleaning your washing machine sound odd? It can be strange to clean an appliance whose job is to clean in the first place, but it is absolutely essential to keep your clothes perfectly clean after every wash and prolong the appliance’s lifespan.

So, how do you clean an automatic washing machine from the inside? How do you clean it if it smells? Continue reading our step-by-step guide to learn how to clean a washing machine easily and smoothly and explore our tips for keeping the machine cleaner for longer and so much more. 

Why You Need to Clean Your Washing Machine Regularly 

Before learning how to clean an automatic washing machine from the inside, let’s make sense of why you should do so to begin with. Here are the reasons why cleaning washing machines on a regular basis is an absolute must: 

1- Avoid Mold Growth 

Regularly cleaning your washing machine removes the conditions in which mold grows—and thrives. This includes moisture and detergent residue as well as dirt and organic matter that mold feeds on. 

2- Prevent Bad Smell 

Unclean washing machines develop unpleasant smells because of the accumulating dirt and moisture. You can prevent these odors by regularly cleaning the machine from the inside and not just wiping the exterior. 

3- Keep Clothes Clean 

Dirt, hair, and grime build up inside and easily transfer back into your clothes while they’re being washed, causing stains and odors. They can also affect water and detergent circulation, reducing washing performance. So if you want perfectly clean clothes after every wash, cleaning the appliance itself should be at the top of your to-do list. 

4- Extend the Machine’s Lifespan 

Accumulated dirt, hair, and residue make various components work harder than they need to keep the washing machine functioning normally. So by cleaning the appliance, you limit this added strain, protecting the machine’s internal parts from wearing out sooner than they should. 

5- Reduce Maintenance Needs 

Cleaning your washing machine from the inside helps prevent clogs and breakdowns, ultimately reducing the need for professional repairs. Not only is this highly convenient but it also saves you money in the long run. 

More information: Common Washing Machine Issues and How to Fix Them

Now that you know why you should clean the appliance, where do you start? Here is a brief overview of the parts that actually need cleaning. 

Where Dirt Builds Up Inside Your Washing Machine 

Wondering where all this dirt that we’re talking about is building up? Mostly in places you cannot easily see or reach, such as: 

1. The Door Gasket or Seal

The gasket is typically a rubber or silicone ring inserted into the space between the door and the drum to prevent water from leaking. It easily collects hair, dirt, and moisture because the laundry and wash water are always in contact with it. Keep in mind that the dirt builds up inside the gasket folds, so it may not be visible at first glance. 

2. Detergent and Fabric-Softener Drawer

This drawer is always exposed to water and cleaning products that can leave behind chemical residue and mineral deposits over time. If not cleaned regularly, residue and moisture accumulate, creating ideal conditions for mold growth. 

3. The Drum

The drum is where all the washing happens, meaning that it can get dirty very quickly. Soap residue, dirt, body oils, fabric fibers, and even little objects like coins and buttons can accumulate there. 

4. Drain Filter

This filter traps objects, dirt, lint, and hair from the wash water, stopping them from reaching and potentially clogging the drain pump. Over time, the accumulation gets to a point where it restricts water flow. So it is essential for you to remove the buildup and thoroughly clean the filter on a regular basis.

5. Drain Hose

While it is not supposed to remove big objects, the drain hose carries away the dirty wash water that contains small particles and dissolved residue. Some of these particles can accumulate gradually inside the hose, making the drainage less efficient and leading to further buildup. 

With these in mind, you can easily tell that cleaning washing machines is not only about cleaning the drum or just wiping the exterior, as there’s much more to it. 

Tools & Products for Cleaning Your Washing Machine

To make the cleaning process easier and smoother, it is best you lay out all the tools and products you need before you actually begin.

• Basic Tools 

Make sure you have these readily available: 

1. Microfiber cloths for wiping the drum, seals, exterior, and other parts. 
2. Soft-bristled toothbrush for cleaning and scrubbing tighter areas like the detergent drawer and the gasket. 
3. An old towel that you can use to catch water when cleaning the drain filter so it doesn't spill all over the place. 
4. A small bowl to collect the water from the filter area. 
5. Rubber gloves to protect your hands while cleaning. 

Now that you have all the tools, you also need some products. 

• Cleaning Products

Be sure to provide the following cleaning products to clean your washing machine effectively: 

1. Washing Machine Cleaner: This is a dedicated product for cleaning the drum and other internal areas of the washing machine. 
2. Mild Dish Soap: Useful for cleaning the detergent drawer and other parts that do not require intense chemicals. 
3. White Vinegar and Baking Soda: Both these items can help with removing light residue and odors, but you can go well without them if you have a washing machine cleaner.

Now that you’re all ready, here is how to clean an automatic washing machine from the inside step-by-step. 

How to Clean an Automatic Washing Machine: Step-by-Step

Ready to tackle this cleaning process? Here are the exact steps you need to follow: 

1. Turn Off and Unplug 

It is absolutely essential to turn off the machine and unplug it from the electrical outlet to keep yourself safe. If cleaning involves water—which it does in this case—unpluging the appliance is the first thing to do. 

2. Empty the Machine

Now, you need to remove all clothes from inside the machine and check the drum for any remaining objects. Think coins, keys, buttons, little hair clips and pins, and anything else that you typically forget in your pockets. 

3. Clean the Detergent Drawer

The actual first step of how to clean a washing machine is quite simple and not as messy or grand as you might think. Remove the detergent drawer and simply rinse it under warm running water to clean detergent and softener residue. 

You can also scrub it using a toothbrush for thorough cleaning. If the buildup is stubborn, soak the drawer in warm water for a while before you try rinsing and scrubbing again. 

If the drawer is not designed to be removed, then pull it out for as far as it safely goes. Then, wipe loose residue with a damp microfiber cloth and scrub the corners with a toothbrush. 

For stubborn buildup, you should apply warm water and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again. Once you’re done, wipe the drawer with a dry cloth and let it air dry before pushing it back into its place. 

4. Clean the Door Gasket 

Next, on how to clean an automatic washing machine from the inside, is cleaning the door gasket. Gently pull back the gasket folds and check underneath them. You’ll likely find hair, detergent residue, fiber fabrics, and even still water. Start by removing those with a damp cloth. 

Now for smaller particles and older buildup, use a toothbrush with a mixture of water and a bit of the washing machine cleaner. Scrub away! When you’re done, wipe with a clean, damp cloth to remove the dirt you just loosened. Finally, wipe the gasket dry on the surface and under the folds. 

Note that you cannot remove the rubber gasket from the washing machine, as it is usually secured with clamps or rings. Even if it is removable, you should keep it in its place, because you may not be able to reinsert it properly. 

5. Clean the Drain Filter

Cleaning the filter is not as intimidating as it may seem. Here’s how to handle it. If you have a front loader washing machine, find the flap or cover on the outside of the appliance. It is typically located at the bottom and usually shaped as a square or rectangular. Open it gently by pushing it out and down to reveal the drain hose and drain filter behind it. 

Now, lay the towel on the floor right under the opening and place a shallow bowl on it. Pull out the drain hose and remove the plug, allowing trapped water to escape into the bowl. Having trapped water in the drain system is normal, even after the machine is done washing, but removing it makes the filter cleaning process easier and less messy. If you don’t let the water out from the hose, it’ll come out with the filter, causing a big mess. 

Next, on how to clean an automatic front-load washing machine, put the hose back in place and remove the filter by twisting it counterclockwise. Let the accumulated water in the filter spill into the bowl, and pull out any stuck lint, hair, or dirt by hand before rinsing it under warm running water. Finally, put it back in place following a reverse order. 

If you want to know how to clean the filter of an automatic top loader washing machine, it is best you check the manufacturer’s manual first, because the filter can be placed in different areas depending on the model. Generally speaking, you will follow similar steps to those mentioned above.

6. Check and Clean the Drain Hose 

When referring to the drain hose here, we mean the external drain hose and not the tiny hose you just unplugged and put back right next to the filter. With that in mind, you should check if it is kinked or bent to straighten it, ensuring that wash water is drained properly. While this step is not about cleaning per se, it is important to prevent residue buildup inside the hose.

But if the water does not drain during cycles and the hose is already straight, this could be a sign that it is rather blocked. In such a case, remove it and flush water through it to remove any blockages and residue. It is best you refer to the user manual for the exact method since it varies across models. 

7. Clean the Drum 

To efficiently clean the drum, add the recommended amount of the washing machine cleaner directly into the drum and run an empty cleaning cycle. If your washing machine does not have this program, simply run a hot cycle. 

By doing so, the solution runs through the drum and other internal pathways that you cannot reach manually, helping remove detergent residue, dirt, and other buildup that you cannot remove yourself. 

If you’re wondering how to clean a washing machine that smells, this step is it. If you want an alternative to the washing machine cleaner, you can add baking soda or white vinegar instead, but only if the user manual explicitly states that using these items is not harmful to the machine. That said, they shouldn’t substitute the cleaner for deep cleaning. 

8. Clean the Exterior

The final step of how to clean a washing machine is to clean the exterior. Now, you can wipe the control panel, door, and all surfaces using a damp cloth. Since the machine is turned off and unplugged, you won’t be worried about any buttons clicking or having any electrical issues. 

9. Airdrying 

To make sure that everything is dry before further use, keep the drawer and door open so they air dry. The drum should also dry thoroughly before using it once more—or else you’ll be right back where you started, with moisture beginning to collect. 

Tips for Cleaning Washing Machines 

Now that you know how to clean a washing machine from the inside, here are some tips to make the process even easier and more effective: 

1) Never use vinegar before checking the user manual first, as some manufacturers do not recommend it. 

2) Avoid spraying the exterior with water, especially around buttons and directly on the control panel.

3) You don’t need to unplug the appliance if you’re casually wiping the exterior with a dry cloth.  

4) Never mix vinegar with other cleaning products, as some combinations can produce harmful fumes.

5) Always check the instructions on the washing machine cleaner to be clear on how to use it, where to apply it, and where not to apply it. 

But are there any tips on how to keep the washing machine clean for longer? 

Tips on How to Keep the Washing Machine Clean for Longer 

Make sure to do the following to keep the machine clean for as long as possible: 

• Leave the door and detergent drawer open after each cycle to let moisture escape.
• Use the recommended amount of detergent to prevent excess residue from building up.
• Remove wet clothes immediately after every wash instead of leaving them inside the drum.
• Wipe the door gasket regularly, especially inside its folds.
• Run a regular cleaning cycle to remove hidden residue and buildup.

By implementing these steps, you make deep cleaning not so deep! 

FAQs about Cleaning Washing Machines 

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers: 

• Can I put baking soda in my washing machine to clean it? 

Yes, you can add a modest amount of baking soda into the drum and run any empty cycle to remove light residue and neutralize odors. 

• How often should I clean my washing machine?

You should clean the washing machine once every month and never skip the filter-cleaning process. 

• Does the type of detergent I use affect how often I need to clean my washing machine?

Yes, it can. Adding too much detergent or using the wrong type easily leads to excessive buildup, requiring more frequent cleaning.

Your Ideal Washing Machines for an Easier Daily Routine 

Doing laundry may be one of the chores you dread doing the most—but not with our washing machines from LG! New Vision is the only official distributor of LG electronics and home appliances, offering you a wide range of washing machines that fit different needs and preferences. 

These LG washing machines are designed to wash your laundry flawlessly, take care of the fabrics, remove allergens, reduce wrinkling, and so much more! All while saving energy and water. 

Shop now for an LG washing machine for your household and enjoy fresh, clean clothes after every wash. 

Learn more: LG Washing Machine Features: Why Is It One of the Best?

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