🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 131 (from laksa070)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa131.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical, ml_categories_json AS ml_categories_json, ml_types_json AS ml_types_json, ml_intent_types_json AS ml_intent_types_json, meta_language AS meta_language, attrs_author AS attrs_author, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_publish_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_original_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_original_publish_time, ifNull(attrs_is_republished, 0) AS attrs_is_republished, ifNull(attrs_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_nr_words, ifNull(attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, ifNull(body_ext_links_number, 0) AS body_ext_links_number, ifNull(body_int_links_number, 0) AS body_int_links_number, ifNull(meta_nofollow, 0) AS meta_nofollow, ifNull(meta_noarchive, 0) AS meta_noarchive, ifNull(props_was_rendered, 0) AS props_was_rendered, ifNull(src_redirect, \'\') AS src_redirect, ifNull(download_time_msec, 0) AS download_time_msec, ifNull(download_ttfb_msec, 0) AS download_ttfb_msec, ifNull(download_size, 0) AS download_size FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://food52.com/story/25495-how-to-clean-washing-machine\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://food52.com/story/25495-how-to-clean-washing-machine\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/food52.com\/story\/25495-how-to-clean-washing-machine","crawl_time":1776769592,"first_indexed_time":1752593196,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,food52!\/story\/25495-how-to-clean-washing-machine s443","src_root_hash":"1095975619679898931","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"How to Clean Your Washing Machine - Washer Sanitation Guide","meta_descriptions":["How to clean your washing machine with bleach or vinegar to sanitize and get rid of leftover detergent, mineral deposits, mold, and mildew."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Though it might sound absurd that a washing machine designed to clean everything from clothes to baby bottles needs cleaning itself, it makes complete sense. If you think about it, a multitude of undesirable leftovers can—and will—build up inside your machine. The first culprits that come to mind are the dirt and grime from your soiled clothes, which can accumulate over time. But there are others like leftover detergent, hard water mineral deposits, mold, and mildew—none of which should really be in there. You know that funky odor that sometimes follows your laundry as you transfer it to the dryer? That’s what not cleaning your machine can lead to.\nHere’s exactly how to clean your washing machine.\n1. Run an Empty Cycle (or Three)\nThere are two schools of cleaning methods when it comes cleaning your washing machine: bleach and vinegar. If you’re a fan of bleach in the laundry sphere, you’re in luck because it might just be the hardest-working product for sanitizing. If you want to avoid bleach and its harsh chemicals, though, white vinegar is a good alternative with powerful deodorizing and bacteria-killing properties.\nWhichever one you pick, the instructions remain the same. Add two cups of liquid bleach or white vinegar to the detergent dispenser and run an empty cycle with hot water. For those who want a double-duty clean, complete one empty cycle with bleach and a second empty cycle with vinegar. Follow this up with a third empty cycle using a cup of baking soda, which can help neutralize any remaining bleach or vinegar and eliminate any persistent buildup. If you use your washing machine frequently, you should go through this routine monthly.\n2. Scrub the Gasket\nFor front-loading washing machines, cleaning the gasket or rubber seal around the door is pivotal. Moisture gets trapped in this area, which means mold and mildew love to live there. Be sure to wipe it down after each load to keep it dry. If your gasket is as icky as we imagine (we’ve been there), dampen a rag, microfiber towel, or even a nylon brush with diluted bleach or white vinegar and scrub, scrub, scrub. Also, leave the door open for an hour or two after cleaning and each laundry cycle so the gasket dries out.\n3. Remove and Clean Trays\nAny removable trays or wells, like those for fabric softener and bleach, should be taken out and cleaned in the sink because buildup can occur in these spots, too. Before returning the trays, clean their slots as well. Aim to do this once each season.\n4. Wipe Down the Exterior\nUsing your favorite all-purpose cleaner, give the exterior of your washing machine a good once-over. Dust and detergent spills that gather on the outside of the machine have a sneaky way of making their way inside during laundry day, so it’s better to keep the surface spotless.\n5. Dry the Interior\nOnce your cleaning endeavor is complete, wipe down the interior of the machine with a dry cloth to make sure all the moisture and scum is completely gone. If it remains damp and dirty in there, all your work was for naught.","attrs_markdown":"- [Recipes](https:\/\/food52.com\/pages\/recipes)\n  - ### [Popular](https:\/\/food52.com\/pages\/recipes)[Quick and Easy](https:\/\/food52.com\/recipes\/quick-and-easy) [5 Ingredients or Fewer](https:\/\/food52.com\/recipes\/5-ingredients-or-fewer) [Cocktails](https:\/\/food52.com\/recipes\/cocktail) [Appetizers](https:\/\/food52.com\/recipes\/appetizer)\n  - ### [Ingredients](https:\/\/food52.com\/pages\/recipes)[Chicken](https:\/\/food52.com\/recipes\/chicken) [Steak](https:\/\/food52.com\/recipes\/steak) [Salmon](https:\/\/food52.com\/recipes\/salmon) [Pasta](https:\/\/food52.com\/recipes\/pasta) [Potato](https:\/\/food52.com\/recipes\/potato) [Rice](https:\/\/food52.com\/recipes\/rice)\n  - ### [Meals & Dishes](https:\/\/food52.com\/pages\/recipes)[Breakfast](https:\/\/food52.com\/recipes\/breakfast) [Lunch](https:\/\/food52.com\/recipes\/lunch) [Dinner](https:\/\/food52.com\/recipes\/dinner) [Salad](https:\/\/food52.com\/recipes\/salad) [Sweet Treats](https:\/\/food52.com\/recipes\/dessert)\n  - 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[Sheet Pan](https:\/\/food52.com\/recipes\/sheet-pan)\n    - [No Bake](https:\/\/food52.com\/recipes\/ice-cream-frozen-desserts)\n    - [Grill](https:\/\/food52.com\/recipes\/grill-barbecue)\n- Food\n  \n  - [All Food](https:\/\/food52.com\/food)\n  - [Recipes](https:\/\/food52.com\/food\/recipes)\n  - [How To & Hacks](https:\/\/food52.com\/food\/how-to-and-hacks)\n  - [Meal Planning](https:\/\/food52.com\/food\/meal-planning)\n  - [Baking](https:\/\/food52.com\/food\/baking)\n  - [Trending & Seasonal](https:\/\/food52.com\/food\/trending-and-seasonal)\n  - [Drinks](https:\/\/food52.com\/food\/drinks)\n  - [Community](https:\/\/food52.com\/food\/community-food)\n  - [Hotline](https:\/\/food52.com\/pages\/hotline)\n  - [Shop all Food](https:\/\/food52.com\/food)\n- Life\n  \n  - [All Life](https:\/\/food52.com\/life)\n  - [Travel](https:\/\/food52.com\/life\/travel)\n  - [Hosting & Entertainment](https:\/\/food52.com\/life\/hosting-and-entertaining)\n  - [Parenting](https:\/\/food52.com\/life\/parenting)\n  - [Pets](https:\/\/food52.com\/life\/pets)\n  - [Kitchen Sink](https:\/\/food52.com\/life\/kitchen-sink)\n  - [Crafts & Hobbies](https:\/\/food52.com\/life\/crafts-and-hobbies)\n  - [Community](https:\/\/food52.com\/life\/community)\n  - [Shop all Life](https:\/\/food52.com\/life)\n- Home\n  \n  - [All Home](https:\/\/food52.com\/home)\n  - [Style & Design](https:\/\/food52.com\/home\/style-and-design)\n  - [Cleaning & Organizing](https:\/\/food52.com\/home\/cleaning-and-organizing)\n  - [Outdoors](https:\/\/food52.com\/home\/outdoors)\n  - [Renovation](https:\/\/food52.com\/home\/renovation)\n  - [Home Tours](https:\/\/food52.com\/home\/home-tours)\n  - [Shop all Home](https:\/\/food52.com\/home)\n- [Watch](https:\/\/food52.com\/watch)\n- [Shop](https:\/\/food52.com\/pages\/shop)\n- [Account](https:\/\/food52.com\/story\/25495-how-to-clean-washing-machine)\n\n##### 0 Items in your Cart\nYour shopping cart is empty.\n\nContinue Shopping\n\n# When Was the Last Time You Washed Your Washing Machine?\n## Never? Us too.\nByMorgan Goldberg\n\nPublished OnJune 7, 2022\n\n![Imported image](https:\/\/images.food52.com\/QZAYKhepGGxouJ6yb5SQKEn3S0k=\/93cfee25-6c09-4eab-b0f1-f69781e05877--2019-1125_yamazaki_magnetic-laundry-room-storage-pocket_2x1_rocky-luten_001-2.jpg?w=3840&q=75)\n\nThough it might sound absurd that a washing machine designed to clean everything from clothes to baby bottles needs cleaning itself, it makes complete sense. If you think about it, a multitude of undesirable leftovers can—and will—build up inside your machine. The first culprits that come to mind are the dirt and grime from your soiled clothes, which can accumulate over time. But there are others like leftover detergent, hard water mineral deposits, mold, and mildew—none of which should really be in there. You know that funky odor that sometimes follows your laundry as you transfer it to the dryer? That’s what not cleaning your machine can lead to.\n\nHere’s exactly how to clean your washing machine.\n\n### 1\\. Run an Empty Cycle (or Three)\nThere are two schools of cleaning methods when it comes cleaning your washing machine: bleach and vinegar. If you’re a fan of bleach in the laundry sphere, you’re in luck because it might just be the hardest-working product for sanitizing. If you want to avoid bleach and its harsh chemicals, though, white vinegar is a good alternative with powerful deodorizing and bacteria-killing properties.\n\nWhichever one you pick, the instructions remain the same. Add two cups of liquid bleach or white vinegar to the detergent dispenser and run an empty cycle with hot water. For those who want a double-duty clean, complete one empty cycle with bleach and a second empty cycle with vinegar. Follow this up with a third empty cycle using a cup of baking soda, which can help neutralize any remaining bleach or vinegar and eliminate any persistent buildup. If you use your washing machine frequently, you should go through this routine monthly.\n\n### 2\\. Scrub the Gasket\nFor front-loading washing machines, cleaning the gasket or rubber seal around the door is pivotal. Moisture gets trapped in this area, which means mold and mildew love to live there. Be sure to wipe it down after each load to keep it dry. If your gasket is as icky as we imagine (we’ve been there), dampen a rag, microfiber towel, or even a nylon brush with diluted bleach or white vinegar and scrub, scrub, scrub. Also, leave the door open for an hour or two after cleaning and each laundry cycle so the gasket dries out.\n\n### 3\\. Remove and Clean Trays\nAny removable trays or wells, like those for fabric softener and bleach, should be taken out and cleaned in the sink because buildup can occur in these spots, too. Before returning the trays, clean their slots as well. Aim to do this once each season.\n\n### 4\\. Wipe Down the Exterior\nUsing your favorite all-purpose cleaner, give the exterior of your washing machine a good once-over. Dust and detergent spills that gather on the outside of the machine have a sneaky way of making their way inside during laundry day, so it’s better to keep the surface spotless.\n\n### 5\\. Dry the Interior\nOnce your cleaning endeavor is complete, wipe down the interior of the machine with a dry cloth to make sure all the moisture and scum is completely gone. If it remains damp and dirty in there, all your work was for naught.\n***\n\nFeatured Video\n\n[See all Food52 videos](https:\/\/food52.com\/watch)\n\n*This post was updated in June 2022 with more details on how to clean your washing machine.*\n\n*Will you be adding this to your cleaning schedule—yay or nay? Tell us in the comments.*\n\n### Our best tips for eating thoughtfully and living joyfully, right in your inbox.\n- ###### Company\n- [About Us](https:\/\/food52.com\/pages\/about)\n- [DEI Vision](https:\/\/food52.com\/pages\/dei-vision-statement)\n- [Press](https:\/\/food52.com\/pages\/press)\n- [Jobs](https:\/\/food52.com\/pages\/food52-jobs)\n- [Affiliate Program](https:\/\/food52.com\/pages\/affiliate-program)\n\n- ###### Get Help\n- [Help Center](https:\/\/food52.com\/pages\/help)\n- [Advertising Inquiries](https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSeO0his3WpS136akoddGhXRFXAU4go00eIGOFhXt7dx6xR6Xw\/viewform?usp=send_form)\n\n- ###### Social\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/food52\/)\n- [Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/Food52\/)\n- [Pinterest](https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/food52\/)\n- [TikTok](https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@food52)\n- [YouTube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/food52)\n\n© 2026 Food52, Inc. All Rights Reserved.\n\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/food52.com\/pages\/privacy)\n- [Terms & Conditions](https:\/\/food52.com\/pages\/terms-conditions)\n- [Code of Conduct](https:\/\/food52.com\/pages\/code_conduct)\n- [Accessibility Policy](https:\/\/food52.com\/pages\/accessibility-policy)\n\nThis website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience.\n\nWhen you visit our website, we collect and use personal information about you using cookies. You may opt out of selling, sharing, or disclosure of personal data for targeted advertising (called \"Do Not Sell or Share\" in California) by enabling the [Global Privacy Control](https:\/\/globalprivacycontrol.org\/) on a compatible browser. See our [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/food52.com\/pages\/privacy) for further information.\n\nAccept\n\n![](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tr?id=237676769763423&ev=PageView&noscript=1)\n\n![](https:\/\/ct.pinterest.com\/v3\/?event=init&tid=2613095551193&pd[em]=<hashed_email_address>&noscript=1)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Though it might sound absurd that a washing machine designed to clean everything from clothes to baby bottles needs cleaning itself, it makes complete sense. If you think about it, a multitude of undesirable leftovers can—and will—build up inside your machine. The first culprits that come to mind are the dirt and grime from your soiled clothes, which can accumulate over time. But there are others like leftover detergent, hard water mineral deposits, mold, and mildew—none of which should really be in there. You know that funky odor that sometimes follows your laundry as you transfer it to the dryer? That’s what not cleaning your machine can lead to.\n\nHere’s exactly how to clean your washing machine.\n\n1\\. Run an Empty Cycle (or Three)\n\nThere are two schools of cleaning methods when it comes cleaning your washing machine: bleach and vinegar. If you’re a fan of bleach in the laundry sphere, you’re in luck because it might just be the hardest-working product for sanitizing. If you want to avoid bleach and its harsh chemicals, though, white vinegar is a good alternative with powerful deodorizing and bacteria-killing properties.\n\nWhichever one you pick, the instructions remain the same. Add two cups of liquid bleach or white vinegar to the detergent dispenser and run an empty cycle with hot water. For those who want a double-duty clean, complete one empty cycle with bleach and a second empty cycle with vinegar. Follow this up with a third empty cycle using a cup of baking soda, which can help neutralize any remaining bleach or vinegar and eliminate any persistent buildup. If you use your washing machine frequently, you should go through this routine monthly.\n\n2\\. Scrub the Gasket\n\nFor front-loading washing machines, cleaning the gasket or rubber seal around the door is pivotal. Moisture gets trapped in this area, which means mold and mildew love to live there. Be sure to wipe it down after each load to keep it dry. If your gasket is as icky as we imagine (we’ve been there), dampen a rag, microfiber towel, or even a nylon brush with diluted bleach or white vinegar and scrub, scrub, scrub. Also, leave the door open for an hour or two after cleaning and each laundry cycle so the gasket dries out.\n\n3\\. Remove and Clean Trays\n\nAny removable trays or wells, like those for fabric softener and bleach, should be taken out and cleaned in the sink because buildup can occur in these spots, too. Before returning the trays, clean their slots as well. Aim to do this once each season.\n\n4\\. Wipe Down the Exterior\n\nUsing your favorite all-purpose cleaner, give the exterior of your washing machine a good once-over. Dust and detergent spills that gather on the outside of the machine have a sneaky way of making their way inside during laundry day, so it’s better to keep the surface spotless.\n\n5\\. Dry the Interior\n\nOnce your cleaning endeavor is complete, wipe down the interior of the machine with a dry cloth to make sure all the moisture and scum is completely gone. If it remains damp and dirty in there, all your work was for naught.","meta_canonical":null,"ml_categories_json":"{\"\/Home_and_Garden\":995,\"\/Home_and_Garden\/Laundry\":756,\"\/Home_and_Garden\/Laundry\/Washers_and_Dryers\":699}","ml_types_json":"{\"\/Article\":998,\"\/Article\/How_to\":977}","ml_intent_types_json":"{\"Informational\":997}","meta_language":"en","attrs_author":null,"attrs_publish_time":0,"attrs_original_publish_time":1752593196,"attrs_is_republished":0,"attrs_nr_words":"923","attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words":"527","body_ext_links_number":9,"body_int_links_number":62,"meta_nofollow":0,"meta_noarchive":0,"props_was_rendered":1,"src_redirect":"","download_time_msec":102,"download_ttfb_msec":101,"download_size":17561}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

4 days ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0.2 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property

Value

URL

https://food52.com/story/25495-how-to-clean-washing-machine

Last Crawled

2026-04-21 11:06:32 (4 days ago)

First Indexed

2025-07-15 15:26:36 (9 months ago)

HTTP Status Code

200

Content

Meta Title

How to Clean Your Washing Machine - Washer Sanitation Guide

Meta Description

How to clean your washing machine with bleach or vinegar to sanitize and get rid of leftover detergent, mineral deposits, mold, and mildew.

Meta Canonical

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Boilerpipe Text

Though it might sound absurd that a washing machine designed to clean everything from clothes to baby bottles needs cleaning itself, it makes complete sense. If you think about it, a multitude of undesirable leftovers can—and will—build up inside your machine. The first culprits that come to mind are the dirt and grime from your soiled clothes, which can accumulate over time. But there are others like leftover detergent, hard water mineral deposits, mold, and mildew—none of which should really be in there. You know that funky odor that sometimes follows your laundry as you transfer it to the dryer? That’s what not cleaning your machine can lead to. Here’s exactly how to clean your washing machine. 1. Run an Empty Cycle (or Three) There are two schools of cleaning methods when it comes cleaning your washing machine: bleach and vinegar. If you’re a fan of bleach in the laundry sphere, you’re in luck because it might just be the hardest-working product for sanitizing. If you want to avoid bleach and its harsh chemicals, though, white vinegar is a good alternative with powerful deodorizing and bacteria-killing properties. Whichever one you pick, the instructions remain the same. Add two cups of liquid bleach or white vinegar to the detergent dispenser and run an empty cycle with hot water. For those who want a double-duty clean, complete one empty cycle with bleach and a second empty cycle with vinegar. Follow this up with a third empty cycle using a cup of baking soda, which can help neutralize any remaining bleach or vinegar and eliminate any persistent buildup. If you use your washing machine frequently, you should go through this routine monthly. 2. Scrub the Gasket For front-loading washing machines, cleaning the gasket or rubber seal around the door is pivotal. Moisture gets trapped in this area, which means mold and mildew love to live there. Be sure to wipe it down after each load to keep it dry. If your gasket is as icky as we imagine (we’ve been there), dampen a rag, microfiber towel, or even a nylon brush with diluted bleach or white vinegar and scrub, scrub, scrub. Also, leave the door open for an hour or two after cleaning and each laundry cycle so the gasket dries out. 3. Remove and Clean Trays Any removable trays or wells, like those for fabric softener and bleach, should be taken out and cleaned in the sink because buildup can occur in these spots, too. Before returning the trays, clean their slots as well. Aim to do this once each season. 4. Wipe Down the Exterior Using your favorite all-purpose cleaner, give the exterior of your washing machine a good once-over. Dust and detergent spills that gather on the outside of the machine have a sneaky way of making their way inside during laundry day, so it’s better to keep the surface spotless. 5. Dry the Interior Once your cleaning endeavor is complete, wipe down the interior of the machine with a dry cloth to make sure all the moisture and scum is completely gone. If it remains damp and dirty in there, all your work was for naught.

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Continue Shopping # When Was the Last Time You Washed Your Washing Machine? ## Never? Us too. ByMorgan Goldberg Published OnJune 7, 2022 ![Imported image](https://images.food52.com/QZAYKhepGGxouJ6yb5SQKEn3S0k=/93cfee25-6c09-4eab-b0f1-f69781e05877--2019-1125_yamazaki_magnetic-laundry-room-storage-pocket_2x1_rocky-luten_001-2.jpg?w=3840&q=75) Though it might sound absurd that a washing machine designed to clean everything from clothes to baby bottles needs cleaning itself, it makes complete sense. If you think about it, a multitude of undesirable leftovers can—and will—build up inside your machine. The first culprits that come to mind are the dirt and grime from your soiled clothes, which can accumulate over time. But there are others like leftover detergent, hard water mineral deposits, mold, and mildew—none of which should really be in there. You know that funky odor that sometimes follows your laundry as you transfer it to the dryer? That’s what not cleaning your machine can lead to. Here’s exactly how to clean your washing machine. ### 1\. Run an Empty Cycle (or Three) There are two schools of cleaning methods when it comes cleaning your washing machine: bleach and vinegar. If you’re a fan of bleach in the laundry sphere, you’re in luck because it might just be the hardest-working product for sanitizing. If you want to avoid bleach and its harsh chemicals, though, white vinegar is a good alternative with powerful deodorizing and bacteria-killing properties. Whichever one you pick, the instructions remain the same. Add two cups of liquid bleach or white vinegar to the detergent dispenser and run an empty cycle with hot water. For those who want a double-duty clean, complete one empty cycle with bleach and a second empty cycle with vinegar. Follow this up with a third empty cycle using a cup of baking soda, which can help neutralize any remaining bleach or vinegar and eliminate any persistent buildup. If you use your washing machine frequently, you should go through this routine monthly. ### 2\. Scrub the Gasket For front-loading washing machines, cleaning the gasket or rubber seal around the door is pivotal. Moisture gets trapped in this area, which means mold and mildew love to live there. Be sure to wipe it down after each load to keep it dry. If your gasket is as icky as we imagine (we’ve been there), dampen a rag, microfiber towel, or even a nylon brush with diluted bleach or white vinegar and scrub, scrub, scrub. Also, leave the door open for an hour or two after cleaning and each laundry cycle so the gasket dries out. ### 3\. Remove and Clean Trays Any removable trays or wells, like those for fabric softener and bleach, should be taken out and cleaned in the sink because buildup can occur in these spots, too. Before returning the trays, clean their slots as well. Aim to do this once each season. ### 4\. Wipe Down the Exterior Using your favorite all-purpose cleaner, give the exterior of your washing machine a good once-over. Dust and detergent spills that gather on the outside of the machine have a sneaky way of making their way inside during laundry day, so it’s better to keep the surface spotless. ### 5\. Dry the Interior Once your cleaning endeavor is complete, wipe down the interior of the machine with a dry cloth to make sure all the moisture and scum is completely gone. If it remains damp and dirty in there, all your work was for naught. *** Featured Video [See all Food52 videos](https://food52.com/watch) *This post was updated in June 2022 with more details on how to clean your washing machine.* *Will you be adding this to your cleaning schedule—yay or nay? Tell us in the comments.* ### Our best tips for eating thoughtfully and living joyfully, right in your inbox. - ###### Company - [About Us](https://food52.com/pages/about) - [DEI Vision](https://food52.com/pages/dei-vision-statement) - [Press](https://food52.com/pages/press) - [Jobs](https://food52.com/pages/food52-jobs) - [Affiliate Program](https://food52.com/pages/affiliate-program) - ###### Get Help - [Help Center](https://food52.com/pages/help) - [Advertising Inquiries](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeO0his3WpS136akoddGhXRFXAU4go00eIGOFhXt7dx6xR6Xw/viewform?usp=send_form) - ###### Social - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/food52/) - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/Food52/) - [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/food52/) - [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@food52) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/food52) © 2026 Food52, Inc. 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Readable Markdown

Though it might sound absurd that a washing machine designed to clean everything from clothes to baby bottles needs cleaning itself, it makes complete sense. If you think about it, a multitude of undesirable leftovers can—and will—build up inside your machine. The first culprits that come to mind are the dirt and grime from your soiled clothes, which can accumulate over time. But there are others like leftover detergent, hard water mineral deposits, mold, and mildew—none of which should really be in there. You know that funky odor that sometimes follows your laundry as you transfer it to the dryer? That’s what not cleaning your machine can lead to. Here’s exactly how to clean your washing machine. 1\. Run an Empty Cycle (or Three) There are two schools of cleaning methods when it comes cleaning your washing machine: bleach and vinegar. If you’re a fan of bleach in the laundry sphere, you’re in luck because it might just be the hardest-working product for sanitizing. If you want to avoid bleach and its harsh chemicals, though, white vinegar is a good alternative with powerful deodorizing and bacteria-killing properties. Whichever one you pick, the instructions remain the same. Add two cups of liquid bleach or white vinegar to the detergent dispenser and run an empty cycle with hot water. For those who want a double-duty clean, complete one empty cycle with bleach and a second empty cycle with vinegar. Follow this up with a third empty cycle using a cup of baking soda, which can help neutralize any remaining bleach or vinegar and eliminate any persistent buildup. If you use your washing machine frequently, you should go through this routine monthly. 2\. Scrub the Gasket For front-loading washing machines, cleaning the gasket or rubber seal around the door is pivotal. Moisture gets trapped in this area, which means mold and mildew love to live there. Be sure to wipe it down after each load to keep it dry. If your gasket is as icky as we imagine (we’ve been there), dampen a rag, microfiber towel, or even a nylon brush with diluted bleach or white vinegar and scrub, scrub, scrub. Also, leave the door open for an hour or two after cleaning and each laundry cycle so the gasket dries out. 3\. Remove and Clean Trays Any removable trays or wells, like those for fabric softener and bleach, should be taken out and cleaned in the sink because buildup can occur in these spots, too. Before returning the trays, clean their slots as well. Aim to do this once each season. 4\. Wipe Down the Exterior Using your favorite all-purpose cleaner, give the exterior of your washing machine a good once-over. Dust and detergent spills that gather on the outside of the machine have a sneaky way of making their way inside during laundry day, so it’s better to keep the surface spotless. 5\. Dry the Interior Once your cleaning endeavor is complete, wipe down the interior of the machine with a dry cloth to make sure all the moisture and scum is completely gone. If it remains damp and dirty in there, all your work was for naught.

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