🕷️ Crawler Inspector

[Science](https://science.howstuffworks.com/) [Tech](https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/tech) [Home & Garden](https://home.howstuffworks.com/) [Auto](https://auto.howstuffworks.com/) [Culture](https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture) More [Health](https://health.howstuffworks.com/) [Money](https://money.howstuffworks.com/) [Animals](https://animals.howstuffworks.com/) [Lifestyle](https://lifestyle.howstuffworks.com/) [Entertainment](https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/) [Quizzes](https://play.howstuffworks.com/) [1]() [Search]() [Close Search]() - [Science](https://science.howstuffworks.com/) - [Tech](https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/tech) - [Home & Garden](https://home.howstuffworks.com/) - [Auto](https://auto.howstuffworks.com/) - [Culture](https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture) - [Health](https://health.howstuffworks.com/) - [Money](https://money.howstuffworks.com/) - [Animals](https://animals.howstuffworks.com/) - [Lifestyle](https://lifestyle.howstuffworks.com/) - [Entertainment](https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/) - [Quizzes](https://play.howstuffworks.com/) [Sign up for our Newsletter\!]() ​  HowStuffWorks Newsletter     Advertisement [HowStuffWorks](https://www.howstuffworks.com/) [Home & Garden](https://home.howstuffworks.com/) [Appliances](https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-appliances.htm) [Household Appliances](https://home.howstuffworks.com/household-appliances.htm) # How to Clean a Washing Machine (Inside and Out) By: [Alia Hoyt](https://www.howstuffworks.com/about-alia-hoyt.htm) & [Zach Taras](https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-taras-55694681/) \| Updated: Feb 4, 2025  "" Cleaning your washing machine involves sanitizing the drum, as well as wiping the outside and the inside trays. Emilija Manevska / Getty Images If you're embarrassed to have typed "**how to clean washing machine**" into your search bar, we get it. We, too, have faced the washing machine with a feeling of intimidation. Where to begin? What to use? What's safe, and what's effective? Advertisement Well, we've got you covered, and before we dive in, it might take some of the stress down to reassure you that you have options; there isn't just one way. **Contents** 1. [Washing Modern Washing Machines](https://home.howstuffworks.com/clean-washing-machine.htm#pt1) 2. [5 Steps to Wash the Clothes Washer](https://home.howstuffworks.com/clean-washing-machine.htm#pt2) 3. [Alternative Methods and Cleaners](https://home.howstuffworks.com/clean-washing-machine.htm#pt3) 4. [Don't Forget the Outside](https://home.howstuffworks.com/clean-washing-machine.htm#pt4) 5. [How Often Do You Need to Clean Your Washing Machine?](https://home.howstuffworks.com/clean-washing-machine.htm#pt5) ## Washing Modern Washing Machines The [washing machine](https://home.howstuffworks.com/how-do-washing-machines-get-clothes-clean.htm) does a lot for you and your dirty clothes, [towels](https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-hints-tips/cleaning-organizing/how-long-should-you-use-your-bath-towel-washing-it.htm) and [sheets](https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-hints-tips/cleaning-organizing/often-should-wash-bedsheets.htm). A single washing cycle can do wonders for your laundry. Return the favor with a little bit of easy maintenance to keep it spic, span and smelling sweet! Doing so will not only keep it free of gunk and nasty odors; it'll also help the washing machine function better, for longer. Advertisement First, it's worth noting that many newer models come with a self-cleaning feature. If yours is one of the chosen ones, refer to your manual to find out exactly what to do, and how often. Here are some general steps on cleaning both the exterior and interior of this all-important appliance. ## 5 Steps to Wash the Clothes Washer Modern tech has significantly reduced the hassle long associated with washing clothes, but these machines need maintenance of their own. As with any task — especially those that can be a little intimidating — it helps to take things one step at a time. First up, we tackle the tub. 1. **Make sure the tub is empty.** If it's not, take everything out. 2. **Use a washing machine cleaner tablet or liquid bleach.** Most machines have a "bleach only" tray for that purpose. Fill it to the top. If there is no bleach tray, pour a half cup (118 milliliters) of bleach in the tub after it fills up with water. If you're using the tablet, put it at the bottom of the tub. 3. **Once the cleaning solvent is in place, close the washing machine door. Choose the "clean" cycle.** If your machine has no "clean" cycle, set it do a rinse cycle with hot water \[source: [familyhandyman.com](https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/if-you-havent-cleaned-this-appliance-in-a-month-you-better-do-so-asap/)\]. The hot water will help clean and sanitize the empty machine. 4. For a top loading washing machine, [Maytag says](https://www.maytag.com/blog/washers-and-dryers/how-to-clean-washing-machine.html) that **an extra rinse and spin cycle** (after the "clean" cycle) is a good idea to wash away any remaining cleansers or soap scum. 5. **Once it's all done, open the washer door and leave it that way to let the machine air dry.** If it's not too hot or cold outside, open the windows for improved air circulation and faster drying. Advertisement ## Alternative Methods and Cleaners Then, there's good ole vinegar and baking soda. Some purists opt instead to use 1 gallon (4 liters) of white vinegar and 1 pound (500 grams) of Borax to [get the job done](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-washing-machine/). Pour them into the tub, then run the hot wash cycle (or the longest and hottest option your machine offers). For front-load machines, pour the vinegar into the bleach tray instead. Once it's finished, wipe the drum down thoroughly with a clean cloth, and leave the door ajar to fully dry out. Advertisement Next, it's time to handle the dispensers: - [Whirlpool says](https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/washers-and-dryers/clean-washing-machine.html) to pull the detergent dispenser drawer out "until you feel resistance." Some washing machines have drawers that are removable, but others don't. Even the removable ones are not dishwasher safe, so don't put them in that machine. - Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the dispenser drawers. If you have a washing machine-specific cleaning wipe, even better. A gentle cleaner is fine, if needed. Dry the drawers with a towel. Advertisement ## Don't Forget the Outside Now, we tackle the exterior. This part's really easy. Wipe down the outside of the machine using a cleaning wipe, sponge or damp cloth. Use mild cleaners for this purpose. Don't use anything that could scratch the machine's finish. Lastly, don't forget the door. Advertisement 1. Using a cleaning wipe or damp cloth, carefully wipe down the inside of the washing machine door. 2. If you have a front-load washing machine, be aware that moisture can build up behind the rubber seal and cause nasty mildew problems. Be sure to clean the outside of the rubber seal. Then, lift the edge of the door seal up and wipe underneath and behind it. 3. Be sure to leave the machine door open between washes so the inside can dry out (this step is particularly important if you have a front-load washing machine, but its also good to leave a top load washer lid open). ## How Often Do You Need to Clean Your Washing Machine? Washing machines should be cleaned just [once a year](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-washing-machine/) if you use plant-based laundry products exclusively. If you use laundry products that have fragrances, petroleum-based ingredients and/or fabric softeners, clean your machine every three to six months (or whenever it doesn't pass the sniff test). Sometimes, especially with older machines, low temperature washes can fail to fully dissolve the detergent or fabric softener, which can [leave a residue](https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-hints-tips/cleaning-organizing/washing-machine-leaves-stains.htm) in the washer, and even on clothes. The techniques described above should be sufficient to deal with this, but you can also try hotter water, which could help increase the time between machine cleanings. Advertisement ​ Cite This\! Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Copy Alia Hoyt & Zach Taras "How to Clean a Washing Machine (Inside and Out)" 7 June 2011. HowStuffWorks.com. \<https://home.howstuffworks.com/clean-washing-machine.htm\> 28 October 2025 Close [Citation]() More Awesome Stuff [ "" Up Next How Washing Machines Work Explore More](https://home.howstuffworks.com/washer.htm) [![]()]() [ Appliances How do washing machines get clothes clean?](https://home.howstuffworks.com/how-do-washing-machines-get-clothes-clean.htm) [ Home Improvement What Can You Do When Your Washing Machine Leaves Stains?](https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-hints-tips/cleaning-organizing/washing-machine-leaves-stains.htm) [ Home Improvement How to Clean Natural Fabrics](https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-hints-tips/cleaning-organizing/how-to-clean-natural-fabrics.htm) [ Stain Removal How to Get Detergent Stains Out of Clothes](https://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-remove-soap-spots.htm) [ Home Improvement How to Clean Your Bathroom](https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-hints-tips/cleaning-organizing/how-to-clean-bathroom.htm) [ Home Improvement 8 Fantastic Uses for Baking Soda and Vinegar](https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-hints-tips/cleaning-organizing/baking-soda-and-vinegar-uses.htm) [ "" You May Like Are washer/dryer combination machines energy efficient? Explore More](https://home.howstuffworks.com/washer-dryer-combination-machine-energy-efficient.htm) [![]()]() [ Home Improvement How to Clean White Shoes So They're Good as New](https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-hints-tips/cleaning-organizing/how-to-clean-white-shoes.htm) [ Stain Removal Baking Soda in Laundry: Level Up Your Clothing Care](https://home.howstuffworks.com/uses-for-baking-soda-clothing-care-ga.htm) [ Home Improvement How to Get Mold Out of Clothes](https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-hints-tips/cleaning-organizing/how-to-clean-mold-off-clothing.htm) [ Home Improvement How to Clean Nespresso Vertuo Machines in 6 Simple Steps](https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-hints-tips/cleaning-organizing/how-to-clean-nespresso-vertuo.htm) [ Home Improvement How to Clean Bed Sheets and Comforters](https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-hints-tips/cleaning-organizing/how-to-clean-bed-sheets-and-comforters.htm) [ People 10 Laundromat Etiquette Rules](https://people.howstuffworks.com/10-laundromat-etiquette-rules.htm) [ "" Keep Reading Which Works Best: Dishwasher Pods or Powders? Explore More](https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-hints-tips/cleaning-organizing/dishwasher-pods-or-powders.htm) Advertisement Loading... Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ​ We're as obsessed with finding answers as you are. Success You are now subscribed. Continue Newsletter Sign Up Learn How Everything Works\! Company - [About](https://www.howstuffworks.com/about-hsw.htm) - [Careers](https://system1.com/job-openings) - [Contact Us](https://www.howstuffworks.com/hsw-contact.htm) - [Help](https://www.howstuffworks.com/faq.htm) - [Sitemap](https://www.howstuffworks.com/sitemap.htm) Information - [Terms](https://www.howstuffworks.com/terms-and-conditions.htm) - [Reprints](https://www.parsintl.com/publication/howstuffworks/) - [Privacy Policy](https://system1.com/terms/privacy-policy) - [For Advertisers](https://www.howstuffworks.com/for-advertisers.htm) - Cookie Settings Explore - [Quizzes](https://play.howstuffworks.com/) - [Video](https://www.howstuffworks.com/video) [Privacy Policy](https://system1.com/terms/privacy-policy) [Terms](https://www.howstuffworks.com/terms-and-conditions.htm) [Cookie Settings]() Copyright © 2025 HowStuffWorks, a [System1](https://system1.com/) Property