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[Skip to main content](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-washing-machine/#content) ![]() MENU [](https://www.rd.com/) A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World - [The Healthy](https://www.thehealthy.com/) - [Games](https://www.rd.com/article/brain-games-quizzes-puzzles/) - [Home](https://www.rd.com/home/) - [Humor](https://www.rd.com/funny/) - [Knowledge](https://www.rd.com/knowledge/) - [Holidays](https://www.rd.com/holidays/) - [Subscribe](https://order.readersdigest.com/servlet/OrdersGateway?cds_mag_code=RDA&cds_page_id=283450&int_campaign=rda_20221014_mainnav&cds_response_key=IB7ADU108&int_source=direct&int_medium=rd.com&int_placement=mainnav&int_keycode=IB7ADU108) [ You're Probably Not Cleaning This Part of Your Washing Machine, but You Really Need To](https://www.rd.com/article/clean-washing-machine-baffles/) [ How to Clean Your Dryer—and What Happens If You Don't](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-dryer/) [ How to Clean a Dishwasher: A Step-by-Step Guide](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-a-dishwasher/) [ 14 Ways You're Shortening the Life of Your Washer/Dryer](https://www.rd.com/list/shortening-the-life-of-your-washer-dryer/) [ The 8 Best Washing Machine Cleaners for Fresh Laundry in 2025](https://www.rd.com/list/best-washing-machine-cleaner/) [ Here's How Long It's OK to Leave Wet Clothes in the Washing Machine Before You Have to Rewash Them](https://www.rd.com/article/leave-wet-clothes-in-washing-machine/) [ How to Do Laundry the Right Way: A Step-by-Step Guide](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-do-laundry/) [ How to Wash Underwear the Right Way](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-wash-underwear/) [ This Clever \$12 Product Cleans Even the Smelliest Washing Machines](https://www.rd.com/article/affresh-washing-machine-cleaner/) [ This Is the Only Washing Machine Cycle You Need to Use, According to a Laundry Expert](https://www.rd.com/article/ideal-washing-machine-cycle/) [ The One Laundry Mistake Almost Everybody Makes—And Why It's a Bigger Problem Than You Probably Think](https://www.rd.com/article/laundry-mistake/) [ How to Clean Your Window AC Unit—and the Gross Things That Can Happen If You Don't](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-window-ac-unit/) [ 11 Things That Should Never End Up in Your Washing Machine](https://www.rd.com/list/thing-never-end-up-washing-machine/) [ Here's Exactly How to Clean a Coffee Maker](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-coffee-maker/) [ Laundry Expert Explains: Why You Shouldn't Follow the TikTok Trend of Using Dish Soap in Your Washing Machine](https://www.rd.com/article/dont-use-dish-soap-in-your-washing-machine/) [ How to Wash White Clothes to Keep Them Looking Bright and New](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-wash-white-clothes/) [ 14 Laundry Myths That Are Ruining Your Clothes](https://www.rd.com/list/laundry-myths-that-are-ruining-your-clothes/) [ 16 Things You Never Knew You Could Put in the Washing Machine](https://www.rd.com/list/washing-machine-suprising-items/) [ How to Clean Your Microwave the Right Way, According to Cleaning Experts](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-microwave/) [ How to Clean an Iron So It Doesn't Damage Your Clothes](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-an-iron/)  Reader's Digest [RD.COM](https://www.rd.com/) [Home](https://www.rd.com/home/) [Cleaning](https://www.rd.com/home/house-cleaning/) # How to Clean a Washing Machine—And What Happens If You Don’t  Reader's Digest  By [Ally Childress](https://www.rd.com/author/ally-childress/) Reviewed by [Ann Russell](https://www.rd.com/author/ann-russell/) Updated on Dec. 03, 2025 Experts share step-by-step instructions for how to clean a washing machine (both inside and out)—plus how often you should do it | | |---| | On This Page Toggle [Key Takeaways](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-washing-machine/#key-takeaways "Key Takeaways") [How to clean inside a washing machine quickly](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-washing-machine/#how-to-clean-inside-a-washing-machine-quickly "How to clean inside a washing machine quickly") [How to clean a top-loading washing machine](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-washing-machine/#how-to-clean-a-top-loading-washing-machine "How to clean a top-loading washing machine") [How to clean a front-loading washing machine](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-washing-machine/#how-to-clean-a-front-loading-washing-machine "How to clean a front-loading washing machine") [How to clean a washing machine filter and accessories](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-washing-machine/#how-to-clean-a-washing-machine-filter-and-accessories "How to clean a washing machine filter and accessories") [How to clean the outside of a washing machine](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-washing-machine/#how-to-clean-the-outside-of-a-washing-machine "How to clean the outside of a washing machine") [How often should you clean your washing machine?](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-washing-machine/#how-often-should-you-clean-your-washing-machine "How often should you clean your washing machine?") [FAQs](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-washing-machine/#faqs "FAQs") Key Takeaways Pour vinegar in, run a hot cycle, then sprinkle baking soda and run another—say goodbye to funky smells and gunky residue. Give the drum baffles and rubber seals some love with a toothbrush and soapy water—they’re the unsung heroes of a clean wash. Toss in a washing machine cleaner tablet like Afresh once in a while to keep your machine sparkling and your laundry happy. | The average U.S. family does 300 [loads of laundry](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-do-laundry/) per year. That’s nearly *six* loads per week! You’d think with all that action, your washer would clean itself, no need for you to bother learning **how to clean a washing machine**. But nope! In fact, getting your clothes clean actually makes your washer dirty. Case in point: A 2024 review in *Antibiotics* that found that bacteria can latch onto the drum, rubber gasket and detergent drawer with each wash, forming stubborn biofilms that build up over time unless the machine is regularly cleaned. “Residue from previous washes—such as dirt, skin, food and excess detergent—can accumulate in washing machines if they aren’t cleaned regularly,” says Haven Chart, a product manager in the manufacturing industry and former laundry expert for Asko, the maker of Scandinavian-inspired laundry appliances. Next comes mold and mildew, [smelly clothes](https://www.rd.com/article/remove-odors-from-clothes/) and a shorter washer lifespan, she says. That’s why you should know how to clean a washing machine—and *actually* do it from time to time. *Great*, you’re thinking. *This better be easy.* It is! You don’t need any fancy products either. Simple, natural products and a hot water cycle will do the trick. *Reader’s Digest* spoke to Chart and laundry expert and author Patric Richardson to bring you their pro tips and time-tested advice on [how to clean everything](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-everything/) in your washing machine, from the drum to the filter to the soap dispenser. Read on to find out how to keep your appliance running great and your clothes smelling fresh. **Get *Reader’s Digest*’s** [**Read Up newsletter**](https://www.rd.com/newsletter/?int_source=direct&int_medium=rd.com&int_campaign=nlrda_20221001_topperformingcontentnlsignup&int_placement=incontent) **for more cleaning, humor, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.** ## How to clean inside a washing machine quickly To keep smells at bay between deep cleanings, Chart says to spray the inside of your washing machine with vinegar, then wipe it down with a damp microfiber cloth and allow it to [air-dry](https://www.rd.com/article/things-you-should-never-air-dry/). If your machine has a self-cleaning cycle, use it. But you’ll still have to deep-clean your washer on the regular, she says. (Make sure to check your owner’s manual first to see what the manufacturer recommends or if any prohibitions might void your warranty.) ### Supplies you’ll need - Spray bottle - White vinegar - Microfiber towel or cloth ### Directions - **Step 1:** Mix up a 50-50 solution of vinegar and water in the spray bottle. - **Step 2:** Spray the insides of your washing machine, including the gasket (large rubber seal around a front-loading washer’s door), the door or lid and the detergent compartments. - **Step 3:** Wipe down all surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth. - **Step 4:** Leave the door or lid open to fully air-dry.  ⓘ [back to content](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-washing-machine/) ## ## How to clean a top-loading washing machine The process of cleaning a top-loading washing machine is similar to cleaning a front-loading machine, but there *are* notable differences. According to Whirlpool, a top-loading machine is “less likely to develop mold or mildew odors,” but the agitator—the central post inside the washer—can make the job a bit trickier. Keep in mind that top-loading washers come in two styles: the old-school kind with a central agitator and [high-efficiency (HE) models](https://www.rd.com/article/he-washers/) with a low-profile impeller. Their interiors are shaped differently and therefore collect grime in different spots. An agitator may need extra scrubbing around the post, while an impeller’s flat plate calls for more focus on the drum itself. The good news? Cleaning your top-loader is far from a Herculean task, regardless of the type of machine you’ve got. Here’s how to clean a top-loading washing machine in two simple ways. ### Clean with borax and vinegar Borax (sodium borate) is a natural, laundry-boosting mineral compound that’s popular around the world for its exceptional cleaning power and scrubbing ability. It and plain white vinegar are Richardson’s go-to choices for cleaning a top-loading washing machine. For best results, Chart recommends removing the agitator if possible. Scrub its nooks and crannies in the sink before placing it back in the machine and running the cleaning cycle. #### Supplies you’ll need - Borax - White vinegar - [Microfiber towel](https://www.rd.com/article/dont-put-microfiber-cloths-in-dryer/) or cloth #### Directions - **Step 1:** Add 1 pound of borax to the drum of your top-loading washing machine. - **Step 2:** Pour 1 gallon of white vinegar into the drum along with the borax. - **Step 3:** Run your machine on the hottest [washer temperature](https://www.rd.com/article/what-temperature-to-wash-clothes/) and longest cycle available. - **Step 4:** When the washing cycle is complete, wipe down the drum, the dispenser and the lid with a cloth or towel. - **Step 5:** Leave the lid open to fully air-dry the machine. ### Clean with vinegar and baking soda  Kameleon007/getty images Using [baking soda and vinegar in laundry](https://www.rd.com/article/ingredients-in-washing-machine/) goes back centuries, if not longer. And why not? Vinegar’s a natural disinfectant that cleans almost anything, and baking soda freshens as it gently scrubs. Below, Chart walks us through her favorite method for cleaning a top-loading washing machine using baking soda and vinegar. Again, if your agitator is removable, she suggests taking it out and scrubbing the crevices before replacing it and running the cleaning cycle. #### Supplies you’ll need - White vinegar - Baking soda - Microfiber towel or cloth #### Directions - **Step 1:** Add 4 cups of white vinegar to the drum. - **Step 2:** Run the hot cycle. - **Step 3:** Add 1 cup of baking soda to the drum. - **Step 4:** Run another hot cycle. - **Step 5:** When the washing cycle is done, wipe down the insides of the drum and lid with a cloth or towel. - **Step 6:** Leave the lid open to air-dry. ## How to clean a front-loading washing machine Front-loading washing machines are more efficient and use less water than top-loaders, but they might call for more frequent cleaning. That’s because the watertight front door has a gasket where water, mold and detergent residue hide. But you can easily clean inside a washing machine, even if it’s a front-loading one, using the following steps: ### Clean with borax and vinegar There’s a key difference between using borax and vinegar to clean a front-loader versus a top-loader: Instead of putting the vinegar into the drum, you’ll add it to the detergent dispenser compartment. #### Supplies you’ll need - Borax - White vinegar - Microfiber towel or cloth #### Directions - **Step 1:** Add 1 pound of borax to the drum, spreading it out evenly. - **Step 2:** Pour 3/4 cup of white vinegar into the detergent compartment. - **Step 3:** Run your washing machine on the hottest and longest cycle available (or on the self-cleaning cycle, if your washer has one). - **Step 4:** Once the cycle is complete, wipe down the insides of the drum, the gaskets and the latches with a soft cotton cloth. - **Step 5:** Leave the washer door open to let it fully air-dry. ### Clean with vinegar and baking soda  Sergiy Akhundov/getty images Borax is an inexpensive, effective cleaner, but it can be harsh on your skin, and not everyone has it around. Once again, Chart recommends vinegar and baking soda, but she scales the proportions down for today’s water-saving front-loading washing machines. As with a top-loading machine, you’re not putting the two cleaners in at the same time—vinegar (a weak acid) and baking soda (a weak base) create a bubbling mess that may *look* a lot like cleaning, but they actually neutralize the cleaning power of each other. Instead, follow the steps below. #### Supplies you’ll need - [White vinegar](https://www.rd.com/list/150-household-uses-for-vinegar/) - Baking soda - Microfiber towel or cloth #### Directions - **Step 1:** Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser. - **Step 2:** Run the hot cycle. - **Step 3:** Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the drum. - **Step 4:** Run another hot cycle. - **Step 5:** When the final washing cycle has finished, wipe down the drum, gasket and door with a cloth or towel. - **Step 6:** Leave the door open to air-dry. ## How to clean a washing machine filter and accessories  gerenme/Getty Images You [clean your dryer’s](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-dryer/) lint filter after each cycle, but how about your washing machine filter? Yep—washing machines have filters too, and they can get clogged with lint and hair. Cleaning one is even easier than cleaning the washing machine, but it can be a little messy, so you’re going to need an old bath towel and a bowl. Find your washing machine’s filter by checking your manual—they’re usually located on the front, near the bottom—then follow the experts’ steps below to clean your washing machine filter. And don’t forget to clean the rest of your washer’s parts, including the detergent, bleach and fabric softener dispensers, as well as any removable parts, like the top of the agitator, if your machine has one. “Other small parts should be cleaned by hand with a cloth or toothbrush,” Chart says. ### Supplies you’ll need - Old towel - Small bowl - White vinegar - Old toothbrush ### Directions - **Step 1:** Open the filter cover. Inside, you’ll see a filter and a drainage tube. - **Step 2:** Lay down your towel, then place the bowl on top. - **Step 3:** Uncap the drainage tube and allow the water to drain into the bowl. - **Step 4:** Remove the filter by unscrewing it with your fingers. Pull it out and remove any lint, hair and debris. - **Step 5:** Pull the dispensers out of the machine and scrub them and the filter with white vinegar and an old toothbrush. Rinse and replace. - **Step 6:** Put the cap on the drainage tube, reinsert the filter and close the filter cover. ## How to clean the outside of a washing machine  Reader's Digest When you think of how to clean a washing machine, the inside isn’t the only thing you need to focus on. Dirt, grime and [water spots](https://www.rd.com/article/nontoxic-ways-to-remove-hard-water-stains/) build up on the outside of your washer too, and you’ll want to remove all that without damaging the finish. Here’s how to do it best: ### Supplies you’ll need - Spray bottle - White vinegar - Microfiber towel or cloth ### Directions - **Step 1:** Mix up a 50-50 solution of vinegar and water in the spray bottle. - **Step 2:** Spray the outside surfaces of your washing machine. - **Step 3:** Wipe down the machine with a damp microfiber cloth. ## How often should you clean your washing machine? The frequency of cleanings depends, in large part, on your machine and what you’re using in it. “If you are using plant-based products, they tend to rinse cleaner and leave less residue, so once a year would work,” says Richardson. “If, however, you are using petroleum-based detergents, [fabric softeners](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-use-fabric-softener/) or fragrances, you should clean it more often—maybe every three to six months.” Chart agrees that it’s best to stick to a regular [cleaning schedule](https://www.rd.com/article/cleaning-schedule/) and says it’s “pretty easy to tell when it’s time to clean your washing machine” because you’ll see mold or it will start to smell. If that happens, take action! Molds can stink up your clothes and make you sick. ## FAQs ### Is bleach or vinegar better for cleaning a washing machine? The experts recommend using vinegar for the regular deep-cleaning of your washing machine, but Chart says bleach is safe to use if you prefer. Bleach will kill molds, mildew and other microbes, and you can dilute it in a spray bottle—follow the directions on the bleach label—to clean the gasket of your front loader. If you do use bleach to disinfect your washing machine, she suggests that you “always run a rinse cycle afterward, before washing any clothes, to be on the safe side.” ### How do I clean a smelly washing machine? Use the pro-approved methods above. Vinegar, bleach, borax and baking soda, along with the self-cleaning feature on your machine and a little elbow grease, should take care of even the stinkiest washing machine, as long as you keep on top of things. Don’t allow wet clothes to sit in the washing machine after a cycle. Don’t use too much detergent either. Richardson says the most you ever need is 2 tablespoons. Excess detergents and fabric softeners lead to washing machine buildup. ### How do I get rid of mold in my washing machine? Both bleach and vinegar (but never together!) will kill molds in your washing machine, but [bleach](https://www.rd.com/article/yes-bleach-expires-heres-what-you-need-to-know/) is stronger and kills more microorganisms, including mold. (For what it’s worth, both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency recommend using bleach to kill molds after flooding events and other disasters.) | | |---| | About the experts **Haven Chart** is a product manager in the manufacturing industry. She worked as a product manager at Asko, the maker of Scandinavian-inspired laundry appliances, and has extensive experience with laundry appliances. **Patric Richardson**, aka the Laundry Evangelist, is the host of *The Laundry Guy* on Discovery+ and the author of *Laundry Love: Finding Joy in a Common Chore*. | ## ## Why trust us At *Reader’s Digest*, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece on how to clean a washing machine, Ally Childress tapped her experience as a seasoned home and cleaning reporter, and then Ann Russell, the author of *How to Clean Everything*, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. For this piece, we relied on reputable sources who are experts in cleaning, laundry and washing machines. We verified all facts and data and backed them with credible sourcing, and we will revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our [team](https://www.rd.com/our-editorial-team/), our contributors and our [editorial policies](https://www.rd.com/about-readers-digest/). *Additional reporting by Maryn Liles.* ## Sources: - [Haven Chart](https://www.linkedin.com/in/haven-polich/), product manager with laundry appliance experience; email interview, Jan. 5, 2024 - [Patric Richardson](https://laundryevangelist.com/whos-patric-richardson/), founder of the Laundry Evangelist, host of the Discovery+ series *The Laundry Guy* and author of [*Laundry Love: Finding Joy in a Common Chore*](https://www.amazon.com/Laundry-Love-Finding-Common-Chore/dp/1250235197); interviewed August 2021 - [Energy Star](https://www.energystar.gov/products/clothes_washers): “Clothes Washers” - *[Antibiotics](https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6382/13/12/1227)*: “Microbial Colonization, Biofilm Formation, and Malodour of Washing Machine Surfaces and Fabrics and the Evolution of Detergents in Response to Consumer Demands and Environmental Concerns” - [Whirlpool](https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/washers-and-dryers/top-load-vs-front-load.html): “Front load vs. top load washers: which type is better?” [ Yuki Kondo/Getty ImagesHow to Wash White Clothes](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-wash-white-clothes/) [ Alaina DiGiacomo/rd.comHow to Wash Silk Clothing](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-wash-silk/) [ Getty Images (3)Liquid vs. Powder Detergent vs. Pods](https://www.rd.com/article/liquid-vs-powder-detergent/) Author Ally Childress Ally is a writer and licensed electrician with extensive DIY, home-improvement and construction experience. She’s also a bit of a clean freak, a trait honed while working in microbiology and laboratory quality control, and she brings her passion for maintaining a healthy environment to writing about cleaning tips and techniques. She's written mor... [Read More](https://www.rd.com/author/ally-childress/)  Reviewer Ann Russell Ann, aka TikTok’s “cleaning auntie," has been a professional cleaner and housekeeper for more than 20 years. In addition to her professional experience, she is a mother to four (now adult) children and a variety of animals, so there isn't much in the way of stains she hasn't dealt with. An online cleaning influencer with more than 2 million fol... 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On This Page - [Key Takeaways](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-washing-machine/#key-takeaways "Key Takeaways") - [How to clean inside a washing machine quickly](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-washing-machine/#how-to-clean-inside-a-washing-machine-quickly "How to clean inside a washing machine quickly") - [How to clean a top-loading washing machine](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-washing-machine/#how-to-clean-a-top-loading-washing-machine "How to clean a top-loading washing machine") - [How to clean a front-loading washing machine](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-washing-machine/#how-to-clean-a-front-loading-washing-machine "How to clean a front-loading washing machine") - [How to clean a washing machine filter and accessories](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-washing-machine/#how-to-clean-a-washing-machine-filter-and-accessories "How to clean a washing machine filter and accessories") - [How to clean the outside of a washing machine](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-washing-machine/#how-to-clean-the-outside-of-a-washing-machine "How to clean the outside of a washing machine") - [How often should you clean your washing machine?](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-washing-machine/#how-often-should-you-clean-your-washing-machine "How often should you clean your washing machine?") - [FAQs](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-washing-machine/#faqs "FAQs") ## Key Takeaways - Pour vinegar in, run a hot cycle, then sprinkle baking soda and run another—say goodbye to funky smells and gunky residue. - Give the drum baffles and rubber seals some love with a toothbrush and soapy water—they’re the unsung heroes of a clean wash. - Toss in a washing machine cleaner tablet like Afresh once in a while to keep your machine sparkling and your laundry happy. The average U.S. family does 300 [loads of laundry](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-do-laundry/) per year. That’s nearly *six* loads per week! You’d think with all that action, your washer would clean itself, no need for you to bother learning **how to clean a washing machine**. But nope! In fact, getting your clothes clean actually makes your washer dirty. Case in point: A 2024 review in *Antibiotics* that found that bacteria can latch onto the drum, rubber gasket and detergent drawer with each wash, forming stubborn biofilms that build up over time unless the machine is regularly cleaned. “Residue from previous washes—such as dirt, skin, food and excess detergent—can accumulate in washing machines if they aren’t cleaned regularly,” says Haven Chart, a product manager in the manufacturing industry and former laundry expert for Asko, the maker of Scandinavian-inspired laundry appliances. Next comes mold and mildew, [smelly clothes](https://www.rd.com/article/remove-odors-from-clothes/) and a shorter washer lifespan, she says. That’s why you should know how to clean a washing machine—and *actually* do it from time to time. *Great*, you’re thinking. *This better be easy.* It is! You don’t need any fancy products either. Simple, natural products and a hot water cycle will do the trick. *Reader’s Digest* spoke to Chart and laundry expert and author Patric Richardson to bring you their pro tips and time-tested advice on [how to clean everything](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-everything/) in your washing machine, from the drum to the filter to the soap dispenser. Read on to find out how to keep your appliance running great and your clothes smelling fresh. **Get *Reader’s Digest*’s** [**Read Up newsletter**](https://www.rd.com/newsletter/?int_source=direct&int_medium=rd.com&int_campaign=nlrda_20221001_topperformingcontentnlsignup&int_placement=incontent) **for more cleaning, humor, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.** ## How to clean inside a washing machine quickly To keep smells at bay between deep cleanings, Chart says to spray the inside of your washing machine with vinegar, then wipe it down with a damp microfiber cloth and allow it to [air-dry](https://www.rd.com/article/things-you-should-never-air-dry/). If your machine has a self-cleaning cycle, use it. But you’ll still have to deep-clean your washer on the regular, she says. (Make sure to check your owner’s manual first to see what the manufacturer recommends or if any prohibitions might void your warranty.) ### Supplies you’ll need - Spray bottle - White vinegar - Microfiber towel or cloth ### Directions - **Step 1:** Mix up a 50-50 solution of vinegar and water in the spray bottle. - **Step 2:** Spray the insides of your washing machine, including the gasket (large rubber seal around a front-loading washer’s door), the door or lid and the detergent compartments. - **Step 3:** Wipe down all surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth. - **Step 4:** Leave the door or lid open to fully air-dry. ## How to clean a top-loading washing machine The process of cleaning a top-loading washing machine is similar to cleaning a front-loading machine, but there *are* notable differences. According to Whirlpool, a top-loading machine is “less likely to develop mold or mildew odors,” but the agitator—the central post inside the washer—can make the job a bit trickier. Keep in mind that top-loading washers come in two styles: the old-school kind with a central agitator and [high-efficiency (HE) models](https://www.rd.com/article/he-washers/) with a low-profile impeller. Their interiors are shaped differently and therefore collect grime in different spots. An agitator may need extra scrubbing around the post, while an impeller’s flat plate calls for more focus on the drum itself. The good news? Cleaning your top-loader is far from a Herculean task, regardless of the type of machine you’ve got. Here’s how to clean a top-loading washing machine in two simple ways. ### Clean with borax and vinegar Borax (sodium borate) is a natural, laundry-boosting mineral compound that’s popular around the world for its exceptional cleaning power and scrubbing ability. It and plain white vinegar are Richardson’s go-to choices for cleaning a top-loading washing machine. For best results, Chart recommends removing the agitator if possible. Scrub its nooks and crannies in the sink before placing it back in the machine and running the cleaning cycle. #### Supplies you’ll need - Borax - White vinegar - [Microfiber towel](https://www.rd.com/article/dont-put-microfiber-cloths-in-dryer/) or cloth #### Directions - **Step 1:** Add 1 pound of borax to the drum of your top-loading washing machine. - **Step 2:** Pour 1 gallon of white vinegar into the drum along with the borax. - **Step 3:** Run your machine on the hottest [washer temperature](https://www.rd.com/article/what-temperature-to-wash-clothes/) and longest cycle available. - **Step 4:** When the washing cycle is complete, wipe down the drum, the dispenser and the lid with a cloth or towel. - **Step 5:** Leave the lid open to fully air-dry the machine. ### Clean with vinegar and baking soda  Kameleon007/getty images Using [baking soda and vinegar in laundry](https://www.rd.com/article/ingredients-in-washing-machine/) goes back centuries, if not longer. And why not? Vinegar’s a natural disinfectant that cleans almost anything, and baking soda freshens as it gently scrubs. Below, Chart walks us through her favorite method for cleaning a top-loading washing machine using baking soda and vinegar. Again, if your agitator is removable, she suggests taking it out and scrubbing the crevices before replacing it and running the cleaning cycle. #### Supplies you’ll need - White vinegar - Baking soda - Microfiber towel or cloth #### Directions - **Step 1:** Add 4 cups of white vinegar to the drum. - **Step 2:** Run the hot cycle. - **Step 3:** Add 1 cup of baking soda to the drum. - **Step 4:** Run another hot cycle. - **Step 5:** When the washing cycle is done, wipe down the insides of the drum and lid with a cloth or towel. - **Step 6:** Leave the lid open to air-dry. ## How to clean a front-loading washing machine Front-loading washing machines are more efficient and use less water than top-loaders, but they might call for more frequent cleaning. That’s because the watertight front door has a gasket where water, mold and detergent residue hide. But you can easily clean inside a washing machine, even if it’s a front-loading one, using the following steps: ### Clean with borax and vinegar There’s a key difference between using borax and vinegar to clean a front-loader versus a top-loader: Instead of putting the vinegar into the drum, you’ll add it to the detergent dispenser compartment. #### Supplies you’ll need - Borax - White vinegar - Microfiber towel or cloth #### Directions - **Step 1:** Add 1 pound of borax to the drum, spreading it out evenly. - **Step 2:** Pour 3/4 cup of white vinegar into the detergent compartment. - **Step 3:** Run your washing machine on the hottest and longest cycle available (or on the self-cleaning cycle, if your washer has one). - **Step 4:** Once the cycle is complete, wipe down the insides of the drum, the gaskets and the latches with a soft cotton cloth. - **Step 5:** Leave the washer door open to let it fully air-dry. ### Clean with vinegar and baking soda  Sergiy Akhundov/getty images Borax is an inexpensive, effective cleaner, but it can be harsh on your skin, and not everyone has it around. Once again, Chart recommends vinegar and baking soda, but she scales the proportions down for today’s water-saving front-loading washing machines. As with a top-loading machine, you’re not putting the two cleaners in at the same time—vinegar (a weak acid) and baking soda (a weak base) create a bubbling mess that may *look* a lot like cleaning, but they actually neutralize the cleaning power of each other. Instead, follow the steps below. #### Supplies you’ll need - [White vinegar](https://www.rd.com/list/150-household-uses-for-vinegar/) - Baking soda - Microfiber towel or cloth #### Directions - **Step 1:** Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser. - **Step 2:** Run the hot cycle. - **Step 3:** Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the drum. - **Step 4:** Run another hot cycle. - **Step 5:** When the final washing cycle has finished, wipe down the drum, gasket and door with a cloth or towel. - **Step 6:** Leave the door open to air-dry. ## How to clean a washing machine filter and accessories  gerenme/Getty Images You [clean your dryer’s](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-clean-dryer/) lint filter after each cycle, but how about your washing machine filter? Yep—washing machines have filters too, and they can get clogged with lint and hair. Cleaning one is even easier than cleaning the washing machine, but it can be a little messy, so you’re going to need an old bath towel and a bowl. Find your washing machine’s filter by checking your manual—they’re usually located on the front, near the bottom—then follow the experts’ steps below to clean your washing machine filter. And don’t forget to clean the rest of your washer’s parts, including the detergent, bleach and fabric softener dispensers, as well as any removable parts, like the top of the agitator, if your machine has one. “Other small parts should be cleaned by hand with a cloth or toothbrush,” Chart says. ### Supplies you’ll need - Old towel - Small bowl - White vinegar - Old toothbrush ### Directions - **Step 1:** Open the filter cover. Inside, you’ll see a filter and a drainage tube. - **Step 2:** Lay down your towel, then place the bowl on top. - **Step 3:** Uncap the drainage tube and allow the water to drain into the bowl. - **Step 4:** Remove the filter by unscrewing it with your fingers. Pull it out and remove any lint, hair and debris. - **Step 5:** Pull the dispensers out of the machine and scrub them and the filter with white vinegar and an old toothbrush. Rinse and replace. - **Step 6:** Put the cap on the drainage tube, reinsert the filter and close the filter cover. ## How to clean the outside of a washing machine  Reader's Digest When you think of how to clean a washing machine, the inside isn’t the only thing you need to focus on. Dirt, grime and [water spots](https://www.rd.com/article/nontoxic-ways-to-remove-hard-water-stains/) build up on the outside of your washer too, and you’ll want to remove all that without damaging the finish. Here’s how to do it best: ### Supplies you’ll need - Spray bottle - White vinegar - Microfiber towel or cloth ### Directions - **Step 1:** Mix up a 50-50 solution of vinegar and water in the spray bottle. - **Step 2:** Spray the outside surfaces of your washing machine. - **Step 3:** Wipe down the machine with a damp microfiber cloth. ## How often should you clean your washing machine? The frequency of cleanings depends, in large part, on your machine and what you’re using in it. “If you are using plant-based products, they tend to rinse cleaner and leave less residue, so once a year would work,” says Richardson. “If, however, you are using petroleum-based detergents, [fabric softeners](https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-use-fabric-softener/) or fragrances, you should clean it more often—maybe every three to six months.” Chart agrees that it’s best to stick to a regular [cleaning schedule](https://www.rd.com/article/cleaning-schedule/) and says it’s “pretty easy to tell when it’s time to clean your washing machine” because you’ll see mold or it will start to smell. If that happens, take action! Molds can stink up your clothes and make you sick. ## FAQs ### Is bleach or vinegar better for cleaning a washing machine? The experts recommend using vinegar for the regular deep-cleaning of your washing machine, but Chart says bleach is safe to use if you prefer. Bleach will kill molds, mildew and other microbes, and you can dilute it in a spray bottle—follow the directions on the bleach label—to clean the gasket of your front loader. If you do use bleach to disinfect your washing machine, she suggests that you “always run a rinse cycle afterward, before washing any clothes, to be on the safe side.” ### How do I clean a smelly washing machine? Use the pro-approved methods above. Vinegar, bleach, borax and baking soda, along with the self-cleaning feature on your machine and a little elbow grease, should take care of even the stinkiest washing machine, as long as you keep on top of things. Don’t allow wet clothes to sit in the washing machine after a cycle. Don’t use too much detergent either. Richardson says the most you ever need is 2 tablespoons. Excess detergents and fabric softeners lead to washing machine buildup. ### How do I get rid of mold in my washing machine? Both bleach and vinegar (but never together!) will kill molds in your washing machine, but [bleach](https://www.rd.com/article/yes-bleach-expires-heres-what-you-need-to-know/) is stronger and kills more microorganisms, including mold. (For what it’s worth, both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency recommend using bleach to kill molds after flooding events and other disasters.) ## About the experts - **Haven Chart** is a product manager in the manufacturing industry. She worked as a product manager at Asko, the maker of Scandinavian-inspired laundry appliances, and has extensive experience with laundry appliances. - **Patric Richardson**, aka the Laundry Evangelist, is the host of *The Laundry Guy* on Discovery+ and the author of *Laundry Love: Finding Joy in a Common Chore*. ## Why trust us At *Reader’s Digest*, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece on how to clean a washing machine, Ally Childress tapped her experience as a seasoned home and cleaning reporter, and then Ann Russell, the author of *How to Clean Everything*, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. For this piece, we relied on reputable sources who are experts in cleaning, laundry and washing machines. We verified all facts and data and backed them with credible sourcing, and we will revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our [team](https://www.rd.com/our-editorial-team/), our contributors and our [editorial policies](https://www.rd.com/about-readers-digest/). *Additional reporting by Maryn Liles.* ## Sources: - [Haven Chart](https://www.linkedin.com/in/haven-polich/), product manager with laundry appliance experience; email interview, Jan. 5, 2024 - [Patric Richardson](https://laundryevangelist.com/whos-patric-richardson/), founder of the Laundry Evangelist, host of the Discovery+ series *The Laundry Guy* and author of [*Laundry Love: Finding Joy in a Common Chore*](https://www.amazon.com/Laundry-Love-Finding-Common-Chore/dp/1250235197); interviewed August 2021 - [Energy Star](https://www.energystar.gov/products/clothes_washers): “Clothes Washers” - *[Antibiotics](https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6382/13/12/1227)*: “Microbial Colonization, Biofilm Formation, and Malodour of Washing Machine Surfaces and Fabrics and the Evolution of Detergents in Response to Consumer Demands and Environmental Concerns” - [Whirlpool](https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/washers-and-dryers/top-load-vs-front-load.html): “Front load vs. top load washers: which type is better?”