How to Clean a Washing Machine

Even on your most thorough cleaning day, one of the last places you might prioritize is your washing machine. For an appliance that’s constantly filled with detergent and water, you probably don’t think of it as being dirty. Ironically, though, your washing machine, just like your dishwasher, air fryer and coffee maker, could use a cleaning every once in a while. Plus, cleaning a washing machine regularly helps it work better, according to Ryan Knoll, owner of home cleaning company TidyCasa.

In fact, “if you’ve ever run a cycle and your clothes still smell bad, [your washer] probably needs to be cleaned,” he says.

To learn more about how to clean a washing machine the right way, whether it’s a top loader or front loader, I spoke with Knoll and another cleaning expert for their guidance and the best products to help you do it.

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The best products for cleaning a washing machine

We’re going to break down the simple steps for cleaning a washing machine below. But first, we’re sharing the products that you’ll need to do the job. All of the products below are either direct recommendations from our experts and/or have at least a four-star average rating from 500 or more shoppers on Amazon.

These dissolving tablets from Affresh, which Knoll recommends, are easy to use to clean your washing machine. You simply add one tablet to the drum, whether it’s a top- or front-loading machine, and run it on a normal cycle with hot water. It helps remove mildew, grime and soap scum, which often forms if you have hard water.

The brand recommends only using one tablet a month, so a pack of 12 will last you the whole year. Shoppers say the tablets do a great job of keeping the machine smelling clean and they love the scent it leaves behind.

This washing machine cleaning powder comes in pre-portioned pouches. You can use one packet each month to clean your washer and get rid of odors. People who bought the cleaner say it does a thorough job of removing odors from their machine and that there isn’t any residual product after doing a cycle. According to Tide, it’s compatible with all types of washing machines.

This set comes with 24 washing machine cleaner tablets, which the brand recommends using twice a month. The tablets help remove bad smells and residue from things like hair, according to reviewers. They also help get rid of limescale from hard water and shoppers say they remove odors from the appliance.

Apple cider vinegar can do a lot of different things particularly when it comes to cleaning, including cleaning your washing machine and getting rid of odors. Knoll recommends using a cup of it to clean your machine, and then running one extra cycle to get rid of any residual vinegar. Unlike other store-bought cleaning products, it isn’t harsh and the hands and the smell doesn’t last for days.

This set of brushes includes one long-handled brush and one short-handled brush, both of which are angled at the end. Both brushes are great for cleaning the gasket of your washer, and the long-handled brush is also ideal for scrubbing small crevices around the agitator and detergent compartments of your machine.

How to clean a washing machine in 4 steps

Below are the best steps to take to clean your washing machine, according to Knoll and Becky Rapinchuck, the owner of cleaning brand Clean Mama.*

*Any product recommendations in this story were made independently of Rapinchuck, who we only consulted for guidance. We did not ask her for product recommendations.

Make sure your washing machine is completely empty. Remove any small debris that might be at the bottom of the washer drum (if it’s a top-loading machine) and be sure there aren’t any small pieces of debris hidden on the inside of the drum (if it’s a front loading washer).
If possible, remove the detergent and fabric softener compartments and the agitator (the thing in the middle that the clothes spin around on a top-loading washer) from the machine. Scrub them with water and mild dish soap, such as Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray, and let them dry. Alternatively, if the compartments aren’t removable, use a scrub brush or damp microfiber cloth with soap to wipe the compartments clean. If needed, use a small scrub brush to scrub away any residue. Put the compartments back into the machine.
For a front-loading washing machine: Open the door and remove the rubber gasket lining it. “Front loaders are especially prone to mildew and odor because water and moisture get trapped in the rubber gasket around the door,” says Rapinchuck. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe the gasket clean, making sure to get in crevices. If needed, use a small brush or toothbrush to scrub away any debris or slimy residue. Put the gasket back into the door. For a top-loading washing machine: Unlike front-loading washers, top-loading machines don’t have rubber gaskets lining the door. Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away any debris, such as dust and hair, from the lid.
Add a washing machine cleaning tablet, such as the Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner or Active Washing Machine Cleaner, a packet of powder washing machine detergent like the Tide Washing Machine Cleaner or one cup of apple cider vinegar to the drum of the washing machine. Run a regular cycle but use the hottest water setting available. Then, run one more cycle with hot water. Lastly, prop the lid or door open and let the machine air dry. Use a microfiber cloth with soap and water to wipe the exterior of the machine.

How often should you clean a washing machine?

You should clean your washing machine every one to four months, according to Knoll. If you have a front-loading machine you may want to clean it at least once a month since they tend to build up more residue, but it also depends on how often you do laundry and how large your loads are when you do.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, cleaning a washing machine regularly helps improve how well it works over time, according to Rapinchuck. “Buildup of detergent residue, hard-water minerals, and mildew reduces the machine’s cleaning performance and can strain the motor over time,” she says. “A clean machine runs more efficiently, cleans your clothes better, and lasts longer. You’ll also notice fewer odors in your laundry and the machine itself.”

Meet our cleaning experts

At NBC Selected, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

Ryan Knoll is the owner of home cleaning company TidyCasa
Becky Rapinchuck is the founder of cleaning brand and site Clean Mama.*

*Any product recommendations in this story were made independently of Rapinchuck, who we only consulted for guidance. We did not ask her for product recommendations.

Why trust NBC Selected?

I’m a commerce editor at NBC Selected, where I write about home, kitchen and cleaning appliances. I’ve written several guides on how to clean hardwood floors, stainless steel, coffee makers, air fryers, air conditioners and more. For this story, I interviewed multiple cleaning experts who are also the owners of home cleaning companies.