{"id":907,"date":"2018-08-27T10:00:46","date_gmt":"2018-08-27T09:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.laundryheap.com/blog\/?p=907"},"modified":"2026-10-27T07:56:07","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T07:56:07","slug":"how-to-clean-your-washing-machine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.laundryheap.com/blog\/how-to-clean-your-washing-machine\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Clean a Washing Machine: Drum, Seal, Drawer and Filter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In order to clean a washing machine, first read the process in your manual clean the accessible detergent drawer and door seal, check any user-accessible filter, and then run the recommended empty cleaning cycle. The right process and cleaning product depend on your model. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you smell mustiness or feel residue, you may wonder if another wash will help. Best to check the parts individually before you put a mix of cleaners into the drum. This guide tells you what to clean, how to clean each part and when a persistent problem needs professional attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before You Start<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Check your machine\u2019s model number and cleaning instructions. Read about what parts you can remove, how to disconnect the appliance safely and whether the cleaning process needs a product. Gather a soft cloth and soft brush, towels to catch spills, a shallow container if the filter instructions require draining and a washing-machine cleaner only if your manufacturer recommends one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep hands-on cleaning separate from the powered cleaning cycle. Unplug and turn off the machine and remove any accessible parts as described in the manual. Don’t plug it back in until you’ve got everything back in place correctly and are ready to run the program. Do not mix any cleaning products and never combine bleach with vinegar or other cleaners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use this drawer, seal, filter, cycle checklist to keep track:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Part<\/th>What to check<\/th>Before moving on<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Drawer<\/td>Residue and removable inserts<\/td>Refit correctly<\/td><\/tr>
Door seal<\/td>Accessible folds and trapped items<\/td>Wipe dry<\/td><\/tr>
Accessible filter<\/td>Debris and retained water<\/td>Secure the cap<\/td><\/tr>
Drum<\/td>Correct cleaning programme<\/td>Remove all laundry<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to Clean the Washing Machine Drawer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Check whether your detergent drawer is removable. Some drawers have a release tab, while automatic dispensers can have different cleaning requirements. If the drawer resists, do not pull harder. For a conventional removable drawer, follow these steps where your manual allows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Release and remove the drawer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Remove any inserts identified as removable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Rinse the washable components to loosen residue.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Use a soft brush on accessible corners and compartments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Wipe the accessible drawer recess without spraying water into the machine.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Dry and refit the components as instructed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Automatic dosing systems may require a separate procedure. Samsung<\/a>, for example, gives specific instructions for cleaning its automatic dispenser and warns against spraying water into the recess. Follow the instructions for your dispenser rather than treating every drawer alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How to Clean the Washing Machine Seal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    With the machine switched off and unplugged, inspect the rubber seal around the door. Look for visible residue and trapped objects in folds you can reach without dismantling anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Remove loose items carefully.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Wipe accessible surfaces with a soft, damp cloth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Use a cleaner only if your manufacturer approves it for the seal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Wipe away any remaining product as directed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Dry the accessible surfaces.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Avoid sharp tools, abrasive scrubbing and pulling the seal away from its fittings. If dark marks remain, do not keep increasing the cleaner\u2019s strength or assume stronger scrubbing will solve them. Ask the manufacturer for advice if the rubber looks cracked, distorted or damaged, or if staining persists after the recommended cleaning method. Samsung\u2019s maintenance guidance supports regularly checking the seal for trapped objects and wiping away residue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How to Clean the Washing Machine Drum<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      A maintenance wash is an empty process that cleans the machine. Depending on the model, it may be called Drum Clean, Tub Clean or a service wash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Check the programme instructions before adding ananything to the wash. Some cycles need an approved cleaner, while others run without one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      To clean the drum:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      1. Remove all clothes and loose objects.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Check that any parts you cleaned are correctly refitted.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Add a cleaner only if the programme instructions require it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. Select the recommended cleaning programme.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      5. Let it finish, then follow the instructions for wiping or drying accessible surfaces.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        If your machine has no dedicated cleaning cycle, consult its manual or manufacturer. Do not choose the hottest programme simply because it sounds more thorough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Skip the blanket vinegar recipe. Bosch advises against vinegar because it may degrade rubber components over time. A popular household ingredient is not automatically suitable for your appliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        How to Clean the Washing Machine Filter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        First, establish whether your machine has a user-accessible drain filter. Its position, removal method and draining procedure vary. Do not remove panels or disconnect hoses to search for one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        For a filter, the manual allows you to clean:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        1. Let any hot water cool.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Switch off and unplug the machine as instructed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. Put towels and a shallow container in position.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        4. Drain retained water using the specified procedure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        5. Open the filter only when the instructions say it is safe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        6. Remove accessible debris and clean the removable filter as directed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        7. Refit the filter and any drain-hose cap securely.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        8. Follow the manual\u2019s restart procedure and check for leaks.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Do not keep adding different products when the first clean does not solve the problem. Persistent odours, drainage difficulties or leaks deserve further investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          If your machine is unavailable, Laundryheap can help with the clothes while you arrange the next step. Appliance maintenance and laundry cleaning are separate jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          What Changes for a Top-loading Washing Machine?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          A top-loader may have different dispensers, a lid instead of a front door seal, and a different filter arrangement. Use only the earlier instructions that match its design. Look for a Tub Clean programme and check if it requires a cleaner. LG\u2019s top-loader guidance, for example, describes a dedicated programme with an appropriate tub-cleaning product. This differs from processes designed to run without added products. Clean accessible dispensers and lint filters according to the manual. Do not remove an agitator, impeller or cabinet panel unless the manufacturer explicitly identifies that task as user maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"woman
          Photo by Helena Lopes on Pexels.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          How to Clean a Smelly Washing Machine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Check which accessible area still needs attention before repeating the cleaning cycle. The table below helps organise those checks; it does not diagnose a fault.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Problem<\/th>What to check<\/th>Next step<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
          Residue remains in the drawer<\/td>Compartments and removable inserts<\/td>Repeat the approved drawer-cleaning method<\/td><\/tr>
          Dirt remains around the door<\/td>Accessible seal folds<\/td>Wipe and dry as instructed<\/td><\/tr>
          Smell remains after drum cleaning<\/td>Other maintenance tasks in the manual<\/td>Complete any missed checks<\/td><\/tr>
          Water does not drain normally<\/td>Manual\u2019s drainage guidance<\/td>Check an accessible filter only if instructed<\/td><\/tr>
          Smells continue with leaks or errors<\/td>Manufacturer\u2019s troubleshooting advice<\/td>Arrange support or inspection<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          Do not keep adding different products when the first clean does not solve the problem. Persistent odours, drainage difficulties or leaks deserve further investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          If your machine is unavailable, Laundryheap can help with the clothes while you arrange the next step. Appliance maintenance and laundry cleaning are separate jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Follow your model\u2019s maintenance schedule and any cleaning reminders. There is no single interval that applies to every machine. For example, Samsung describes an ECO DRUM CLEAN+ reminder after 40 washes on relevant models. Bosch\u2019s UK guidance recommends its tested washing-machine cleaner every three months. These are manufacturer-specific examples, not interchangeable schedules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Between scheduled cleans:<\/p>\n\n\n\n