A clean washing machine is essential in keeping your clothes fresh and your appliance working properly. Over time, detergent residue, limescale, and moisture can build up inside the drum, seals, and drawer.
This often leads to bad smells and less effective washing results. Regular cleaning helps prevent these issues and promotes better hygiene. With consistent care, you can improve performance and help your washing machine last longer.
In this blog, we’ll cover simple methods, everyday products, and easy routines to maintain your machine.
Let’s start!
How Often Should a Washing Machine Be Cleaned?
Regular cleaning of your washing machine is essential to keep it working properly and to maintain good laundry hygiene. Most households benefit from a thorough clean every one to three months, although this can vary depending on how frequently the machine is used.
Ongoing cleaning helps reduce the build-up of detergent residue, fabric softener, and dirt that can lead to unpleasant smells. It also limits the warning signs of mould and bacteria developing inside the drum and seals.
Running an occasional high-temperature cycle with a suitable cleaner keeps internal parts fresh. Consistent care can also support better performance and extend the life of the appliance over time.
What Are The Essential Areas to Clean for a Hygienic Washing Machine?
Keeping on top of key cleaning tasks helps your appliance run efficiently and prevents unpleasant odours or residue build-up over time.
1. Cleaning the Drum
The drum is where dirt, detergent residue, and bacteria tend to build up unnoticed. Running a regular empty hot wash helps flush out grime and keeps laundry smelling fresh.
Occasional deep cleaning reduces mould growth and supports better wash performance. A clean drum also helps extend machine life.
2. Caring for the Door Seal
The rubber seal around the door often traps moisture, lint, and detergent. Over time, this can lead to bad smells and mould if ignored.
Wiping it down regularly and drying the folds helps prevent residue build-up. Keeping the seal clean improves hygiene and stops odours from transferring to clothes.
3. Wiping Down the Exterior
The outside of the machine collects dust, splashes, and detergent marks during everyday use. Gentle cleaning with a damp cloth keeps it looking tidy and well maintained.
Buttons, dials, and edges benefit from regular attention. A clean exterior also prevents dirt from being transferred back onto clean laundry.
4. Using Self-Clean or Hot Cycles
Many machines include a dedicated cleaning cycle designed to remove bacteria and residue. Using this feature periodically helps maintain internal cleanliness.
If unavailable, an empty hot wash achieves a similar result. This step is key when following best practice for how to clean a washing machine.
5. Washing the Detergent Drawer
Detergent drawers often clog with powder and liquid residue. Removing and rinsing the drawer prevents blockages and improves detergent flow.
Regular cleaning also reduces mould and stale smells. A clean drawer supports more effective washing results.
6. Checking and Cleaning the Filter
The filter traps debris like lint and small objects during wash cycles. Cleaning it every few months prevents drainage issues and unpleasant smells.
A blocked filter can affect performance and cause water build-up. Regular checks help keep the machine running smoothly and safely.
How to Clean a Washing Machine Using Everyday Household Items?
You can keep your appliance fresh and hygienic without relying on strong or costly chemicals. Simple products found in most homes are often enough to tackle odours, residue, and build-up when used correctly.
1. White Vinegar
White vinegar is effective at breaking down limescale and lingering smells inside the machine. Running an empty hot cycle with vinegar helps clean the drum and internal parts.
It also supports better hygiene by reducing bacteria. This is a common method recommended when learning how to clean a washing machine safely at home.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda works well for lifting residue and neutralising unpleasant odours. Used during a hot empty wash, it helps freshen the drum and internal surfaces.
It is particularly useful where detergent build-up is present. Regular use supports a cleaner, better-performing machine.
3. Dish Soap
Dish soap is useful for cleaning removable parts like the detergent drawer. A mild solution helps loosen grease and residue that can block proper detergent flow.
Gentle scrubbing keeps these areas clean without causing damage. This helps prevent smells and improves overall washing results.
Conclusion
Keeping your washing machine clean is essential for fresh laundry, reliable performance, and a longer appliance lifespan. Regular maintenance of the drum, door seals, detergent drawer, and filter helps prevent odours, mould, and residue build-up. Using simple household products and following routine cleaning steps can make a noticeable difference, while knowing when to seek professional help ensures deeper issues are properly addressed.
By staying consistent with cleaning and care, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your machine working efficiently. If you would rather leave the job to experienced professionals, contact Perfect Clean today to book a thorough washing machine cleaning service and enjoy complete peace of mind.
