How to Clean a Washing Machine Properly

Your washing machine is one of the hardest working appliances in your kitchen. It cleans your clothes all year round.

But it does not clean itself. 

Over time, it accumulates grime, soap scum, and limescale. 

If you neglect it, your clothes will start to smell musty.

Read on to learn about how to clean it.

Why is my washing machine leaving marks on my clothes?

The main causes of stains on clean laundry are: 

• Built-up grease
• Mould
• Fabric softener residue.

When you run low-temperature washes, detergents and body oils fail to dissolve completely.They can form a sticky film inside the drum and door seal. 

This residue eventually breaks loose during a cycle and comes into contact with your clothes.

How to remove soap scum from your washing machine

The DIY way to remove soap scum is to run an empty hot cycle using white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda:

• Add the bicarbonate of soda first: Pour half a cup directly into the empty drum. Run a short hot cycle, then pause.
• Add the white vinegar: Pour two cups directly into the drum (or the detergent drawer for a second cycle). Run another hot cycle at 60°C or higher.

Running them separately means each agent does its job at full strength. The bicarbonate deodorises, then the vinegar breaks down the remaining soap scum and limescale.

Otherwise, they might neutralise each other in a fizz before the wash begins.

Another way is to use a commercial washing machine cleaner. Simply follow the packet instructions and run an empty hot wash. Many typically involve running an empty hot wash with a pre-made powder.

Washing machine maintenance wash

A maintenance wash is an empty hot wash run once a month at 60°C or higher.

Doing this regularly is a vital way to prevent bacterial growth and grease build-up. It flushes out the internal pipes and crevices that colder washes (under 40°C) don’t fully clean. 

Ultimately, it’s a simple habit that prevents expensive emergency call-out fees.

How to deep clean your washing machine

A complete deep clean requires targeting four key areas. Before you begin, gather:

• White vinegar
• Bicarbonate of soda
• A soft cloth
• An old toothbrush.

1. Detergent drawer

Detergent drawers can become breeding grounds for black mould and congealed soap. 

They trap leftover water with virtually no airflow to dry it out, and residue from detergent and softener builds up on the surfaces every wash. 

That combination of standing moisture and organic residue is exactly what mould needs to establish itself.

• Pull the drawer out completely
• Soak it in warm, soapy water for ten minutes
• Scrub away any slimy residue and mould using an old toothbrush
• Wipe out the drawer slot before replacing the dry drawer.

2. Rubber door seal

The seal’s folds are needed to create a watertight closure, but they also trap water, lint, and organic debris after every wash. Like the drawer, poor airflow fails to dry them out and trapped moisture and residue helps mould thrive.

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a bowl 
• Wipe the seal down thoroughly with a damp cloth
• Peel back the rubber folds to clean out hidden crevices
• Apply a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water if you spot black mildew.

3. Washing machine drum

The metal drum looks clean, but bacteria and grease hide behind the drum holes.

Run the vinegar and bicarbonate of soda cycle as detailed in the soap scum section.

And leave the washing machine door open for a few hours afterward to let the interior dry completely.

4. Drain filter

A clogged filter slows down drainage and can cause your machine to leak. 

Unlike mould, this one’s more mechanical: a clogged filter blocks proper drainage, and the resulting backed-up water and pressure often finds its way out through the nearest weak point.

• Locate the filter flap at the bottom front of your machine
• Place a shallow bowl and towel on the floor to catch escaping water
• Unscrew the filter slowly and let the trapped water drain
• Clear out coins, hair, and fluff before rinsing the filter in warm water.

Simple habits to prevent future grease and smells

Preventing grime from returning is much easier than scrubbing it away. These simple habits will help keep your washing machine fresh:

Provide ventilation

Leave the machine door and detergent drawer open after every wash to let air circulate. And (weather permitted) leave nearby windows open.

Remove laundry quickly

Take wet clothes out of the drum immediately to stop them (and the washing machine) starting to smell musty. 

If you aren’t likely to be within earshot of your washing machine’s cycle finishing, set alarms to remind yourself.

Measure detergent carefully

Avoid using too much soap, as excess detergent creates congealed grease and scum.

Run occasional hot washes

Ensure you run at least one cycle at 60°C or above every month to flush the system. 

Most daily washes at 30–40°C aren’t hot enough to fully dissolve detergent residue or kill bacteria and mould.

Consider washing machine cover

Washing machine cover can help give you peace of mind, especially if your washing machine has gone beyond its warranty period or if you’re a landlord.

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