How to Clean Washer | Restore Freshness Fast

For the full breakdown, see our best Cleaning Washer guide.

A smelly washer isn’t a lost cause—it’s a maintenance gap. The fix is a straightforward cleaning routine that takes roughly an hour and uses supplies you likely already have. Below is the exact process for front-load and top-load machines, including what to use, what to skip, and where to check after the cycle finishes.

Run The Cleaning Cycle (Or The Hottest, Longest Empty Cycle)

The fastest route is your machine’s own cleaning cycle—many newer models have a dedicated sanitize or tub-clean setting. Good Housekeeping confirms that if your washer has one, follow that program and use the manufacturer’s approved cleaner or the method below. If it doesn’t, select the hottest water, longest duration, and heaviest soil setting for an empty load.

What Cleaning Agent To Choose

You have three effective options, each with a specific dose and procedure:

• Bleach: Add ½ cup liquid chlorine bleach to the bleach dispenser or directly to the drum’s max-fill line. Run one full hot cycle, then follow with an extra rinse-and-spin to remove all bleach residue. Best for killing mold and sanitizing the drum.
• White vinegar then baking soda: Pour 3 to 4 cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser or directly into the drum. Run the hottest, longest cycle, pausing it at the fill stage for about 30 minutes to let the vinegar soak. After the pause, add ½ cup baking soda to the drum and let the cycle finish. This method dissolves mineral deposits and deodorizes without harsh fumes.
• Manufacturer-approved tablet or powder: Follow the package directions for your specific brand. These are formulated to avoid residue that some DIY cleaners can leave.

Critical warning: Never mix bleach and vinegar in the same cycle—the combination produces toxic chlorine gas. Use one or the other.

Hand-Clean The Gasket, Dispenser, And Filter

The cleaning cycle handles the drum, but the hidden spots where mold thrives need manual attention. For front-loaders, the rubber door gasket is the prime culprit—pull it back, wipe the entire seal with a microfiber cloth or old towel, and dry it thoroughly. Leave the door open after every wash to let the interior dry completely.

Remove the detergent and fabric softener dispenser drawer—most pull straight out after pressing a release tab or latch. Disassemble it if possible, rinse every piece under hot water, scrub crevices with a soft toothbrush, and let everything air-dry before reinstalling. This is where old softener and detergent congeal into black slime.

Front-load machines also have a drain filter behind a small front-access panel near the floor. Place a shallow bowl or tray underneath before opening it (water will spill out). Remove the filter, rinse it under hot water, scrub off any debris, and twist it back into place. If you own a top-loader, check the lid rim, the agitator (or impeller), and the area where the lid meets the body—residue collects there just as readily.

What To Avoid (Common Mistakes)

• Don’t put laundry detergent, fabric softener, or clothes inside during a cleaning cycle—the cleaning agents need the machine empty to work.
• Don’t skip the extra rinse after bleach—residual bleach can damage seals and irritate skin.
• Don’t close the door or lid immediately after cleaning. Leave it ajar until the interior is completely dry.
• Don’t ignore the filter area just because it’s inconvenient—it’s often the source of drainage smell.
• Don’t use too much vinegar or baking soda. More isn’t better: excess can leave its own residue.

FAQs

How often should I clean my washing machine?

Once per month for a front-loader used regularly; every two months for a top-loader used at similar frequency. If you notice a musty smell or visible mold on the gasket sooner, clean it immediately.

Can I use vinegar and bleach in the same load?

No. Mixing bleach and vinegar creates toxic chlorine gas, which is hazardous to breathe. Use only one cleaning agent per cleaning cycle—choose bleach for heavy-duty sanitizing or vinegar for gentle deodorizing.

Why does my front-loader smell even after cleaning?

Most often the smell comes from the rubber door gasket where water pools after a wash. Make sure you pull the gasket back and dry it thoroughly with a cloth after every cleaning cycle, and leave the door open between washes. A clogged drain filter can also trap standing water that breeds odor.