Cleaning a washing machine properly means running an empty tub on its cleaning cycle or hottest setting, wiping the gasket and dispensers, and leaving the door open to dry.
That musty smell coming from your washer isn’t a reason to replace it — it’s a sign the drum, door seal, and detergent drawer have built up residue. Whether you own a top-load or front-load model, the core process stays the same: remove everything, use only the manufacturer-approved cleaner, and give the tub a full empty cycle. Below is the order that works for nearly every machine.
Ready The Machine And Pick One Cleaner
Empty the drum completely, including loose items like socks or pet hair. Never mix cleaning agents — pick one route: a cleaning tablet, liquid chlorine bleach, or white vinegar. Combining them can create fumes or damage the tub’s finish.
Check your manual for a dedicated cycle. Samsung models use Self Clean or Self Clean+, while others offer Pure Cycle or Basket Clean.
For the tablet method, drop the tablet directly into the empty drum, close the door, and start the cleaning cycle. If using bleach, pour it into the detergent compartment up to the max line or add one cup to the drum — but start the cycle immediately so it never sits in the machine.
Run The Cleaning Cycle And Follow Up With A Rinse
Select Self Clean, Basket Clean, or the hottest regular cycle and press Start. This is normal — the extended time is what dissolves residue and kills mildew.
If the manufacturer recommends a follow-up rinse, don’t skip it. Run Rinse+Spin or a second quick wash to flush out any remaining cleaner, especially after using bleach.
While the drum handles itself, wipe the exterior with a soft damp cloth. A small amount of mild detergent on a clean microfiber cloth removes fingerprints and sticky spots without scratching the finish.
Wipe The Gasket, Dispensers, And Removable Parts
After the cycle finishes, the real buildup work begins. Pull back the rubber door gasket on front-load washers — this fold traps water, lint, and soap scum, and it’s the main source of that sour odor. Wipe it dry with a cloth, paying attention to the inner grooves.
Remove the detergent drawer and wash it in a sink with warm water and mild soap. Do the same for any removable filter or bleach dispenser cup. If your top-load washer has a removable agitator, take it out and wash it too; these parts collect residue that a plain empty cycle can’t reach.
Take a vacuum to the area around, under, and behind the machine. Dust and lint gathering there can get pulled into the motor vents over time. Finish by leaving the door or lid open — a cracked door is the single best habit for preventing mildew growth between cleanings.
How Often Should You Clean It And What Should You Avoid?
Run a cleaning cycle once a month if you do more than a few loads weekly, or every other month for lighter use. Between cleanings, wipe the door seal dry after each load and keep the door ajar. If you’re shopping for a dedicated product, our tested roundup of the best cleaner for washing machine covers which tablets and liquids actually cut through residue without harming the tub.
| Mistake | Why It’s A Problem | The Right Move |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing bleach and vinegar | Creates toxic chlorine gas | Stick to one cleaner per cycle |
| Leaving bleach in the dispenser | Can corrode plastic parts | Start the cycle immediately |
| Ignoring the door gasket | Mildew thrives in the damp fold | Wipe it dry after every load |
| Using harsh sprays on the exterior | Can strip the finish | Mild detergent on a damp cloth |
| Closing the door right after cleaning | Traps moisture and causes mold | Leave it ajar until fully dry |
Clean drain filters regularly and wipe the seals with diluted bleach occasionally, ensuring they’re dry before the next load — this simple routine is what keeps a washer fresh for years.
References & Sources
- Bosch Home. “Cleaning the Washing Machine.” Official steps for cleaning cycles, bleach use, and gasket care.
- Samsung. “How to Run Self Clean or Basket Clean on Your Washing Machine.” Details on Self Clean cycle steps and follow-up rinse guidance.
- Wirecutter (NYTimes). “How to Clean Your Washing Machine.” Independent guidance on monthly cleaning habits and door maintenance.
FAQs
Can I use vinegar instead of a cleaning tablet?
Yes, white vinegar works as an alternative. Pour one cup directly into the drum and run the machine’s hottest, longest cycle. It breaks down soap scum and neutralizes odors without the chemicals found in commercial cleaners, though it’s less effective on hard-water mineral buildup.
Why does my washer still smell after cleaning?
A lingering odor usually means the door gasket or detergent drawer wasn’t wiped dry. Moisture trapped in these areas breeds mildew within days. Clean them thoroughly, leave the door open, and run the cleaning cycle again — if the smell persists, check your drain filter for clogs.
Is the self-clean cycle actually worth running?
Yes, when your model has one. The extended runtime — up to four hours on some front-loaders — is what dissolves residue that a regular cycle can’t remove. It also flushes the internal hoses, which is something no amount of manual wiping can accomplish.