One popular question that the HouseCalls team has been fielding lately is: How do I clean my washing machine? It’s a great question—but our first response is always, well, it depends…do you have a front loader or a top loader?
What many people don’t realize is that the cleaning method depends entirely on the type of machine you own. In today’s tip, we’ll explain why that distinction matters and how to clean each type effectively.
Your washing machine is the unsung hero of household hygiene. It tackles sweaty gym clothes, muddy soccer uniforms, and the occasional forgotten load of towels. But here’s the irony: the very appliance that keeps your laundry fresh can start to smell musty and perform poorly if it’s not cleaned regularly. And when it comes to cleaning your washer, one size does not fit all.
Why Cleaning Your Washing Machine Matters
Before diving into the specifics, let’s address the elephant in the laundry room: Why clean a machine that’s constantly exposed to soap and water?
The answer is that over time, detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, hard water minerals, and even mold and mildew can accumulate in hidden crevices. This leads to foul odors, dingy clothes, and reduced efficiency. Regular cleaning not only improves performance but also extends the life of your appliance.
Top Loader vs. Front Loader: What’s the Difference?
Top-Loading Machines
Top loaders have a vertical drum and an agitator in the center. Water fills from the bottom, and clothes are submerged during the wash cycle. These machines tend to be more forgiving when it comes to cleaning, but they’re prone to residue buildup around the rim and under the agitator.
Common issues are soap scum around the lid and rim, mold under the agitator, and mineral deposits in the drum.
Front-Loading Machines
Front loaders use a horizontal drum and rely on tumbling action rather than an agitator. They use less water and are more energy-efficient, but they’re notorious for developing mold and mildew in the rubber door gasket.
Common issues are musty smells from trapped moisture, mold in the gasket, and detergent buildup in the dispenser drawer.
How to Clean a Top-Loading Washing Machine
The Deep Soak Method
If you own a top loader, you’ll want a deep soak with white vinegar and baking soda. This method is simple, effective, and uses ingredients you probably already have around the house.
What You’ll Need:
- 4 cups white distilled vinegar
- 1 cup baking soda
- A microfiber cloth
- An old toothbrush
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Fill the Drum with Hot Water
Set your machine to the largest load size and hottest water setting. Let it fill completely. - Add Vinegar and Baking Soda
Pour in 4 cups of white vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda. Let the machine agitate for a minute to mix. - Pause and Soak
Stop the cycle and let the solution sit for 1 hour. This gives the vinegar time to break down grime and kill bacteria. - Scrub the Rim and Lid
While soaking, dip a cloth in the solution and scrub around the lid, rim, and any crevices. Use a toothbrush for tight spots. - Restart and Finish the Cycle
After an hour, resume the cycle and let it complete. - Wipe Down the Drum
Once done, wipe the inside of the drum with a clean cloth to remove any loosened residue.
Bonus Tips:
Do this once a month to keep your top loader fresh and functioning at its best. If you live in an area with hard water, consider adding a rinse with citric acid every few months to combat mineral buildup.
On occasion, running a cycle with a mixture of borax and baking soda helps with odor and residue buildup in the drum and under the lid. This is best for heavy-duty grime and odor removal.
Combine 1 cup of borax with 1 cup of baking soda and run a hot cycle. Borax is a natural mineral that boosts cleaning power and helps eliminate mildew and detergent residue.
How to clean a Front-Loading Washing Machine
The Gasket Purge
Front loaders need extra attention around the rubber door gasket, where moisture and detergent residue love to hide. Our best tip is a targeted gasket purge using hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
What You’ll Need:
- ½ cup baking soda
- ½ cup hydrogen peroxide
- A spray bottle
- A microfiber cloth
- An old toothbrush
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Inspect the Gasket
Open the door and gently pull back the rubber seal. You’ll likely find grime, hair, and maybe even mold. - Apply the Cleaning Solution
Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle. Spray generously inside the gasket folds. - Scrub Thoroughly
Use a toothbrush to scrub the folds and crevices. Wipe away loosened debris with a cloth. - Run a Hot Wash Cycle
With the drum empty, run a hot water cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar added directly to the drum. This flushes out any remaining residue. - Dry the Gasket
After the cycle, wipe the gasket dry. Leave the door open for a few hours to air out.
Additionally, you’ll want to clean the drain filter. If your washer starts to smell or isn’t draining properly, check the filter first. Found at the bottom of most front loaders—clearing it monthly helps prevent odors and drainage issues.
What You’ll Need:
- A shallow pan or tray (to catch water)
- Old towels or rags
- A small brush or toothbrush
- Warm soapy water (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Locate the Drain Filter Access Panel
It’s usually at the bottom front of the machine, behind a small door or flap. You might need a flathead screwdriver or just your fingers to open it. Always consult your machine’s manual—some models have slightly different setups. - Prepare for Water Drainage
Place a shallow pan or tray under the panel. Lay towels around the area—some water will likely spill out when you remove the filter. - Unscrew the Filter Cap
Turn the filter knob counterclockwise slowly. Water will begin to drain, so go gradually to control the flow. - Remove and Inspect the Filter
Once the water stops, pull out the filter. You’ll likely find lint, coins, hairpins, or other debris. Remove everything and rinse the filter in warm soapy water. - Clean the Filter Housing
Use a cloth or brush to clean inside the filter cavity. Wipe away any gunk or residue. - Reinsert the Filter
Screw the filter back in tightly. Make sure it’s secure to prevent leaks. - Close the Access Panel
Snap or screw the panel back into place.
To prevent future buildup, keep the door open between washes and wipe the gasket dry after each use. You can also place a moisture-absorbing packet (like silica gel) inside the drum when not in use.
Bonus Tips:
Clean the Dispenser Drawer
Both top and front loaders have detergent dispensers that can get gunky over time. Remove the drawer (if possible), soak it in warm soapy water, and scrub with a toothbrush. Rinse and dry before reinserting.
Leave the Door Open After Each Wash Prevents moisture buildup and mildew in the gasket.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
Here’s a general guideline:
Task | Frequency |
| Deep soak method (top loaders) | Monthly |
| Gasket purge (front loaders) | Biweekly |
| Dispenser drawer clean | Monthly |
| Clean Drain filter | Monthly |
| Wipe exterior and controls | Weekly |
Consistency is key. Set a recurring calendar reminder or pair it with another monthly chore like changing your HVAC filter.
So next time you toss in a load of laundry, ask yourself: When was the last time I cleaned the machine itself?
Your washing machine works hard. It deserves a little TLC in return. Whether you have a top loader or a front loader, the key is regular, targeted cleaning that addresses the unique challenges of each design.
By following these tips, you'll notice your laundry smells fresher, your machine runs more efficiently, and you're less likely to encounter mechanical issues—all while gaining the peace of mind that your clothes are genuinely clean.
