How to Clean a Washing Machine the Right Way

To clean a standard top-load clothes washer, ensure there is no laundry in it and no detergent or fabric softener in any dispenser. Do not add any detergent to the washer during this process.

1. Fill the Washer With Hot Water

   Use the washer settings to fill the drum of the washer with hot water, stopping it before it agitates. Use the hottest temperature setting on your machine.

2. Add Chlorine Bleach

   Add 1 quart of chlorine bleach to the hot water, but no detergent.

3. Run a Complete Wash and Spin Cycle

   Allow the washer to run through its longest wash and spin cycle so that it goes through a complete rinse and drain. Make sure the bleach is completely removed before the next step.

4. Fill Again With Hot Water

   Use the washer settings to fill the drum of the washer with hot water, stopping it before it agitates.

5. Add Distilled White Vinegar

   Add 1 quart of distilled white vinegar to the hot water.

6. Run a Complete Wash and Spin Cycle

   Run the longest wash and spin cycle again and allow the washer to rinse and drain.

How to Clean a Front-Load Washer

Front-load washers need a little different cleaning technique because they not only harbor soil but can develop bad odors that transfer to clothes. Follow these tips to both remove the dirt buildup and the mold and mildew that can form from using too much detergent and fabric softener and too much moisture remaining in the machine after each use.

1. Add Chlorine Bleach to the Dispensers

   Add 1/2 cup of liquid chlorine bleach to the detergent compartment of the dispenser drawer. Next, fill the bleach dispenser compartment with chlorine bleach to the highest level.

2. Run a Normal Cycle

   Set the washer to the normal cycle setting with warm water and allow the machine to run a complete cycle.

3. Wipe Seals and Door

   When the cycle is complete, use a soft, absorbent cloth to dry around the washer door opening, flexible gasket, and door glass. This will help ensure any mold residue (which would be killed by the bleach) is removed.

How to Clean Washer Dispensers

Newer washers have handy built-in dispensers for detergent, fabric softener, and bleach. These need to be cleaned regularly so they dispense accurately. Too much detergent causes overflowing suds; too much fabric softener can leave blue or greasy-looking spots on clothing and bleach can actually ruin colored clothing.

1. Empty the Washer

   Be sure the washer is empty of laundry.

2. Heat the Vinegar

   Heat one cup of white vinegar in the microwave or in a small saucepan.

3. Clean the Dispenser

   Pour the heated vinegar into the dispenser and allow it to sit for a few minutes to loosen any buildup. You can also use one full cup of hydrogen peroxide instead.

4. Run the Washer Through a Normal Cycle

   Next, run the machine using a normal cycle. The vinegar will be dispensed into the wash water, where it will help remove any buildup before being rinsed away.

5. Clean the Removable Dispensers

   If you have removable dispensers, they can be submerged in warm vinegar and then rinsed with clear water and replaced in the machine.

Tips to Keep Your Clothes Washer Clean Longer

• Leave the lid of a top-load washer open after you have run a load. This allows the drum and seals to dry out and lessen the risk of growing mold and mildew.
• After washing heavily-soiled clothing, wipe the drum with a nonabrasive household cleanser and then rinse thoroughly with water. Or, repeat the entire cleaning cycle using chlorine bleach.
• Little brown spots on your laundry may be rust from your washer. Use a flashlight to check your washer basket carefully for chips in the finish. You can either replace the washer basket (which is expensive) or get a kit to repair and repaint the porcelain coating. Follow directions carefully, and you may be able to get a few more years from your washer.
• Never store or place laundry products on top of the washer at any time. Spills can damage the finish or electronic controls.