How to clean a washing machine (2026)
Quick Answer
To clean a washing machine, empty it, clean the detergent drawer and door seal, clear the pump filter if your model has a user-accessible one, then run the machine’s cleaning cycle or the hottest maintenance wash recommended in the manual with a suitable washing machine cleaner. Finish by wiping the drum and leaving the door and dispenser open to dry. Regular cleaning helps remove detergent residue, lint and biofilm that cause smells, poor washing results and drainage problems.
Overview
A washing machine cleans clothes, but it also collects detergent residue, fabric fibres, body oils and moisture. Over time, that build-up can lead to musty smells, marks on laundry, blocked filters and poor draining. Routine cleaning is straightforward if you follow the order that makes sense: remove loose residue first, clean the parts that trap water and detergent, then run a maintenance cycle to flush the inside of the machine. Front-loading and top-loading machines need broadly similar care, but front loaders usually need more attention to the door seal and detergent drawer, while some models also have a drain pump filter that needs periodic cleaning. The safest approach is to follow your machine manufacturer’s instructions first, especially for the recommended cleaning cycle, cleaner type and any filter access. Avoid mixing cleaning products, and do not assume every home remedy is suitable for every machine. For ongoing care, wipe damp areas after washes, use the correct amount of detergent for your machine and water conditions, and leave the door and dispenser ajar when practical so moisture can escape. If the machine still smells, leaks, fails to drain or shows an error after cleaning, the issue may be mechanical rather than a housekeeping problem.
Who this is for
Householders who want to maintain a front-loading or top-loading washing machine and reduce smells, residue and minor drainage issues.
What you’ll need
- Manufacturer manual or official care instructions for your model
- Soft cloths or microfibre cloths
- Warm water
- Mild washing-up liquid if permitted by the manufacturer
- A soft brush such as an old toothbrush
- A washing machine cleaner suitable for your machine, if recommended
- A shallow tray, towel or bowl for any water released from the pump filter
- Gloves if using cleaning products
Before you start
Check the user manual for your model’s cleaning programme, detergent drawer removal method and whether the pump filter is user-serviceable. Unplug the machine before cleaning removable parts or opening a filter area, and make sure the drum is empty. If you suspect an electrical fault, a major leak, a burning smell or a seized drum, stop and arrange professional repair rather than attempting deeper disassembly.
Step-by-step
- 1
Empty the machine and inspect problem areas
Remove all laundry and check the drum, door glass, rubber seal, detergent drawer and any visible filter flap for residue, lint, mould spots or trapped items such as coins and hair grips.
Why: A quick inspection shows where build-up is forming and helps you remove objects that can block drains, damage the pump or mark clothes.
- 2
Clean the detergent drawer
Take out the dispenser drawer if your model allows it. Rinse it under warm water, loosen residue with a soft brush and wipe the drawer housing where detergent and conditioner collect. Refit it properly once clean.
Why: Drawer residue can harbour mould and stop detergent and softener dispensing correctly.
- 3
Wipe the door seal and door area
Pull back the folds of the rubber door seal on front loaders and wipe away moisture, lint and grime with a cloth. Clean the door glass and the area around the opening. Remove any small objects trapped in the seal.
Why: The seal traps water and debris, making it a common source of odours, mildew and leaks.
- 4
Clean the pump filter if the machine has a user-accessible one
Place towels and a shallow container under the filter access area. Open it carefully, drain any trapped water slowly if the design allows, then remove lint and foreign objects from the filter. Refit the filter securely according to the manual.
Why: A blocked filter can cause poor drainage, bad smells, longer cycles and pump strain.
- 5
Run the machine’s cleaning cycle or a maintenance wash
Use the dedicated tub-clean or drum-clean cycle if your machine has one. If it does not, use the maintenance wash the manufacturer recommends, following the label directions for any approved washing machine cleaner. Do not add laundry.
Why: A hot cleaning programme helps dissolve and flush away internal residue that wiping alone cannot reach.
- 6
Wipe down and air-dry
When the cycle finishes, wipe the drum, door seal and door glass again. Leave the door and detergent drawer ajar for a while so moisture can escape.
Why: Drying the damp areas helps stop fresh mould and odour build-up from returning quickly.
- 7
Set a routine to prevent repeat build-up
After regular washes, remove visible lint, leave the machine open to dry when safe to do so, and use detergent in line with the product and machine guidance. Clean the drawer and seal regularly, and check the filter at the interval recommended by the manufacturer or sooner if drainage slows.
Why: Preventive care is easier than dealing with heavy residue, recurring smells or blocked drainage later.
Why this works
Washing machine odours and performance issues are usually caused by a mix of trapped moisture, detergent residue, fabric fibres and organic soils. Physical cleaning removes the deposits from places where water stagnates, while a manufacturer-approved cleaning cycle helps flush the hidden internal pathways, drum and outer tub surfaces.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using more detergent than needed, which increases residue build-up
- Forgetting to clean behind the door seal and inside the dispenser housing
- Opening the pump filter without protecting the floor from trapped water
- Mixing cleaning chemicals or using products not recommended for the machine
- Skipping the manual and forcing parts that are designed to release in a specific way
- Shutting the door and drawer immediately after washing so moisture stays trapped
Troubleshooting
Machine still smells after cleaning
Repeat the cleaning routine, paying closer attention to the seal, drawer housing and filter, then review detergent use and drying habits. If the smell persists, check the drain hose routing and consult the manufacturer or a repairer.
Water stays in the drum or cycles end very wet
Check for a blocked pump filter if your model has one and make sure the drain hose is not kinked. If the machine still does not drain properly, arrange service.
Black marks or grime keep appearing on the seal
Clean the seal more frequently, wipe it dry after use and leave the door ajar when practical. Persistent mould staining may not fully disappear even after cleaning.
Detergent drawer fills with slime or powder deposits
Remove and clean the drawer and housing more often, and make sure detergent type and quantity match the machine and water conditions.
Leak appears after cleaning the filter
Turn the machine off and check that the filter is seated and tightened correctly according to the manual. If leaking continues, stop using the machine and get professional help.
Compare your options
Manufacturer-approved washing machine cleaner
Best for: Routine internal cleaning with the least guesswork
Pros: Designed for the appliance, straightforward to use, aligns with many manufacturer instructions
Cons: Requires buying a dedicated product and following label directions carefully
Manual cleaning of drawer, seal and filter plus a maintenance wash
Best for: Visible residue, lint and minor odours
Pros: Targets the areas most likely to harbour build-up, low equipment needs
Cons: Takes a little more hands-on time and may not solve mechanical problems
Professional service cleaning and diagnosis
Best for: Persistent smells, drainage issues, leaks or repeated errors
Pros: Can identify hidden faults as well as clean inaccessible parts safely
Cons: Costs more than routine DIY care and may not be necessary for simple maintenance
| Option | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer-approved washing machine cleaner | Routine internal cleaning with the least guesswork | Designed for the appliance, straightforward to use, aligns with many manufacturer instructions | Requires buying a dedicated product and following label directions carefully |
| Manual cleaning of drawer, seal and filter plus a maintenance wash | Visible residue, lint and minor odours | Targets the areas most likely to harbour build-up, low equipment needs | Takes a little more hands-on time and may not solve mechanical problems |
| Professional service cleaning and diagnosis | Persistent smells, drainage issues, leaks or repeated errors | Can identify hidden faults as well as clean inaccessible parts safely | Costs more than routine DIY care and may not be necessary for simple maintenance |
Alternatives
- Use the machine’s built-in tub-clean or drum-clean programme if available instead of choosing a standard cycle yourself
- Book a professional appliance service if smell or poor drainage returns quickly after proper cleaning
Pro tips
- Wipe the door seal after the last wash of the day if moisture tends to collect there
- Check pockets before washing to reduce blockages from coins, tissues and hairpins
- Use the right detergent for the machine type, especially for high-efficiency models
- If you mostly wash at low temperatures, routine maintenance cleaning becomes more important
- Keep the area around the machine dry so you can spot new leaks early
Safety notes
- Unplug the appliance before opening access panels or removing a pump filter
- Expect water to come out when opening a drain filter and protect the floor first
- Do not mix cleaning products unless the manufacturer explicitly says it is safe
- Keep children and pets away while the machine is open and cleaning products are in use
- If you notice sparks, a burning smell or signs of electrical damage, stop immediately and seek professional repair
What this guide does not cover: This guide covers routine household cleaning and basic user maintenance only. It does not cover dismantling the appliance, replacing seals or hoses, electrical fault-finding, bearing or pump repair, or model-specific disassembly procedures.
Cost considerations
Routine cleaning usually costs little beyond cloths, water and, if you choose, a suitable machine cleaner. Regular maintenance can help avoid bigger costs from blocked pumps, leaks, repeat call-outs and shortened appliance life.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my washing machine?+
Wipe the seal, door and visible moisture as needed, ideally regularly. Clean the detergent drawer and check the filter periodically, and run the machine’s cleaning cycle or a maintenance wash at the interval suggested in the manual or sooner if you notice smells or residue.
Can I use household products instead of a washing machine cleaner?+
Only if your machine manufacturer says they are suitable. Different machines and finishes can have different care requirements, so the safest approach is to follow the manual and product label rather than improvising.
Why does my washing machine smell even though I use it all the time?+
Frequent use does not prevent build-up. Low-temperature washes, excess detergent, trapped moisture, a dirty seal, drawer residue or a partially blocked filter can all cause odours.
Should I clean the pump filter myself?+
Yes, if your model has a user-accessible filter and the manual says it is a routine maintenance task. If access is not intended for the user, or the filter is stuck, leave it to a professional.
What are the warning signs that cleaning is overdue?+
Musty smells, slime in the drawer, black residue on the seal, slow draining, longer cycles, dirty marks on clothes or visible lint and debris around the drum opening are all common signs.
Basic washing machine cleaning methods change slowly, but exact programmes, removable parts and approved cleaners vary by model.