Clean Washing Machine

Tools

• Soft cloth or microfiber cloth
• Soft brush or old toothbrush
• Small bowl or sink for soaking parts

Materials

• Mild cleaner or dish soap
• Warm water
• Washer cleaner or white vinegar if allowed by the manufacturer

Safety

• Unplug the washing machine before cleaning exterior parts, the drawer, seal, or filter.
• Check the appliance manual before using a self-clean cycle or any cleaning product.
• Do not mix bleach with vinegar or other cleaners.
• If you clean the filter, expect some water to drain out and keep cloths ready.
• Leave the door open after cleaning so the inside can dry.

Steps

1. Step 1: Prepare the machine

   • Turn off the washing machine and unplug it.
   • Remove any laundry from the drum.
   • Gather your cloth, brush, mild cleaner, and water.
   • Check the manual for any model-specific cleaning instructions, especially for the filter and self-clean cycle.

   Check: The machine is unplugged. · The drum is empty. · You know whether your machine has a self-clean cycle and whether vinegar or washer cleaner is allowed.

2. Step 2: Clean the detergent drawer

   • Pull out the detergent drawer and remove it fully if your model allows.
   • Soak the drawer in warm water with a small amount of mild cleaner.
   • Use a soft brush to scrub away detergent buildup and residue.
   • Wipe inside the drawer slot with a damp cloth before reinstalling the drawer.

   Check: The drawer is free of soap residue and buildup. · The drawer slot is wiped clean. · The drawer slides back in properly.

3. Step 3: Clean the door seal and drum opening

   • Wipe around the rubber door seal or lid rim with a damp cloth and mild cleaner.
   • Pull back the folds of the seal gently and remove lint, hair, or residue.
   • Wipe the inside of the door and the drum opening.

   Check: There is no visible residue or debris in the seal folds. · The door edge and drum opening look clean.

4. Step 4: Clean the filter if accessible

   • Locate the filter using the manual if your machine has a user-accessible filter.
   • Place cloths under the filter area because some water may come out.
   • Open the filter cover, remove the filter slowly, and clear lint or debris.
   • Rinse the filter, wipe the housing, and reinstall it securely.

   Check: The filter is free of debris. · The filter is reinstalled tightly. · No water is leaking from the filter area.

5. Step 5: Run a cleaning cycle

   • Plug the machine back in.
   • Run the self-clean cycle if your machine has one, following the manual.
   • If there is no self-clean cycle, run an empty hot cycle using a washer cleaner or white vinegar only if the manufacturer allows it.
   • Do not add bleach if you are using vinegar or another cleaner.

   Check: The cycle runs empty with an approved cleaner only. · No incompatible cleaners were mixed.

6. Step 6: Finish and dry the machine

   • When the cycle ends, wipe the drum, door, and seal with a clean dry cloth.
   • Leave the door open so moisture can escape.
   • Leave the detergent drawer slightly open if possible to help it dry.

   Check: The inside surfaces are wiped dry. · The door and drawer are left open to air out.