Clean Washing Machine

Clean the washing machine by wiping key parts, cleaning the drawer and seal, checking the filter if accessible, and running an empty cleaning cycle approved by the manufacturer.

Easy · 30-60 minutes, plus cycle time

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.

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Clean Washing Machine0 of 6 steps done

Written by AI, not checked by a tradesperson. How this works

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 of 6

Prepare the machine

Diagram for step 1: Prepare the machine
Fig. 1Prepare 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.

Was this step clear?
Step 2 of 6

Clean the detergent drawer

Diagram for step 2: Clean the detergent drawer
Fig. 2Clean 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.

Was this step clear?
Step 3 of 6

Clean the door seal and drum opening

Diagram for step 3: Clean the door seal and drum opening
Fig. 3Clean 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.

Was this step clear?
Step 4 of 6

Clean the filter if accessible

Diagram for step 4: Clean the filter if accessible
Fig. 4Clean 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.

Was this step clear?
Step 5 of 6

Run a cleaning cycle

Diagram for step 5: Run a cleaning cycle
Fig. 5Run 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.

Was this step clear?
Step 6 of 6

Finish and dry the machine

Diagram for step 6: Finish and dry the machine
Fig. 6Finish 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.

Was this step clear?

Common Mistakes

  • ×Mixing bleach with vinegar or other cleaners.
  • ×Skipping the door seal, where residue and mold often collect.
  • ×Forgetting to check the manual before using a cleaner or self-clean cycle.
  • ×Not cleaning the detergent drawer slot.
  • ×Closing the door immediately after cleaning, which traps moisture.

When to Call a Professional

  • There is a strong burning smell, electrical issue, or the machine will not power on.
  • Water leaks continue after the filter is reinstalled correctly.
  • The drum, seal, or internal parts show heavy mold that does not improve with normal cleaning.
  • You cannot access or reseat the filter properly.
  • The machine shows error codes related to draining or internal faults after cleaning.

Notes

  • Monthly cleaning helps reduce odor and buildup.
  • Using too much detergent can increase residue inside the machine.
  • Leaving the door open after washes helps prevent mold and mildew.
  • If your manufacturer advises against vinegar, use a washer cleaner approved for your model.

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