Your washing machine works hard every week to keep your clothes fresh, clean, and ready to wear. But when was the last time you gave your washer some love in return?
Most people don’t think about cleaning their washing machine. After all, it’s always filled with water and soap—so it must be clean, right? Not quite. Over time, detergent residue, fabric softener, body oils, dirt, and lint build up inside your machine. This gunk doesn’t just sit quietly—it can lead to funky smells, dingy clothes, mold growth, and even machine damage.
At Tampa Laundry Company, we keep all of our machines spotless so your laundry gets the best possible clean. But if you’re washing at home, monthly washer maintenance is a must. Here’s everything you need to know about how—and why—to clean your washing machine regularly.
Why You Need to Clean Your Washing Machine
Even if your clothes seem clean, your washer might not be. Here are the top reasons to give your machine a monthly refresh:
1. Eliminate Odors
That musty or sour smell you’ve noticed? It’s likely mold, mildew, or leftover detergent trapped inside your machine—especially in the rubber gasket or detergent drawer. Cleaning clears it all out.
2. Prevent Mold and Mildew
Moisture + darkness = the perfect breeding ground for mold. This is especially true for front-loading washers, which have tight seals that don’t dry quickly. Regular cleaning helps prevent health risks and mildew smells.
3. Improve Cleaning Power
When your machine is full of residue, it can’t do its job properly. Clothes may come out looking or smelling dirty, even after a full cycle. Cleaning restores your washer’s full power.
4. Extend Machine Life
Residue buildup can strain your washer’s motor, drum, and drainage system. A clean machine runs more efficiently and lasts longer.
How Often Should You Clean It?
For most households, once a month is enough. If you have a large family, do laundry frequently, or wash heavily soiled items, you may want to clean it every two weeks.
🧺 Pro Tip: Set a recurring reminder on your phone so you never forget. Pick a day—like the first Saturday of each month—to make it a routine.
Signs It’s Time to Clean Your Washer
Even if you forget to track the date, your machine might give you clues:
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Clothes smell sour even after washing
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There’s visible mold or residue in the rubber gasket or detergent drawer
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The washer drum feels slimy or sticky
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The machine makes strange noises or drains slowly
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Suds appear even when you don’t add detergent (leftover soap buildup)
What You’ll Need to Clean a Washing Machine
No fancy tools required! You likely have everything at home already. Here’s your simple supply list:
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White vinegar (natural deodorizer and mold killer)
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Baking soda (odor absorber and gentle scrub)
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A sponge or microfiber cloth
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Old toothbrush (for tough corners and rubber seals)
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Optional: Commercial washing machine cleaner tablets
How to Clean a Front-Loading Washer (Step-by-Step)
Front-load washers are more prone to mold and smell buildup because of the rubber door seal and tighter design.
Step 1: Clean the Rubber Gasket
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Pull back the rubber seal around the door and wipe it with a cloth dipped in vinegar.
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Scrub hidden areas with a toothbrush.
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Remove any visible gunk or hair.
Step 2: Clean the Detergent Drawer
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Pull the drawer out and rinse it under hot water.
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Use a toothbrush to scrub away residue.
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Wipe the inside of the drawer compartment.
Step 3: Run a Cleaning Cycle
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Pour 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum.
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Add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the detergent drawer.
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Run the washer on the hottest, longest cycle with no clothes inside.
Step 4: Wipe It Dry
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After the cycle finishes, wipe the drum and gasket dry.
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Leave the door open for a few hours to let it air out.
How to Clean a Top-Loading Washer
Top-loaders don’t have the same gasket issues, but they can still collect buildup around the lid, agitator, and inside the drum.
Step 1: Fill with Hot Water
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Select the largest load size and hottest water setting.
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Let the washer fill completely before starting the cycle.
Step 2: Add Cleaning Agents
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Add 4 cups of white vinegar.
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Let the machine agitate for 1 minute, then pause the cycle and let it soak for 1 hour.
Step 3: Scrub Surfaces
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While soaking, scrub the inside of the lid, agitator, and drum with a cloth dipped in vinegar.
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Use a toothbrush to get into corners and crevices.
Step 4: Resume the Cycle
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Restart the washer and let it finish the full cycle.
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Afterward, run a second rinse with 1 cup of baking soda to neutralize any remaining vinegar smell.
Step 5: Dry and Ventilate
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Wipe the drum dry and leave the lid open for a few hours.
Bonus Tips for Keeping Your Washer Cleaner Longer
A clean washer stays cleaner longer when you follow these quick tips:
✅ Leave the Door Open
After every wash, leave the lid or door open so moisture can escape. This helps prevent mold and mildew.
✅ Use the Right Detergent
If you have an HE washer, use only high-efficiency detergent—too much suds = buildup.
✅ Skip Fabric Softener (or Use Less)
Softener creates residue. Use it sparingly, or switch to white vinegar for a cleaner alternative.
✅ Wipe After Each Load
Give the drum and rubber gasket a quick wipe after every few washes to remove moisture and lint.
✅ Clean the Lint Trap or Drain Pump Filter
Some machines have filters that trap lint or small debris. Check your manual and clean these monthly to avoid clogs and odor.
What About Store-Bought Washing Machine Cleaners?
They work! If you prefer a “drop-and-go” solution, there are tablets and powders designed to clean washers. Just follow the instructions and run an empty cycle.
At Tampa Laundry Company, we often use professional-grade machine cleaners to keep our commercial washers running fresh and odor-free. For home use, products like Affresh®, Tide Washing Machine Cleaner, or natural enzyme tablets are great options.
Why It Matters at Tampa Laundry Company
We clean our machines daily and deep clean them weekly. Why? Because our customers trust us with their laundry, and we believe your clothes should come out of a machine that’s as clean as they deserve.
Whether you drop off towels, delicate clothing, bedding, or athletic gear, we promise:
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Clean machines, every time
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Fresh-smelling, residue-free clothes
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No cross-contamination between loads
Final Thoughts: Love Your Washer and It’ll Love You Back
Your washing machine is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home. Giving it a simple, monthly clean takes less than an hour—and saves you from bigger headaches later on.
By keeping it fresh, you’ll:
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Eliminate funky odors
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Prevent mold and residue
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Protect your clothes
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Extend your machine’s lifespan
It’s one of the easiest laundry habits you can adopt—and one of the most rewarding.
🩵 Want laundry that’s done in a clean machine every time? Come see us at Tampa Laundry Company. We keep our washers sparkling, so your clothes always come out fresh, soft, and ready to go.