Quick answer: Clean your washing machine once a month. Run the machine's Tub Clean or Drum Clean programme (or the hottest, longest cycle) with the drum empty and half a cup of baking soda or a descaler made for washing machines. Then wipe the rubber door seal, wash out the detergent drawer, and clean the drain filter. Leave the door and drawer open after every wash so the inside dries. Most smells come from too much detergent and a machine that never gets to dry out.
It is one of those things nobody tells you: the machine that cleans your clothes needs cleaning too. Every wash leaves behind a little detergent, fabric softener, lint, body oil and hard water minerals. In a warm, closed drum, that mix becomes a slimy film where bacteria and mould grow. The result is towels that smell sour, grey marks on light clothes, and a black ring inside the rubber seal of front load machines.
Signs your washing machine needs cleaning
- Clothes smell musty or damp even after a full wash
- Black or pink spots inside the rubber door seal
- A sticky, gooey detergent drawer
- Grey streaks or white residue on dark clothes
- Water draining slowly or the machine showing a drain error
Mentioned in this guide
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How to clean a front load washing machine
- Clean the rubber door seal. Pull back the folds of the seal. Wipe out hair, coins and lint, then wipe the whole seal with a cloth dipped in warm water and a little dishwashing liquid. For black mould spots, spray diluted white vinegar, leave it for 10 minutes and wipe again. Dry it with a towel.
- Wash the detergent drawer. Most drawers pull straight out with a press of a tab. Soak it in warm water for 15 minutes, scrub the corners with an old toothbrush, and wipe out the slot it sits in, where slime often hides.
- Run a cleaning cycle. Use the Tub Clean or Drum Clean programme if your machine has one. If not, choose the hottest, longest cycle with the drum empty. Add half a cup of baking soda to the drum, or a washing machine descaler as your manual recommends.
- Clean the drain filter. Usually behind a small flap at the bottom front. Put a tray and old towel under it, unscrew it slowly to let the water out, remove lint and anything stuck, rinse it and screw it back tightly. Check your manual first.
- Wipe the outside and the glass door with a damp cloth.
How to clean a top load washing machine
- Fill the tub with the hottest water your machine allows, or select the Tub Clean programme.
- Add half a cup of baking soda or a machine descaler, and let it agitate for a few minutes.
- Pause and soak for an hour if your machine allows it, then let the cycle finish.
- Clean the lint filter. Many top load machines in India have a small mesh filter on the side of the drum. Pull it out, empty it and rinse it.
- Wipe under the lid and the top rim of the tub, where detergent and grime collect.
What about semi-automatic machines?
Fill the wash tub with warm water and a little baking soda, run the wash for five minutes, leave it to soak for an hour and drain. Wipe the tub and clean the lint filter. Do the same for the spin tub with a damp cloth. Leave both lids open to dry.
Should I use vinegar or bleach?
Many manufacturers advise against regular strong bleach or large amounts of vinegar, because they can wear rubber seals and hoses over time. Baking soda or a descaler made for washing machines is a safer choice for the monthly cycle. Use diluted vinegar only for spot-cleaning mould on the seal. Never use bleach and vinegar together, because the fumes are toxic. Always follow your machine's manual.
How to stop the smell coming back
- Use less detergent. This is the biggest one. Extra detergent doesn't clean better. It builds up inside the machine and in your clothes. Measure using the cap and the instructions on the bottle.
- Use the right detergent for your machine. Front load machines need a low-foam detergent or one marked suitable for front loaders.
- Leave the door and drawer open after every wash so the inside can dry.
- Take clothes out straight away. Wet clothes left in a closed drum smell within hours.
- Wipe the seal dry once a week on front load machines.
- Run a hot wash now and then for towels and bedsheets, if the fabric allows. Machines that only ever run cold cycles build up more residue.
How often should you clean a washing machine?
| Task | How often |
|---|---|
| Leave door and drawer open | After every wash |
| Wipe rubber seal dry | Weekly |
| Clean lint filter (top load) | Every 1 to 2 weeks |
| Cleaning cycle and detergent drawer | Monthly |
| Drain filter (front load) | Every 2 to 3 months |
What detergent residue does to your clothes
The same build-up that makes a machine smell also stays in your clothes. For people with sensitive skin, eczema, or babies, that leftover detergent and fragrance can cause itching and rashes. Our article on detergent residue and skin irritation explains why, and this one looks at fragrance in laundry products.
What we use
Our Plant Based Laundry Liquid is tough on everyday stains and gentle on skin, and it is free from harsh toxins, parabens and synthetic VOCs. Because it is a liquid, it dissolves fully and doesn't leave powder clumps in the drawer. For the rubber seal and detergent drawer, a few drops of our Plant Based Dishwashing Liquid in warm water lifts the grime. Both are 100% biodegradable and independently lab tested. See our full laundry range.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my washing machine smell bad?
Leftover detergent, softener, lint and moisture build up inside the drum and seal, and bacteria and mould grow there. Using less detergent and leaving the door open after washing usually fixes it.
How do I clean a washing machine with baking soda?
Add half a cup of baking soda to the empty drum and run the Tub Clean programme or the hottest, longest cycle. Then wipe the seal and clean the detergent drawer.
How do I remove black mould from a front load rubber seal?
Spray diluted white vinegar on the spots, leave it for 10 minutes, scrub gently with a toothbrush and wipe dry. Keep the door open after washes so it doesn't return.
How often should I clean my washing machine?
Run a cleaning cycle and wash the detergent drawer once a month. Wipe the seal weekly and clean the filter every few weeks to months, depending on your machine.
Can too much detergent damage a washing machine?
It can cause residue build-up, smells, excess foam and drainage problems over time. Measure detergent as the label says, and use less for small loads.
Is it safe to use vinegar in a washing machine?
Small amounts for spot-cleaning are fine, but regular large doses can wear rubber seals and hoses. Use baking soda or a descaler for monthly cleaning and check your manual.
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