In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about how to clean a washing machine. From why cleaning is essential and how to prevent unpleasant odours to looking at home remedies and the best washing machine cleaners on the market.

Approximately 97 per cent of households in the UK own a washing machine.

Since the 1950s, they have been a staple appliance in most homes as a more convenient and time-efficient means of keeping clothes clean and fresh.

However, many of us are guilty of overlooking that the machines which clean our clothes do, in fact, need cleaning themselves!

Why is it important to clean your washing machine?

Washing machines may be experts at cleaning our clothes, but this also means they harbour a considerable amount of dirt, debris and detergent residue.

Over time, those can build up, particularly if water is left to pool in your machine between loads, creating a breeding ground with bacteria and, worse, mould.

Regularly cleaning your washing machine is essential for a number of reasons:

Odour control

Often, people realise their washing machines need cleaning because of the foul smell emitting from the drum or detergent draw. If your washing machine is dirty, it will develop a musty odour that transfers onto your clothes. Regularly cleaning your machine can help prevent these unwanted smells and ensure your laundry always comes out fresh.

Bacteria

Washing machines are a breeding ground for bacteria and mould. The drum, the rubber gasket, and the detergent drawer are all prone to holding excess moisture, which can create the conditions for mould growth. By cleaning your washing machine regularly, you can reduce the risk of this harmful bacteria growing and causing health issues within your home.

Machine efficiency

Without cleaning and regular maintenance, built-up dirt and detergent can hinder the efficiency of your machine. Cleaning can help your appliance operate at maximum capacity while continuing to provide optimal results.

How to stop your washing machine from smelling

Nobody wants to come home to a foul smell emanating from their washing machine; not only is it unpleasant, but it also means your clothes are more likely to smell too.

Preventing your washing machine from developing a musty odour involves a regular cleaning routine and essential maintenance to keep it in good condition.

The first tip is to leave the door of your machine ajar after each use to allow air to circulate throughout the drum. By closing the door, you create a warm, moist environment that is perfect for the growth of mould and mildew, so keeping it ajar helps to prevent this. 

Another step to avoid unpleasant smells is promptly removing damp clothes after the wash cycle. Leaving wet clothes in the drum for prolonged periods can contribute to unpleasant, musty odours.

The final step we recommend is to keep the rubber gasket around the door, and the detergent draw, clean and dry.

Both areas of your washing machine can accumulate dirt, detergent and moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.

Regularly wiping these with warm, soapy water in the detergent drawer, and a mixture of water and vinegar for the gasket, can prevent smells from developing.

Can you use home remedies to clean your washing machine?

Home remedies have been used for years as a safe and effective means of keeping washing machines clean.

By using a handful of simple ingredients that are often found around the home, you can create simple DIY cleaning solutions.

They include:

Bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar

This is one of the most popular home remedies that has been used to clean appliances and areas of the home for decades.

Simply run an empty hot water cycle with two cups of white vinegar, and once it has finished sprinkle a cup of baking soda into the drum. Run a second hot water cycle to complete the cleaning, and this should help eliminate odours and clean the internal components.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice is another tried and tested home remedy that has been used for many years. With its antibacterial properties and fresh scent, lemon is an obvious choice to clean and freshen your machine. Just pour a cup of lemon juice into the detergent drawer and run a hot water cycle.

Sodium borate (Borax)

Borax is another common household item that is great for cleaning your washing machine. Adding half a cup of borax to an empty drum and running a hot cycle can help shift any stubborn residue and disinfect the interior.

What is the best washing machine cleaner?

Home remedies are great for helping to remove lingering smells and freshen up your drum, but dedicated washing machine cleaners can provide a deeper and more specialised clean.

There are countless washing machine cleaners on the marke.

However, there are a handful of tried and tested brands that consistently score highly in eliminating odours and disinfecting machines.

They include:

Dylon Washing Machine Cleaner

With its 5-in-1 deep clean action, Dylon Washing Machine Cleaner is highly rated as a quick, easy and efficient machine cleaner. Simply pour the powder sachet into the empty drum and put it on a 60-degree cycle. This product should descale, clean and freshen your washing machine, leaving your drum sparkling.

Dr Beckmann’s Service-it Deep Clean Washing Machine Cleaner

Dr Beckmann has become a household name in the UK and can be found in the cleaning aisle of most supermarkets. This washing machine cleaner claims to destroy 99.9 per cent of bacteria and microorganisms that can build up in a machine over time.

Much like the previous example, all you need to do is pour the powder into the drum to let the activated carbon neutralise odours and deep clean your machine.

Dettol 5-in-1 Antibacterial Washing Machine Cleaner

For regions of the UK with harder water, limescale buildup will likely be more of a problem in your washing machine. Thankfully, Dettol has a specialised washing machine cleaner designed to tackle limescale and remove harmful bacteria.

You simply pour 250ml of the liquid into the detergent drawer and put the washing machine on a 60-degree cycle for a fresher, cleaner machine.

A step-by-step guide to cleaning your washing machine

Now that we’ve discussed the importance of cleaning your machine and preventing unpleasant odours, we’ll go through an easy-to-follow process to help you effectively clean your machine.

Generally, it is recommended to deep clean your washing machine every one to three months, but the frequency should ultimately depend on how often your appliance is used.

Supplies

The first step is to gather the necessary supplies, including a washing machine cleaner or a home remedy, hot water, microfibre cloth, and an old toothbrush.

Empty the washing machine

Remove any clothes, detergent or fabric softener from the drum and drawer.

Clean the detergent drawer

Start by removing the detergent drawer from the machine; usually, there is a release button located at the back so that it can be completely removed. From there, you should place the drawer into warm, soapy water and use an old toothbrush to scrub away any detergent residue, mould and debris.

Check inside the area where the detergent drawer is housed for detergent build-up or mould. Often, residue will be stuck in this area, which can be removed using a toothbrush and washed away with warm water.

Wipe the drum and gasket

Dampen the microfibre cloth with a mixture of water and vinegar, and gently wipe down the interior of the drum to remove any stains or buildup. Afterwards, carefully wipe down the rubber gasket around the door with the same solution. Be careful not to bend the gasket out of shape, as this may cause problems with the door. Instead, use the toothbrush to clean the gasket's hard-to-reach areas.

Run a hot cycle

Pour your washing machine cleaner or homemade solution into the drum or drawer and run a hot water cycle.

Clean the exterior

While your machine is completing its hot wash cycle, clean the machine's exterior with a damp cloth, paying extra attention to buttons, dials and any other areas that collect dust.

Open the door

Once the machine is clean and the cycle has finished, leave the washing machine door slightly ajar to allow it to ventilate throughout.

Cleaning your washing machine can prevent smells and bacteria growth, keeping your machine in optimal working condition.

In need of a new washing machine?

Regularly cleaning your washing machine will help to ensure that your appliance functions efficiently and keeps your clothes smelling fresh.

However, if it has reached the end of its life cycle and needs to be upgraded, why not explore our range of washing machines?

At Home Feeling, we have supplied top-quality kitchen appliances to customers across the UK and have a fantastic selection of washing machines suitable for all sizes of households.

If you have any questions or would like more information, don’t hesitate to contact our team today on support@homefeeling.co.uk or give us a call on 01543 228622.