Table of content:
How Often You Should Clean Your Washing machine
Consequences of Skipping Washing machine Cleaning
DIY Methods to Clean Your Washing machine
Keeping your washing machine clean is essential for maintaining its performance, preventing unpleasant odors, and ensuring your laundry comes out truly fresh. While it’s easy to overlook, regular cleaning helps prevent buildup of detergent, lint, and moisture that can lead to issues like musty smells, visible grime, and even costly repairs. Whether you use your washer daily or just a few times a week, establishing a consistent cleaning routine is a simple way to protect your appliance and keep your clothes looking their best. In this guide, you’ll learn how often to clean your washing machine and why it matters for both your laundry and your machine’s longevity.
Reviewed by Zac Kieffer
President at E-Cloth
Updated July, 26
A Clean You Can See
Our high-performance microfiber products simplify cleaning, making it quick, easy, and effective, so you can enjoy visible results without the fuss. No streaks, just results.
How Often You Should Clean Your Washing machine
Recommended Frequency
- If you run your machine frequently—a few loads almost every day—it's best to schedule a cleaning once every month. This frequency helps manage the accumulation of detergent residues, fabric fibers, and natural deposits without overwhelming your appliance.
- For households with lighter use, a cleaning every four to six weeks is usually adequate. Even if visible buildup isn’t a problem, a regular schedule keeps your machine performing at its peak for the long term.
- High-efficiency washers are designed with tighter tolerances, making them susceptible to performance issues from residue buildup. Keeping a routine cleaning plan—typically once a month—is key to maintaining their efficiency.
- Regular cleaning not only improves the efficiency of water circulation and the effectiveness of detergent but also minimizes any potential odors that develop over time.
Streak-Free Wherever You Need It
E-Cloth is committed to delivering a clean you can see—effortlessly erasing messes with just water for a spotless shine, free of streaks and added chemicals.
Consequences of Skipping Washing machine Cleaning
- Funky Odors Take Over
When you skip cleaning your washing machine, you’re basically inviting a musty, sour smell to move in. Detergent residue, fabric softener, and lint build up in hidden spots, creating a perfect hangout for odor-causing grime. If your “clean” laundry comes out smelling less than fresh, your machine is probably overdue for a scrub. - Visible Gunk and Grime
Ever noticed black spots or slimy residue around the rubber seal or detergent drawer? That’s not just dirt—it’s a mix of leftover detergent, lint, and moisture. Over time, this buildup can get pretty gross and even transfer onto your clothes, making them look dingy instead of clean. - Performance Takes a Hit
A dirty washing machine has to work harder. Buildup can clog the internal parts, like the filter and drain, which means your washer might not rinse or spin as well. This can leave soap residue on your clothes and even shorten the lifespan of your machine. - Unwanted Guests (Mold and Mildew)
Moisture plus leftover detergent equals a cozy environment for mold and mildew, especially in front-loading machines. These can show up as black spots or a slimy film, and they’re tough to get rid of once they take hold. Plus, they can make your laundry smell even worse. - Clothes Aren’t as Clean as You Think
If your washer is full of buildup, it can’t do its job properly. Dirt and detergent residue can get redeposited onto your clothes, so you might notice stains, spots, or a filmy feel even after a wash cycle. - Potential for Costly Repairs
Ignoring regular cleaning can lead to clogged hoses, blocked filters, and even pump issues. These problems can mean expensive repairs or, in the worst case, a replacement machine. A little maintenance now saves a lot of hassle (and cash) later. - It’s Not Just About Looks
A clean washing machine isn’t just for show. It helps your appliance run efficiently, keeps your laundry smelling fresh, and prevents buildup that can lead to bigger problems down the road.
DIY Methods to Clean Your Washing machine
.svg)
White Vinegar and Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda inside the washing machine drum. Pour white vinegar into the detergent dispenser. Run a hot wash cycle with no laundry inside. This natural combination helps dissolve buildup, neutralize odors, and leave your washing machine fresh and clean.
Lemon Juice and Hot Water
Mix equal parts lemon juice and hot water. Pour the mixture into the washing machine drum and run a hot wash cycle without any laundry. The natural acidity of lemon juice helps dissolve limescale, remove odors, and leave your washing machine fresh and clean.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Water
Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution inside the washing machine drum and on seals. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe with a clean cloth. This method disinfects and removes odors naturally.
Borax Powder and Hot Water
Dissolve 1/2 cup of borax powder in 1 quart of hot water. Pour the solution into the washing machine drum, run a hot wash cycle without laundry, and wipe down the interior afterward. This method helps remove residue, odors, and buildup naturally.
.svg)
Residue Buildup Risk
Using white vinegar and baking soda together can cause residue buildup inside the washing machine, as the mixture may not fully dissolve or rinse away, potentially leading to clogs, unpleasant odors, or reduced cleaning efficiency over time.
Ineffective Mold Removal
Lemon juice and hot water are not strong enough to kill mold spores or remove deep mold buildup in washing machines, leading to ineffective cleaning and potential mold regrowth.
Hidden Component Contamination
Hydrogen peroxide may not reach or clean hidden parts inside the washing machine, allowing mold, bacteria, or residue to remain and cause ongoing contamination or odors despite surface cleaning.
Limited Deep Reach
This method may not effectively clean all internal parts of the washing machine, as borax and hot water might not reach deep or hidden areas where residue and buildup accumulate, leading to incomplete cleaning and persistent odors.
Ready for an Easier Way to Clean?
Skip the mixing, spraying, and scrubbing. With E-Cloth, you get a streak-free shine using just water—no added chemicals, no hassle. Make every window sparkle the simple way.
Explore other Articles
Headphones
Learn how often to clean your headphones for optimal sound and hygiene. Simple tips to keep them fresh and lasting longer.
Bookshelves
Discover the ideal frequency to clean your bookshelves for a dust-free, organized, and fresh home library.
Jeans
Discover the ideal frequency to clean your jeans for lasting style, comfort, and fabric care. Keep them fresh and durable!
Range hood filter
Learn how often to clean your range hood filter for optimal kitchen air quality and appliance efficiency. Keep it fresh and safe!
Washing machine
Learn how often to clean your washing machine for optimal performance and freshness. Keep your laundry fresh and your machine efficient!
Garage floors
Discover the ideal frequency for cleaning your garage floors to keep them spotless and well-maintained year-round.
Experience Real Cleaning