How to Clean Your Washing Machine in 4 Easy Steps (To Stop Smells)

Your washing machine cleans your clothes, but what cleans your washing machine? Over time, soap scum, lint, and moisture create the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and bacteria. This is what causes that musty, sour smell that can even transfer to your “clean” laundry.

The good news is that it’s easy to fix. This guide will walk you through the four essential steps to deep clean your machine and prevent bad smells from ever coming back.

What You’ll Need:

• Washing machine cleaner (or 2 cups of white vinegar)
• 1/4 cup baking soda (optional, with vinegar)
• A scrub brush or old toothbrush
• Clean cloths or towels
• A shallow bowl or tray (for the filter)

Step 1: Clean the Drum (The “Tub Clean” Cycle)

This step kills the mold and bacteria inside the drum you can’t see.

• If your machine has a “Tub Clean” cycle: Simply follow your manufacturer’s instructions. Add one pouch of washing machine cleaner (or your vinegar/baking soda) directly into the drum and run the cycle.
• If you have no “Tub Clean” cycle:
  1. Add your cleaner (or 2 cups of vinegar + 1/4 cup baking soda) directly into the empty drum.
  2. Run the hottest, longest cycle possible on your machine (e.g., “Cottons 90°C”).
  3. Let the cycle complete fully.

Step 2: Clean the Drain Pump Filter (The “Gunk” Trap)

This is the most important step for smells and blockages. This filter catches lint, coins, hair, and other debris. If it gets clogged, the water can’t drain properly, leading to bad smells and draining problems.

• Find the small access panel, usually on the **bottom-front** of your machine.
• Place a shallow tray and a towel underneath it—water will come out!
• Open the panel. You’ll see a small cap. Slowly untwist it to let the trapped water drain into your tray.
• Once drained, fully remove the filter. It will likely be covered in gray gunk and lint.
• Clean it thoroughly under a tap (use a brush if needed) and wipe out the filter housing.
• Screw the filter back in *tightly* and close the panel.

Step 3: Clean the Gasket (The Rubber Door Seal)

This is the #1 source of visible mold, especially on **front-load machines**.

• Mix a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water (or use a vinegar solution).
• Pull back the gray rubber seal and carefully wipe down the entire area, especially *inside* the folds. This is where black mold loves to hide.
• Wipe away any hair, lint, or debris.
• Wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Step 4: Clean the Detergent Drawer

The detergent drawer is a dark, damp place where leftover soap and fabric softener turn into black, moldy buildup.

• Pull the drawer all the way out. You may need to press a small tab (usually blue) to release it completely.
• Take the drawer to your sink. Disassemble the parts (like the fabric softener siphon).
• Scrub all parts with hot, soapy water and an old toothbrush until all mold and gunk are gone.
• Wipe inside the machine *where the drawer slides in*—this area is often moldy too!
• Dry the parts and reassemble the drawer.