Clean Washing Machine
Why It Matters
Mold and mildew thrive in the damp, warm environment of a washing machine, transferring odors and bacteria to your clean clothes.
Quick Guide
- 1
Gather your tools and materials
You'll need: basic tools. Materials required: Washing machine cleaner or white vinegar.
- 2
Perform the clean washing machine
Run a cleaning cycle with washer cleaner or vinegar, and clean the gasket, detergent dispenser, and door seal.
- 3
Verify and clean up
Check that the work was completed correctly and clean up your workspace.
Tools & Materials
Materials
- Washing machine cleaner or white vinegar
Community Tips
Run a hot water cycle with two cups of white vinegar monthly to dissolve detergent buildup and eliminate odor-causing mold in the drum and rubber seal. This preventative maintenance stops stubborn smells before they require intensive cleaning.
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner ($8-12) outperforms vinegar for front-load machines because its tablet formula targets the hidden biofilm in drainage ports and seal crevices that vinegar alone cannot reach. Use one tablet per deep clean cycle every 30 washes.
Never mix vinegar with commercial bleach-based cleaners, as the chemical reaction releases toxic chlorine gas. If hard water staining is severe, run vinegar cycles first, then follow with a separate Affresh tablet cycle to avoid corrosive compound formation. ---