How to Deep Clean a Washing Machine and Prevent Smells

Washing is one of those weekly jobs we all just get on with. But if your machine’s starting to smell a little off or your clothes aren’t coming out as fresh as they should be, it might be trying to tell you something: it’s time for a clean.

Our Home and Cleaning Trends of 2024 survey found that almost half (48%) of UK households now have a utility room — a whole space dedicated to keeping laundry running smoothly. So it makes sense to give your washing machine that same care and attention.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to deep clean your washing machine, with expert tips from Carly Bullock, Cleaning and Laundry Buyer at Lakeland. We’ll also share simple ways to keep it fresh between deep cleans — so your laundry always comes out fresh.

Contents

Why do you need to deep clean a washing machine?

Ever opened the door and thought, “Why does my washing machine smell?” You’re not alone — and yes, even the appliance that’s meant to clean your clothes needs a regular clean itself.

Over time, every wash leaves behind tiny traces of detergent, softener, dirt, and hard water minerals. Add to that the warm, damp environment inside the drum and door seals, and you’ve got the perfect setting for limescale, mould, and bacteria to thrive.

“A good washing machine deep clean can work wonders,” says Carly. “By giving your washing machine a little TLC, you’ll keep it running efficiently, help prevent breakdowns, and make sure every load of laundry smells as fresh as it should. Regular cleans also help tackle hidden grime in hard-to-reach places like the detergent drawer, filter, and rubber door seals — all areas where gunk tends to lurk unnoticed.”

A regular deep clean is the best way to keep your machine (and your clothes) at their best.

Signs your washing machine needs cleaning

White washing basket with laundry in it, on the floor next to an open washing machine.

If your washing machine’s performance seems off, it could be time to give it a proper clean. Look out for these signs:

  • Smell — A musty, sour, or damp smell is often the first sign that grime and bacteria are building up. It’s a clear indicator that your washing machine needs attention.
  • Slow draining — If the water’s not draining as quickly as it should, soap scum build-up or a clogged filter could be the cause. If the filter hasn’t been cleaned in a while, it may be blocking water flow.
  • Visible dirt and grime — Seeing physical dirt in your washing machine is a clear sign. The rubber door seal and detergent drawer are prime areas where grime and build-up like to hide.
  • Inefficient cleaning — If your clothes come out of the wash with a musty or unpleasant smell, or even with black marks, it’s a sure sign that your washing machine needs a good clean.
  • Unusual noises — If your washing machine starts making loud or strange sounds during a cycle, it could be a sign of build-up around the drum or filter. This may cause the machine to work harder than it should.

Before you get stuck into cleaning, it’s helpful to figure out where the grime or smell is coming from. Pinpointing the problem areas means you can target your cleaning and avoid missing any hidden trouble spots.

  • Detergent drawer — Slide it open and look for signs of dried-on detergent, scum or mould. This build-up can block the flow of detergent and cause a smell.
  • Door seals – The rubber seal around the door is a common hiding place for dirt, lint and moisture, especially in the folds. Gently pull the rubber back and take a look. You may notice spot black marks, grime, or a slimy residue. If it’s not instantly noticeable, grab a clean cloth and give the inside of the fold a wipe. If the cloth comes away dirty, mould or bacteria are likely building up.
  • Washing machine filter — Most machines have a filter that catches stray hair, lint and debris. If this hasn’t been cleaned in a while, it could be clogging things up and affecting your machine’s performance.
  • Drum — This is where the magic happens, but it’s also where detergent residue and grime can gather over time. 

How often should you clean your washing machine?

Carly recommends: “As a general rule, a monthly deep clean helps keep your machine in good condition — especially if you do lots of laundry or live in a hard water area, like the South or East of England. And for a quick refresh between deep cleans, a weekly wipe-down of the door seal and detergent drawer can make all the difference. It stops grime and odours before they have a chance to build up.”

How to clean your front-loading washing machine

Most of us have a front-loading washing machine at home, so the steps below are geared towards that type — they’re the ones with the door at the front and the rubber seal around the opening.

If you’ve got a top-loader instead, don’t worry — many of the same principles still apply. While they don’t have a door seal to wipe down, they can build up residue around the rim and agitator. But more on that a little later.

You don’t need much to give your washing machine a proper clean — just a few everyday essentials.

Here’s what to have on hand:

1. Clean the detergent drawer

If your drawer is removable (most are), simply slide it out and pop it into a sink filled with warm water and a squirt of mild washing-up liquid. Let it soak for around 15 minutes to loosen any stubborn residue, then give it a good wipe with a cloth or sponge. An old toothbrush works wonders for getting into those tricky corners and hard-to-reach bits.

If the drawer doesn’t come out, don’t worry — just fill a bowl with warm soapy water, dip in your cloth, and clean it in place as best you can. A toothbrush will still come in handy for scrubbing into corners.
Carly says: “If the drawer’s looking especially grimy, try soaking it in a mix of 1 part distilled white vinegar to 3 parts warm water. The acetic acid in vinegar helps to break down mineral deposits like limescale and dissolve any built-up soap scum — all without the need for harsh chemicals.”

Then rinse your drawer, dry it with a towel and pop it back in your machine.

2. Clean the seals 

Person cleaning the rubber seal of a front-loading washing machine with a turquoise cloth.

Start by wiping the rubber seal down with a soft cloth to remove any visible debris. Don’t forget to gently pull back the folds — it’s often in these tucked-away spots where dirt and lint like to gather.

If you notice black marks in the seal, it could be a sign of black mould. In that case, it’s best to treat it with a specialist mould and mildew spray. Spray it directly onto the seal, leave it to work its magic for a few minutes (or as advised on the label), then wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Prefer a natural option? Vinegar is a great alternative.“Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water in a spray bottle,” says Carly. “Spritz it generously over the rubber seal, leave it for around 15 minutes, then wipe clean. It’s that simple.”

3. Run a hot cycle

Now it’s time to give the inside of your machine a proper refresh. Set your washing machine to its hottest setting — just make sure it’s empty first, as high temperatures can damage clothes. A hot cycle helps dissolve detergent residue, kill bacteria, and shift any lingering dirt.

“For a deep clean, use a washing machine cleaner,” says Carly. “Many washing machine descalers come as sachets or tablets — simply pop one into the drum and run your machine on a hot cycle.”

“White vinegar works wonders as a natural alternative. Add around two cups to the machine’s drum and run a hot wash.”

4. Run another wash

Once the cycle is complete, it’s a good idea to run a short rinse or quick wash cycle, without any product. This clears out any leftover cleaner or vinegar so it won’t affect your next load.

5. Wipe down the drum, door and exterior

Once the cycle’s finished, it’s time for a final spruce. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe around the inside of the drum and door, paying extra attention to the glass where residue can build up.

And don’t forget the outside! A quick wipe of the control panel, door, and sides will keep everything looking as fresh as it smells. For extra shine, you can follow up with a dry microfibre cloth to buff the surface.

6. Dry the seal

Carly explains: “After cleaning, it’s important to dry the rubber door seal thoroughly with a soft cloth — moisture left behind can lead to mould, again! You should also leave the washing machine door slightly open for a few hours. It helps air everything out properly and stops damp smells from creeping back in.”

How to clean your top-loading washing machine

Top-loading washing machines are often the go-to for those with a bit more space or a utility room, because they need room for the lid to open upwards.

While top-loading machines don’t have the rubber door seal that front-loaders do, they still need regular TLC — especially around the rim, drum, and agitator. 

Here’s what to do differently:

1. Lift the lid and check the rim

Grime and detergent residue can gather around the rim where the lid meets the drum. Wipe it down with a damp cloth and a little washing-up liquid, making sure to get into any crevices. An old toothbrush is perfect for the fiddly bits.

2. Check the agitator (if your machine has one)

The central column in the drum, known as the agitator, can be a sneaky spot for buildup. Give it a wipe with warm, soapy water, and check for lint or detergent residue around the base.

3. Don’t forget the detergent drawer (if yours has one)

Not all top-loaders have a traditional detergent drawer, but if yours does, you can clean it in the same way as a front-loader — soak it in warm soapy water or a vinegar solution, scrub it clean, and rinse thoroughly before popping it back in.

And just like any machine, leaving the lid open for a few hours after each wash can really help stop moisture and mildew from building up.

Can you clean a washing machine with vinegar and baking soda?

Carly says: “You might have seen tips online about cleaning a washing machine with vinegar and baking soda — especially using the mix to treat mould around the door seal. But while it sounds like a clever trick, it’s not always the best idea. When baking soda and vinegar combine, they create a fizzy chemical reaction that releases carbon dioxide. That reaction can be too harsh on rubber, and over time, it may start to wear down your washing machine’s seal — the very part that helps prevent leaks.”

“That said, vinegar and baking soda can be effective when used safely and separately. If you do want to try using these products, do it sparingly and never mix the two at the same time inside your machine.” 

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Run a cycle with baking soda — “Start by adding one cup of baking soda to the drum and running a hot cycle. The baking soda works to lift grime, neutralise odours and gently scrub the inside of your machine.” 
  2. Run a cycle with white vinegar — “Next, pour one to two cups of white vinegar into the drum and run another hot wash. The vinegar helps break down limescale and soap residue — and it also removes any loosened dirt left behind by the baking soda.” 
  3. Run a plain cycle — “Finish with a short rinse to flush everything through. Just be careful not to mix the two together in one cycle — when combined and left to sit, they can solidify and potentially block your pipes.”

Additional tips to keep your washing machine clean

A few small habits can go a long way when it comes to keeping your washing machine fresh and running smoothly. Here’s how to stay on top of the grime before it builds up:

Leave the door open after each cycle

Once your laundry’s done, leave the door slightly open to let fresh air in for a while. This helps the inside dry out properly and stops moisture from lingering, which means mould and musty smells are far less likely to take hold.

Don’t overload the drum

Carly explains: “Overloading your machine not only puts strain on the motor, but also stops your clothes from moving freely, so they won’t wash or rinse properly. Stuck-on detergent and trapped dirt can cause build-up inside the drum.”

Use the right amount of detergent

“Using too much laundry detergent is a really common cause of soap scum and residue,” says Carly. “Stick to the recommended amount for your load size — usually around two tablespoons for a standard load, or follow the instructions on the packaging. Excess suds can leave behind a film that encourages mould and odours.”

Wipe the rubber seal after every wash

The rubber door seal is a prime hiding spot for moisture, detergent residue and lint. “A quick wipe of your washing machine seal with a dry microfibre cloth after each cycle helps remove leftover water and stop mould taking hold,” says Carly. “Microfibre is ideal because it’s super absorbent and gentle on the rubber.”

Keep on top of cleaning

“Set aside a few minutes each week for a quick clean — it’s a great way to stay ahead of grime,” Carly suggests. “Wipe the rubber seal, check the detergent drawer for any gunk, and give the drum a once-over with a damp cloth. These little steps help your machine stay fresh between deep cleans.”

Frequently asked questions

Why does my washing machine smell?

A musty or sour smell usually means there’s a build-up of detergent residue, grime or bacteria somewhere inside your machine. It might be lurking in the door seal, detergent drawer, or filter — all common hiding spots for gunk.

To keep unpleasant odours at bay, try running a hot cycle with a washing machine cleaner once a month, leave the door open after each wash, and wipe down the seals to keep moisture from lingering.

Can I use bleach to clean my washing machine?

“You can — but it’s not always the gentlest option,” explains Carly. “Bleach is great for disinfecting and killing mould, especially if your machine is particularly grimy or smells strongly of mildew.”

“Just use it with care: always start with an empty machine, and never mix bleach with anything else — especially vinegar or ammonia — as this can create dangerous fumes.” 

“Add about ½ a cup of liquid bleach to the detergent drawer, then run your machine on a hot cycle. Once it’s done, run a rinse or quick wash cycle straight after to flush out any leftover bleach.”

Is vinegar safe for all washing machines?

Carly says: “White vinegar is a handy natural cleaner and deodoriser — and in most cases, yes, it’s safe to use. It helps break down limescale, neutralise smells and lift detergent residue.”

“That said, it’s best used occasionally and diluted — it’s not ideal for cleaning rubber seals regularly, as it can wear them down over time. Use about one to two cups in an empty machine on a hot cycle, and never mix it with bleach, as it can create harmful fumes when combined.”

Laundry to perfection with Lakeland

At Lakeland, we’ve got everything you need to keep your laundry routine running smoothly — from clever laundry baskets and dryers to detergents and effective cleaning products. We’re here to help you get it done with ease!

For more cleaning tips, tasty recipes, and all the home or kitchen inspiration you could ever need, take a look at our blog.

By | 4 June 2025