How to Clean Your Washing Machine and 7 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The washing machine is one of the most important tools in modern homes. It cleans our clothes every day and saves us time and effort. However, many washing machine owners forget about how to clean your washing machine correctly. They focus only on washing clothes, not on maintaining the machine itself.

It is very important to understand why cleaning your washing machine matters. When you do not clean your machine regularly, dirt and bacteria build up inside. This causes bad smells, mold, and damage to the machine. A dirty washing machine also uses more energy and water. The machine may break down faster, and you will need expensive repairs. Regular cleaning keeps everything fresh and working well.

In this article, we will help you learn how to clean your washing machine step by step. We will also talk about how often you should clean your washing machine and some common mistakes you need to avoid. We gathered the information from various sources, Wednesday (25/3/2026).

Tools You Will Need:

- White vinegar or baking soda

- An old toothbrush (soft)

- Clean cloth or sponge

- Warm water

- Washing up liquid or dish soap

- A towel

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Clean the Detergent Drawer

Remove the drawer from your washing machine. Look in your machine's manual if you cannot find it easily. Put the drawer in warm soapy water. Use your old toothbrush to scrub it carefully. Pay attention to the corners where detergent builds up. Look for black mold on the drawer. Dry it completely and put it back in the machine.

2. Drain the Filter Tube

Find the small hatch at the bottom of your washing machine. Open it carefully. Pull out the drain tube slowly. Have a towel ready because water may come out. Remove the plug at the end of the tube and let the water drain into a bowl or bucket. This step is important for keeping your machine clean.

3. Clean the Washing Machine Filter

Now that the tube is empty, you can clean the filter. Unscrew or unclip it carefully. Place a towel under the hatch to catch water. Wash the filter under warm water with dish soap. Use your toothbrush to remove any lint, hair, or debris. You may find coins or small objects here. Screw or clip the filter back in place firmly.

4. Clean the Rubber Seal

The rubber seal or gasket around the door is where mold loves to grow. Use a damp cloth with a little washing up liquid or vinegar. Wipe all around the seal slowly and carefully. Get into the folds and creases. Remove any fluff, hair, or debris you find. This area gets dirty quickly, so clean it well.

5. Run a Hot Cleaning Cycle

Now run your washing machine on its hottest and longest setting. The drum must be empty with no clothes inside. Add two cups of white vinegar to the detergent drawer, or add one cup of baking soda to the drum. Let the machine run a complete cycle. This kills bacteria and removes bad smells and limescale buildup from inside the machine.

Now we know how to clean your washing machine, it is time to talk about how often we should do it. The answer depends on how much you use your machine and your home conditions. Most people should clean their washing machine once a month. If you wash many clothes every day, you may need to clean it every two to three weeks. However, there are some simple steps help prevent buildup between full cleanings.

After each time you use your washing machine, do small maintenance tasks. Leave the door open so moisture can escape and dry. This stops mold from growing. Wipe the rubber seal with a dry cloth after each wash. Clean out the detergent drawer when you notice buildup. These simple actions take only a few seconds but help keep your machine fresh. They also make your monthly deep cleaning easier and faster to complete.

Once each year, do more detailed checks on your washing machine. Look at the water hoses and pipes for damage or cracks. Make sure the machine sits level on the floor. Clean out the detergent dispenser with a small brush to remove stuck powder or residue. Listen for unusual noises when the machine runs. These yearly tasks help you catch problems before they become expensive repairs to your appliance.

Many people make mistakes when they try to clean their washing machine. These mistakes can damage the machine or make the cleaning less effective. Here are some common mistakes you need to avoid to keep your machine working well.

1. Using Too Much Cleaning Product

Some people think more soap or cleaner means better results. This is wrong. Too much detergent, vinegar, or bleach leaves residue inside the machine. Extra soap coats the drum and hoses. It traps dirt and bacteria instead of removing them. This buildup causes the machine to work harder and smell worse. Always follow the instructions on your cleaning product. Start with small amounts and add more only if needed.

2. Mixing Bleach and Vinegar

Never mix bleach with vinegar together. This dangerous combination creates toxic gas that can harm your health. Choose one or the other, not both. Check your washing machine's manual to see which one is safe for your specific model. Some manufacturers do not recommend vinegar for their machines. Always read your machine's warranty information before using any cleaning products on it.

3. Ignoring the Rubber Gasket

The rubber seal around the door is where mold and bacteria grow most often. Many people wipe only the drum and forget about the gasket. This thick rubber ring has folds that trap water and dirt. If you ignore this area, mold grows quickly and causes bad smells. Your clothes will smell bad even after washing. Clean the gasket every time you clean your machine, and dry it completely.

4. Not Cleaning the Filter Regularly

The filter catches lint, hair, and small objects from your clothes. If you never clean it, the filter becomes blocked. Water drains slowly from the machine. The motor must work much harder, and your clothes come out wet. A clogged filter shortens your machine's life and causes expensive damage. Clean the filter at least once a month, or more often if you wash heavy loads or pet bedding regularly.

5. Only Cleaning Visible Surfaces

Some people wipe the outside and the door and think they are finished. But dirt hides in places you cannot see. Bacteria, soap scum, and mineral deposits collect inside the hoses and behind the drum. This hidden buildup affects how well the machine cleans. It can cause the machine to break down. You need to run a full cleaning cycle with vinegar or cleaning tablets monthly to reach these hidden spots.

6. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

Not all cleaning products are safe for washing machines. Some harsh chemicals damage rubber seals and metal parts. Dishwasher tablets are too strong and can destroy your machine. Always use products designed for washing machines. pH-balanced cleaners are safer than pure vinegar or harsh bleach. Look for products labeled safe for your machine type, whether you have a top-load or front-load washer.

7. Waiting Too Long to Clean

Many people do not clean their machine until they notice a bad smell or see mold. By then, the problem is serious and harder to fix. Waiting means bacteria and mold already built up inside. Prevention is much easier than fixing problems after they start. Clean your machine on a regular schedule, not just when you notice something wrong. This stops bad smells and damage before they happen.