How to clean your washing machine to keep your laundry as fresh as ever

washing machine with rags cleansers — Bleach is the expert-recommended tool against mold and smells.
athima tongloom/Getty Images

Clean washing machines every two months for can help improve performance and keep them working longer.
Front and top-load washers have a few varying parts that are cleaned differently.
Keep the washing machine door open to dry after each cycle to prevent mold and odors.
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Cleaning your washing machine may not be the first thing that comes to mind when tidying your home, but it's a necessary chore if you want to avoid unwanted odors and mold.

Whether you're thinking "never have I ever cleaned my washing machine" or you're not quite sure of the recommended process, professional housekeeper Vanesa Amaro breaks down the steps you need to follow for a squeaky-clean, high-functioning, and long-lasting washer.

Parts to clean

For front-load washers	For top-load washers
Detergent tray	Detergent tray
Silicone door seal	Agitator cover
Filter	Filter
Machine exterior	Machine exterior
Drum interior	Drum interior

How to clean a top-loading washing machine

Dismantle and clean the detergent and softener tray. The detergent tray is typically located in the back of the machine under the top-loading door. Remove the tray from its drawer and unclip the detergent and softener lids.
Clean each removable piece over the sink using a scrub brush or sponge and bleach to remove any buildup. Then scrub down the dispenser housing to clear debris and unclog the water holes.
Remove and scrub down the agitator cover. The large piece covering the agitator at the center of the washing machine interior can be removed and should be scrubbed with bleach since it can accumulate mold and bacteria.
Remove and empty the filter. Often located under the agitator cover or along the top rim of the drum, open the filter cover and remove to empty it.
Wipe down the exterior. Using your preferred household disinfectant, wipe down the entire outside of the machine.
Run a wash cycle with washing machine cleaner. Finish by running your empty washing machine on the hottest water setting with washing machine cleaner only.

How to clean a front-loading washing machine

Dismantle and clean the detergent and softener tray. The detergent tray is typically located on the top left front corner of the machine. Take the tray out from its drawer and unclip the detergent and softener lids.
Clean each removable piece over the sink using a scrub brush or sponge and bleach to remove any buildup. Then scrub down the dispenser housing to clear debris and unclog the water holes.
Clean the silicone seal on the door. Use a rag and bleach to thoroughly wipe the round silicone seal on the door's interior as this can accumulate mold and bacteria.
Remove and empty the filter. Often located in the bottom front of the machine, open the filter cover and remove to empty out any dirty water.
Wipe down the exterior. Using your preferred household disinfectant, wipe down the entire outside of the machine.
Run a wash cycle with washing machine cleaner. Finish by running your empty washing machine on the hottest water setting with washing machine cleaner only.

Getting rid of mold

"Nothing will work better for a moldy washer than pure bleach," Amaro says. So if you're tackling a smelly or moldy machine that requires this treatment, be sure to wear something you wouldn't mind potentially ruining - along with gloves and a face mask for extra safety.

While all-natural products are always an option, Amaro doesn't believe it would get the job done quite like bleach and other cleaners can, but adds, "you should do what feels good to you and for your house."

How often should you clean a washing machine?

Though it may be something you're tempted to put on the backburner, cleaning the washing machine at least every two months will prevent bacteria, mold, and fungus growth, keep your washing machine functioning at its best, and ultimately prolong its life.

Maintaining a washing machine between cleanings

In addition to regularly wiping down your washing machine, it's important to keep the washer door open after use to thwart mildew and odor that may come with any stagnant water that remains inside after each cycle.

Insider's takeaway

Cleaning your washing machine regularly is key to better performance and a longer life. For the most simplified version of the process, clean each of its moving pieces using a disinfectant you already have at home, then invest in some washing machine cleaner to get the job done in the drum. After all, no one wants to wash their clothes and linens in a moldy, bacteria-ridden machine.

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