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

• 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.
• Visit Insider's Home and Kitchen Reference library for more stories.

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

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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