In this post, we'll cover
- In short: how to clean a washing machine
- Why maintaining your washing machine matters
- How often should you clean your washing machine?
- What you'll need
- How to clean a washing machine: step by step
- How to make your washing machine last longer
- Common washing machine problems and what they mean
- When a washing machine problem needs a professional
In short: how to clean a washing machine
To clean a washing machine, run an empty hot service wash (90°C) with washing machine cleaner or white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. Then wipe the rubber door seal, pull out and clean the detergent drawer, and clear the filter at the bottom. Do this once a month, and leave the door and drawer open between washes to stop smells and mould.
Key takeaways
• A monthly hot “service wash” is the single best habit for a fresh, healthy machine.
• The rubber door seal and detergent drawer are the main hiding spots for mould and grime.
• Clearing the filter prevents blockages, poor draining and breakdowns.
• When a machine does fail,appliance coversaves you the cost of repair or replacement.
Why maintaining your washing machine matters
Modern low-temperature, eco washes are kinder to your bills and your clothes, but they don't get hot enough to clear out the detergent residue, grease, limescale and bacteria that build up inside the machine. Over time that build-up creates the tell-tale musty smell, leaves black mould around the door seal, and can stop clothes coming out properly clean.
Regular washing machine maintenance keeps your laundry genuinely fresh, helps the machine run efficiently, and crucially prevents the blockages and limescale damage that lead to breakdowns. In hard-water areas of the UK, limescale is especially tough on the heating element and pump, so a little routine care protects one of the hardest-working appliances in your home.
How often should you clean your washing machine?
A quick routine keeps things fresh without much effort:
After every wash:Leave the door and detergent drawer ajar to air-dry and prevent damp, musty smells.
Weekly:Wipe the rubber door seal and remove any trapped hair, coins or debris.
Monthly:Run a hot service wash with cleaner; clean the detergent drawer and check the filter.
Every 3 to 6 months:Descale to remove limescale, and inspect the hoses and seal for wear or leaks.
What you'll need
• Washing machine cleaner or white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda
• A cloth, sponge and an old toothbrush
• Warm soapy water
• A shallow tray or towels and a bowl (for draining the filter)
• A descaler for hard-water areas
How to clean a washing machine: step by step
Set aside around 20 minutes. Work through the drum, seal, drawer and filter for a proper clean.
1) Run a hot service wash
With the drum empty, add washing machine cleaner or 250ml of white vinegar plus a couple of tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda, and run the hottest, longest cycle (ideally 90°C). This clears grease, residue and bacteria.
2) Clean the rubber door seal
On front-loaders, mould loves the rubber gasket. Peel it back gently, wipe out trapped water, hair and gunk with warm soapy water, and dry it thoroughly.
3) Clean the detergent drawer
Pull the drawer fully out (most release with a small tab). Soak it in warm water, scrub off detergent and softener sludge with an old toothbrush, then wipe inside the empty housing too.
4) Clear the filter
Find the filter flap at the front bottom of the machine. Place a tray and towels underneath, unscrew the cap slowly to drain the water, then remove lint, coins, and debris before refitting.
5) Wipe the drum and exterior
Wipe around the inside of the drum, then clean the door glass, buttons, and top of the machine with a damp cloth.
6) Leave it to air-dry
Prop the door and drawer open so moisture escapes. This simple habit does more than anything to keep smells and mould from coming back.
Pro tip: If you mostly do cool eco washes, run one hot service wash every month. Low temperatures never clear the gunk that causes smells, and an occasional hot cycle resets the machine.
How to make your washing machine last longer
Good habits protect the machine as much as cleaning does:
• Don't overload. Cramming the drum strains the motor and bearings and washes poorly. Leave a hand's width at the top.
• Use the right amount of detergent. Too much leaves residue that feeds smells; too little washes badly. Reduce the dose in soft-water areas.
• Check pockets for coins, tissues and hairclips before washing, a stray coin is a classic cause of pump blockages.
• Balance the load and make sure the machine is level to reduce vibration and wear.
• Inspect the hoses occasionally for bulges or leaks, and don't ignore small drips, they only get worse.
Common washing machine problems and what they mean
Most day-to-day complaints come back to maintenance. Here's how to read them:
Musty or bad smell:Detergent build-up and mould in the seal or drawer. Run a hot service wash and clean the seal.
Clothes not clean:Overloading, wrong detergent dose, or limescale. Wash smaller loads and descale.
Very noisy or shaking:An unbalanced load or an object in the drum, or worn bearings if it persists.
Black mould on the seal: Trapped moisture. Clean the gasket and always leave the door open to air-dry.
Not draining or spinning:Often a blocked filter or a coin in the pump. Clear the filter first.
Leaking water: Check the door seal, detergent drawer and hoses. Persistent leaks need an engineer.
When a washing machine problem needs a professional
Cleaning, descaling and clearing the filter fix most issues. Call in a qualified engineer if you notice:
• Water leaking onto the floor that isn't a simple seal or hose fix
• The machine won't fill, drain or spin despite a clear filter
• Loud grinding or knocking (a sign of worn drum bearings)
• Error codes, tripping electrics, or a burning smell
Safety first: Washing machines mix water and electricity. Never attempt electrical repairs yourself. Switch off the appliance at the socket, turn off the water supply, and arrange for a qualified engineer.
Disclaimer
• Appliance insurance cover is valuable, but it has limitations. Understand the hidden risks in your home by reading the policy wording carefully.
• This blog is for information only and should not be taken as advice. Appliance insurance cover suitability depends on individual needs and circumstances.
• Coverage is subject to eligibility, exclusions, and claim limits. Please read the full policy terms and conditions before purchasing. Smart-Cover is a trading name of Smart-Cover Direct Limited, which is an Appointed Representative of City and Commercial Limited (FRN 314346), authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Smart Cover's own firm reference number is 600428.
