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If your “clean” laundry comes out smelling less than fresh, your washing machine is the real culprit. Over time, detergent residue, fabric softener gunk, and hard water buildup create a perfect storm of grime inside the drum. The fix? A deep clean that restores that just-washed scent and keeps your clothes looking bright. Here’s exactly how to clean your washing machine—both top and front loaders—using a few simple supplies and one solid DIY cleaning solution.

How to Deep Clean a Washing Machine (Top Loader)

A top load washing machine might look innocent, but hidden grime often lurks under the rim and agitator. Cleaning it properly keeps odors, residue, and mold in check—and your laundry smelling fresh again.

Here’s how to deep clean your top loader:

1. Run a hot cycle with vinegar. Fill the drum with hot water, add 4 cups of white vinegar, and let it agitate for a minute. Then pause and let it soak for an hour to break down buildup.
2. Scrub the inside. Use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to clean under the lid, around the agitator, and any corners where detergent collects.
3. Add baking soda. Run another full hot cycle with 1 cup of baking soda to neutralize odors and lift remaining residue.
4. Wipe dry. After the cycle ends, wipe the drum, lid, and gasket with a dry microfiber cloth. Leave the lid open to air out completely.

Pro Tips:

• For stubborn grime, mix a paste of baking soda and water and scrub problem areas before the rinse cycle.
• Avoid bleach—it can damage seals and create chemical residue.
• Always leave the lid open after washing to prevent mildew buildup.

Shop the Look:

• White Vinegar for Cleaning
• Baking Soda
• Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
• Soft Scrub Brush

How to Deep Clean a Washing Machine (Front Loader)

Front loaders are efficient, but that rubber gasket around the door? It’s a magnet for mold and trapped moisture. The detergent drawer and door seal often hide the source of that “wet towel” smell. Cleaning these spots regularly keeps your washer (and your laundry) smelling like fresh air, not mildew.

Here’s how to deep clean your front loader:

1. Start with the gasket. Pull back the rubber door seal and wipe away any visible residue or lint. Spray a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and water, then scrub gently with a soft brush or old toothbrush.
2. Run a vinegar wash. Pour 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum and run a full hot cycle (no clothes). This dissolves residue and kills bacteria.
3. Clean the detergent drawer. Remove the drawer completely and soak it in hot, soapy water for 15 minutes. Scrub away detergent buildup with a toothbrush, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
4. Add baking soda. Sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drum and run another short hot cycle to neutralize any lingering odors.
5. Dry everything. Wipe down the drum, gasket, and glass door with a clean cloth, and leave the door open to let moisture evaporate.

Pro Tips:

• Place an old towel under the door seal while cleaning to catch runoff.
• Avoid using bleach—it can corrode rubber seals over time.
• Always dry the gasket after each laundry day to stop mold before it starts.

Shop the Look:

• Vinegar Cleaning Spray Bottle
• Cleaning Brushes Set
• Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
• Microfiber Towels

How to Clean the Fabric Softener Dispenser & Detergent Drawer

If your washing machine still smells funky after a deep clean, the culprit might be hiding in plain sight—the dispenser drawer. Fabric softener and detergent tend to leave behind sticky residue that traps lint, grime, and bacteria. A quick deep clean can fix that fast.

Here’s how to clean your dispenser the right way:

1. Remove the drawer. Most drawers slide out easily. Press the release tab and pull it out completely.
2. Soak it. Fill your sink or a large bowl with hot water and add ½ cup of white vinegar. Let the drawer soak for 15–20 minutes to loosen buildup.
3. Scrub gently. Use a small brush or toothbrush to get inside tight corners and under removable parts.
4. Rinse and dry. Rinse thoroughly under warm water, then dry with a clean cloth.
5. Clean the cavity. Spray vinegar-water solution inside the dispenser slot on the machine itself and wipe it out with a microfiber cloth.

Pro Tips:

• For extra sparkle, add a drop of dish soap to the soak water.
• Avoid sharp tools that can scratch the drawer’s plastic.
• Do this monthly to keep your machine smelling fresh and performing better.

Shop the Look:

• White Vinegar for Cleaning
• Dish Soap
• Small Cleaning Brush Set
• Microfiber Cloths

DIY Cleaning Solutions That Actually Work

You don’t need a cabinet full of store-bought cleaners to deep clean your washing machine. The best solutions are usually sitting right in your kitchen. These DIY cleaning mixes cut through buildup, neutralize odor, and cost pennies to make.

1. The Vinegar + Baking Soda Duo
This classic combo dissolves detergent scum and mineral residue without damaging your machine.

• Mix 4 cups of white vinegar with 1 cup of baking soda.
• Pour it directly into the drum (not the dispenser).
• Run a full hot cycle and let it sit for 30 minutes before completing the wash.

2. Lemon Fresh Boost
For a citrusy clean, add 10–15 drops of lemon essential oil to your vinegar rinse.

• It helps break down mildew and adds a bright, fresh scent.
• Works for both top and front loaders.

3. Deep Soak Solution for Stubborn Grime
If you haven’t cleaned your washer in months, do a deep soak.

• Combine ½ cup baking soda, ½ cup hydrogen peroxide, and 2 cups hot water.
• Pour directly into the drum, let soak for 2–3 hours, then run a rinse cycle.

Pro Tips:

• Stick with natural cleaners—harsh chemicals shorten your washer’s lifespan.
• Always wipe down the drum afterward to prevent streaks or residue.
• Label and store your DIY mix in a spray bottle for weekly spot-cleaning.

Shop the Look:

• Lemon Essential Oil
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Spray Bottles
• White Vinegar

Tips for Maintaining Washing Machines

Keeping your washing machine clean isn’t a one-time thing—it’s a habit. A few simple tweaks to your laundry routine can help prevent odors, buildup, and expensive repairs. Think of it as regular self-care for your washer.

Smart maintenance habits that make a big difference:

• Wipe it down after every use. A quick swipe of the drum, gasket, and lid keeps moisture and mildew away.
• Leave it open. Airflow matters. Always keep the door or lid cracked open to prevent that musty smell.
• Go easy on detergent. More soap doesn’t mean cleaner clothes. Too much creates residue and clogs your washer.
• Run a monthly cleaning cycle. Use a vinegar-and-baking-soda combo once a month to keep everything running fresh.
• Clean the filter. Most washers have a lint filter—check your manual and give it a rinse every few weeks.
• Skip fabric softener occasionally. It can leave a sticky coating that traps bacteria. Use vinegar instead for softness and freshness.

Pro Tips:

• If your washer has a self-clean function, still deep clean manually every few months.
• Keep a microfiber cloth near the machine as a visual reminder to wipe it down.
• Store detergents and cleaning supplies nearby so it’s easier to maintain consistency.

Shop the Look:

• Vinegar Cleaner
• Laundry Detergent Dispenser Bottles
• Microfiber Cloths
• Lint Filter Cleaning Brush

Keep It Clean, Keep It Fresh

Your washing machine deserves the same care you give your favorite clothes. A little monthly maintenance keeps it smelling fresh, running efficiently, and saving you from pricey repairs later. Whether you’ve got a top loader or front loader, these simple deep-cleaning steps will make your laundry routine easier and your clothes smell better.

Ready to keep the clean-streak going? Check out How to Deep Clean a Keurig the Right Way for another quick home refresh that makes a big difference.