How to Clean a Washing Machine

It’s important to clean your washing machine regularly to keep it running smoothly and keep your laundry fresh. Over time, dirt, detergent residue and limescale can build up inside the machine, impacting its performance and producing foul odours. This build-up forces the machine to use more energy. Regular cleaning can prevent these issues, keep your machine working efficiently, and extend its lifespan.

In this article, you’ll learn how to clean your washing machine step-by-step to keep it in tip-top condition.

Why Cleaning Your Washing Machine is Important

Over time, dirt, detergent residue, and limescale can build up inside your washing machine, affecting its performance and your laundry's cleanliness. When grime collects in the drum or detergent drawer, this can transfer to the clothes, leaving them less fresh than usual. Limescale build-up, especially in hard water areas, can damage your machine’s components, leading to pricey repairs or even reducing the machine's lifespan.

A well-maintained washing machine is also more energy efficient. Limescale encrusts on the washing machine heating element which means more energy is needed to heat up, so the machine has to work harder, using more electricity and water. So, keeping it clean will lower the strain on the machine and energy consumption. This means taking time for regular cleaning is an easy way to keep your washing machine running well, your clothes smelling great, and your costs down!

How Often Should You Clean a Washing Machine?

To help make your washing machine last longer, it’s important to follow a regular cleaning schedule. A good rule of thumb is to clean the key components (like the drum, rubber seal, and detergent drawer) once a month or after every 30 washes, whichever comes first.

If you use your machine quite frequently or live in a hard water area, you may need to clean your washing machine more often. Hard water will cause limescale to build up faster, leading to performance and efficiency issues. Machines that handle a lot of overly dirty clothes, like sweaty workout gear or muddy items, may also require more frequent cleaning to avoid dirt and residue accumulation.

Read this article to learn more about how to clean dirt out of a washing machine.

By adjusting your cleaning routine based on how often and how intensely you use your machine, you can ensure it stays fresh, efficient, and free from issues.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Washing Machine

How to Clean the Washing Machine Drum

The drum is the heart of your washing machine and keeping it clean is the key to fresh laundry. Over time, detergent, fabric softener, and dirt can build up, reducing your machine's efficiency and causing unpleasant smells in your clothes.

Here’s how to use Calgon to prevent the build-up of dirt and residue on the inside of your washing machine:

Start by using Calgon Anti-Bacterial Gel or a Calgon Tablet designed to prevent limescale. These products will help keep your machine working at its best.
Pour the Calgon product directly into the detergent drawer as per the dosing instructions on the pack.
Use in every wash to prevent the buildup of dirt and residue. As an alternative, you can mix equal parts white vinegar and water, but we recommend Calgon for the most effective results.

Clean the Detergent Drawer

The detergent drawer is easy to forget about, but it can collect soap and fabric softener residue.

To keep it clean:

Remove the drawer from the machine by pulling it out completely.
Soak the drawer in warm, soapy water to loosen any stuck-on residue.
Scrub the compartments with a small brush or old toothbrush, focusing on any tight spots.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water and ensure it’s completely dry before putting it back.

Clean the Door’s Rubber Seal

The rubber seal around your washing machine door is often dismissed but can trap moisture, dirt and lint. Here’s how to quickly clean a washing machine seal to prevent bad smells and keep your laundry fresh.

Gently pull back the rubber seal and wipe the rim with a cloth or sponge soaked in a mild cleaner.
Dry the seal with a clean towel to prevent further moisture. You can also leave the door slightly open between washes to allow air to circulate.

Clean the Filter

The washing machine's filter catches all the lint, dirt, and other debris from your laundry. If it’s clogged, it can cause drainage issues and bad smells. Therefore, a clean washing machine filter is important for both the health and longevity of your machine and clothes.

Here’s how to clean the washing machine filter:

You can find the filter at the bottom of your machine, usually behind a small hatch. If you have trouble finding it, check your washing machine's instruction booklet.
Put a towel underneath the filter door, as water may spill out when you open the hatch.
Unscrew and remove the filter, then clear out any trapped lint, hair, or small objects.
Rinse the filter under running water, then screw it back in securely.
Close the hatch.

Run a Maintenance Wash

A regular maintenance wash is important for a hygienically cleaner washing machine.

Set your machine to a cycle at 20°C or higher.
Add Calgon Antibacterial gel to the detergent drawer. Run an empty cycle to kill 99.9% of odour-causing bacteria, leaving your washing machine smelling fresh and ready for the next laundry load.

For effective results, use Calgon 4-in-1 gel in every wash to protect your machine from limescale to help it last longer.

How to Clean My Washing Machine to Prevent Limescale

If you live in a hard water area, your washing machine is at risk of limescale build-up. Hard water has high levels of calcium and magnesium, which settle inside your machine and reduce its efficiency over time. Limescale in the washing machine can harm its components, so it’s important to use a water softener regularly to prevent limescale from becoming an issue. Calgon products are designed to combat the effects of hard water by eliminating minerals (magnesium and calcium ions) before they form limescale. By adding Calgon to every wash, you’ll protect your machine from limescale damage, reduce bad smells, and help it run smoothly for longer.

FAQs

What is the best thing to clean a washing machine?

The best cleaner depends on the type of buildup you're dealing with. For general cleaning, white vinegar and baking soda can remove dirt.

How often should I clean my washing machine filter?

It's a good idea to clean the filter every 3-4 weeks. Regularly clearing out the filter prevents blockages, helps your machine drain properly, and avoids unpleasant smells.

What are the best ways to maintain my washing machine?

Use Calgon in every wash to protect your machine from limescale build-up and keep your machine fresh.

Can I use vinegar and baking soda to clean my washing machine?

Yes, vinegar and baking soda are great natural cleaners for your washing machine. Vinegar helps break down grime and bacteria while baking soda is a gentle scrubbing agent to tackle residue buildup. However, we recommend Calgon to prevent limescale and help your machine live longer.