How to Get Rid of Dirt in Your Washing Machine

We all want our washing machines to be dirt-free. It may sound strange, considering it’s a machine designed to clean, but grime, detergent residue and even limescale can build up in your washing machine over time. 

This can cause problems, for example, reducing the efficiency of your machine and the freshness of your clothes. The good news? Removing dirt from your washing machine is pretty easy and requires just a little elbow grease. 

Let’s dive into how to clean dirt out of a washing machine. 

Why Am I Getting Dirt in My Washing Machine?

So, you go to open your machine door to get your washing, and you notice grime in the drum or around the door. You may be thinking, “Why is there dirt in my washing machine?”

The main culprit is detergent residue, especially if you’re using too much. Over time, dirt can accumulate, particularly around the drum, rubber seal, and in hard-to-reach places like the detergent drawer. This can be even worse if you live in a hard water area, where limescale build-up can trap grime, which is the other culprit.

If you’re dealing with limescale - on top of dirt - it’s worth learning how to descale your washing machine to tackle two problems at once.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Dirt Out of a Washing Machine

Let’s get down to business. If you’ve noticed grime, residue, or even some mysterious dirt lingering in your washing machine, it’s time to give it a proper clean. Follow this guide on how to remove dirt from the washing machine to keep your machine fresh and running efficiently.

How to Clean the Drum

The drum is the central part of the machine where your clothes go. Dirt can get trapped in the tiny holes of the drum or cling to a detergent residue that hasn’t been rinsed away properly. That’s why you need to wipe down the drum. After the cycle, use a microfibre cloth to clean down the inside of the drum. Be sure to get into the tiny holes where dirt can hide.

Regular drum cleaning is a good way to prevent the build-up of dirt and to keep your machine running smoothly.

How to Remove Dirt from the Washing Machine Rubber Seal

That rubber seal around your washing machine door is like a magnet for grime and excess detergent, and it’s often to blame for some of the worst washing machine smells. If you let it fester, it can quickly turn into a hotspot for bad odours. But don’t worry, cleaning it is much easier than you think.  Simply Wipe the Seal with a Cloth. Start by wiping away any visible dirt with a damp cloth. Be sure to pull back the rubber folds to reach the crevices where dirt likes to hide.

By staying on top of this, you’ll prevent dirt build-up and keep your machine fresh. 

How To Clean the Detergent Drawer

Another breeding ground for dirt and detergent residue is the detergent drawer. Over time, soap scum can accumulate, especially if you use too much detergent or a formula that doesn’t fully dissolve.

Here’s how to clean it:

• Remove the Drawer: Most washing machine drawers can be pulled out entirely. Take it out and soak it in warm, soapy water to loosen any stuck-on residue.
  
• Scrub the Drawer: Use a toothbrush or small scrubbing brush to clean all the compartments. Don’t forget to scrub the area where the drawer slots into the machine, as dirt and soap can build up here as well.
  

• Rinse and Replace: Rinse thoroughly under warm water and dry the drawer before slotting it back into the machine.

How to Get Rid of Dirt From a Washing Machine for Good

Prevention is always better than cure, right? To avoid dirt build-up in your washing machine, make these habits a part of your daily laundry routine:


• Use the Right Detergent: Opt for a highly efficacious detergent that dissolves better and leaves less residue.
• Don’t Overload the Machine: Putting too many items in your washing machine can reduce its ability to rinse properly, which leads to excess dirt and soap scum.
• Leave the Door Open: After every wash, leave the door slightly ajar to let air circulate. This helps dry out the drum, preventing dirt and grime from clinging to damp surfaces.
• Use Calgon: Use Calgon Anti-Bacterial Gel or Calgon 4-in-1 Tabs to prevent your machine from odour and residue build-up.
  

How do I get rid of dirt in my washing machine?

To remove dirt, start by running a hot cycle with a washing machine cleaner. Don't add any clothes. Then, wipe down the drum, clean the detergent drawer, and scrub the rubber seal to remove any dirt.


Why is there dirt in my washing machine?

Dirt can build up due to detergent residue, hard water minerals, or not letting the machine rinse thoroughly after each cycle. Regular cleaning helps prevent dirt from accumulating.


How often should I clean my washing machine?

Ideally, clean the drum and detergent drawer once a month, and check the rubber seal for any dirt after every couple of washes to stay on top of build-up.


Can I prevent dirt in my washing machine?

Yes! Using suitable detergent, avoiding overloading the machine, leaving the door open after each wash or using Calgon in every wash are all simple, yet effective, ways to prevent dirt from building up.