How often should I clean my washing machine?

Run a clean cycle every 1–3 months, depending on how often you do laundry. For households that wash 5+ loads per week, clean monthly. For lighter use (1–2 loads per week), every 2–3 months is fine. Always clean more frequently if you notice odors, use cold-water cycles exclusively, or use fabric softener, which builds up faster. Even if you don't notice any smells, cleaning every 3 months prevents hidden buildup.

What is a washing machine clean cycle?

A clean cycle (sometimes called 'Self Clean,' 'Tub Clean,' or 'Clean Washer') is a special hot-water cycle built into many modern washing machines. It runs hotter and longer than a normal cycle and is designed to flush out detergent residue, mold, and mineral buildup from the drum and internal hoses. You run it with no clothes inside, using a washing machine cleaner or vinegar. Check your machine's manual — if it has a clean cycle, the manufacturer designed it specifically for cleaning.

What if my washing machine doesn't have a clean cycle?

If your machine doesn't have a dedicated clean cycle, you can still clean it effectively. Run the hottest water setting on the largest load size with no clothes. Add 2 cups of white vinegar directly to the drum before starting, or use a commercial washing machine cleaner. For stubborn buildup, pause the cycle after the tub fills and let the hot water and cleaner soak for 30–60 minutes before resuming. Follow the same dispenser and seal-cleaning steps as you would with a clean cycle.

Should I use bleach or vinegar to clean my washing machine?

Both work, but they serve different purposes. White vinegar (2 cups in the drum) is excellent for dissolving mineral deposits and mild detergent buildup, and it's gentler on your machine's rubber seals. Bleach (1/2 cup) is better for killing mold and bacteria. Never mix bleach and vinegar together — the combination creates toxic gas. If you want the benefits of both, run one clean cycle with vinegar, then a separate clean cycle with bleach. Commercial washing machine cleaners (like Affresh) are formulated to handle both and are a convenient single-step option.

Why does my front-loading washing machine smell worse than my old top-loader?

Front-loading machines use less water and have a rubber door seal that traps moisture, creating an ideal environment for mold and mildew. The tight seal that makes them water-efficient also prevents air circulation. To minimize odors: always leave the door cracked open between loads, wipe the rubber seal dry after the last load of the day, run a clean cycle monthly, and use only HE (high-efficiency) detergent in the recommended amount. Using too much detergent is a leading cause of front-loader odors.

Can I use too much detergent?

Yes — using more detergent than recommended is one of the most common causes of washing machine problems. Excess detergent doesn't rinse out completely and builds up inside the drum, hoses, and dispenser, feeding mold and causing odors. Modern detergents are highly concentrated, especially HE detergent for front-loaders. Follow the manufacturer's recommended amount, and for most loads, you can use even less. If you see suds remaining after the cycle, you're using too much.

What are the signs my washing machine needs cleaning?

The most common signs are a musty, sour, or mildew smell — either from the machine itself or from freshly washed clothes. Other signs include visible black or pink mold around the rubber door seal, detergent residue or clogs in the dispenser drawer, a film inside the drum, clothes that feel slimy or have streaks after washing, and slow draining. If it's been more than 3 months since your last cleaning, schedule one regardless of symptoms.

Should I leave the washing machine door open between loads?

Yes — always leave the door (or lid on top-loaders) slightly open between loads so moisture can evaporate. This is the single most effective habit for preventing mold and odors, especially in front-loading machines. For top-loaders, propping the lid open helps too. Also wipe the rubber door seal dry after the final load of the day. These simple steps, combined with monthly clean cycles, keep your machine smelling fresh.

Appliance Maintenance

How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?

Your washing machine works hard to keep your clothes clean — but it also needs cleaning itself. Detergent residue, fabric softener, and moisture create the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and odors. Running a clean cycle every 1–3 months keeps your washer fresh and your laundry smelling clean.

Quick Answer

Run your washing machine's clean cycle (or a hot-water cycle with no clothes) every 1–3 months using a washing machine cleaner or 2 cups of white vinegar. If your machine doesn't have a dedicated clean cycle, run the hottest setting on the largest load with the cleaner of your choice. Clean more frequently if you do 5+ loads per week, use cold-water cycles, or notice a musty smell.

Recommended Cleaning Frequency

How often you should clean your washing machine depends on how much laundry you do, the water temperature you use, and whether you have a high-efficiency (HE) machine. The more you wash — especially in cold water — the faster residue builds up.

Standard use (2–4 loads/week)

Every 2–3 months

Heavy use (5+ loads/week)

Every 1–2 months

Cold-water or short-cycle washing

Every 1–2 months

HE (high-efficiency) machines

Every 1–3 months

Infrequent use (1 load/week or less)

Every 3 months

What Affects Buildup

• Frequent use builds residue faster
• Cold-water cycles don't dissolve detergent fully
• Too much detergent leaves excess residue
• Fabric softener coats the drum and builds up
• HE machines use less water, concentrating residue
• Closing the door between loads traps moisture

Why Regular Cleaning Matters

A washing machine that cleans your clothes needs cleaning too. Without regular maintenance, residue and moisture create a cycle of odors, mold, and reduced performance that affects both your machine and your laundry.

Prevents Mold & Mildew

Washing machines are damp, dark environments — the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. Running a clean cycle kills the bacteria and fungi that cause musty smells and can leave residue on your clothes. If your laundry smells sour even after washing, a dirty machine is usually the culprit.

Removes Detergent Buildup

Over time, detergent, fabric softener, and minerals from your water supply build up inside the drum, dispenser, and internal hoses. This residue reduces cleaning performance and can leave streaks or spots on your clothes. A clean cycle flushes out this buildup and restores your washer's effectiveness.

Eliminates Odors

A sour, musty, or mildew smell coming from your washer means bacteria and mold are growing inside. The clean cycle — combined with the right cleaner — eliminates the source of the odor, not just the symptom. Your clothes will come out smelling fresh again.

Extends Your Washer's Life

A clean washing machine runs more efficiently and puts less strain on its components. Built-up residue can clog dispensers, strain the pump, and reduce the effectiveness of seals. Regular cleaning helps prevent costly repairs and keeps your washer running smoothly for years longer.

Signs Your Washing Machine Needs Cleaning

If you notice any of these, run a clean cycle right away — don't wait for your regular schedule.

1Your washing machine smells musty, sour, or mildewy — even when empty
2Clean laundry comes out smelling less than fresh
3You see black or pink mold spots around the rubber door seal (front-loaders) or under the agitator (top-loaders)
4The detergent dispenser has visible residue, clogs, or black buildup
5You notice a film or residue inside the drum
6Your clothes have streaks, spots, or a slimy feel after washing
7It's been more than 3 months since you last ran a clean cycle
8You mostly wash in cold water, which doesn't dissolve detergent as effectively
9You use too much detergent or fabric softener (a common cause of buildup)
10You just moved into a home with a washing machine and don't know when it was last cleaned
11The machine has never been cleaned since you bought it
12Water drains slowly or the machine makes unusual noises during the cycle

How to Clean Your Washing Machine

Cleaning your washing machine is simple and takes just a few minutes of active time. Run the manufacturer's clean cycle if your machine has one, or follow the alternative hot-water method below.

Check your washing machine's manual or control panel for a dedicated 'Clean Washer' or 'Self Clean' cycle. This is a specialized hot-water cycle designed to flush the drum and internal components.

If your machine doesn't have a clean cycle, run a hot cycle (the hottest water setting) on the largest load size with no clothes inside.

Use a washing machine cleaner — either a commercially available tablet/powder (like Affresh or Tide Washing Machine Cleaner) or 2 cups of white vinegar — placed directly in the drum, not in the detergent dispenser.

For machines with a clean cycle, add the cleaner to the drum before starting the cycle, then run the full clean cycle with no laundry inside.

If your machine has a removable detergent dispenser, take it out and soak it in warm soapy water, then scrub with an old toothbrush to remove residue and mold.

Wipe down the rubber door seal on front-loading machines — moisture and mold collect in the folds. Use a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water, and don't forget the underside of the seal.

Clean the inside of the door glass, where soap scum and water spots accumulate.

For top-loading machines with an agitator, remove the fabric softener dispenser cup (if removable) and soak and scrub it clean.

After the clean cycle finishes, leave the door or lid open for several hours to let the drum dry completely — this prevents new mold growth.

Going forward, leave the door cracked open between loads to allow moisture to escape and reduce future buildup.

Safety Tips

A few essential tips to clean your washer safely and effectively.

Never mix bleach and vinegar — the combination produces toxic chlorine gas.
Run a separate clean cycle for each cleaner if using both vinegar and bleach.
Always run the clean cycle with no clothes inside.
Use only HE detergent in HE machines — regular detergent causes excess suds and buildup.
Wear gloves when cleaning mold or handling bleach.
Keep the area ventilated when using bleach-based cleaners.
Don't exceed the manufacturer's recommended detergent amount — less is often better.
Leave the door open between loads to let the drum dry and prevent mold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Never Forget to Clean Your Washing Machine

Get an email reminder every 1–3 months to run your washing machine's clean cycle. It's free and takes 10 seconds to set up, so your washer stays fresh and your laundry always smells clean.

Browse the full Home Maintenance Library