Washing Machine Cleaning Tips

Last Updated on October 20, 2022 by Ellen Christian

There is an endless list of things that need to be done around our house. Some of them require outside help like the bathroom remodel we’re having done right now. Some of them are easy things that I can take care of myself, like cleaning the washing machine.

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Washing Machine Cleaning Tips

Washing Machine Cleaning Tips

While I’m far from a handywoman, I do try to take care of the small things around the house on my own. I can hang pictures, put together furniture, clean blinds and clean our all in one washing machine by myself.  Not only does it save money, but it also makes me feel more self-sufficient.

When I first considered how to clean the washing machine, I simply bought one of those bottles of washing machine cleaner and followed the directions on the bottle. While that took care of the washing machine odor, it didn’t address any of the lint traps, filters or stains that existed from our hard water.

These washing machine cleaning tips will get you started. Then check out my Hometalk board for a selection of articles and tutorials with more washing machine cleaning tips.

  • Go natural. You don’t need to buy a bottle of washing machine cleaner. You can do a great job with lemon juice, vinegar or bleach. Experiment to see what works best for you.
  • Read the manual. All washing machines are different. Learn where your filters are and how the manufacturer recommends that you clean yours.
  • Do it regularly. You should clean your washing machine at least twice a year. If you do a lot of laundry or have hard water, you may want to do it more often than that.
  • Don’t ever leave damp clothes in the washer. Letting wet clothes sit in the washer after the cycle is over encourages the growth of mold and mildew.

Whether you have a top loader, a front loader or a front loading all in one washer/dryer, caring for it properly can make it last longer. It can also mean that your clothes come out cleaner and that you use less energy and water to do a good job.  Keeping an eye on our expenses is important and this is an easy way to do that.

For more frugal tips, check out my post on budgeting tips and download your free ebook today. Learn how to make your own powdered laundry detergent.

Washing Machine Cleaning Tips
How often do you clean your washing machine? Do you have any tips I’ve forgotten?

32 thoughts on “Washing Machine Cleaning Tips”

  1. Hi Ellen, I become an owner of the same washing machine when I bought my apartment. I don't have the manual or the model number. Can you share the model number of your washing machine?
    Reply
  2. I have always used bleach because I always have it on hand. I will have to try lemon juice though because I have heard it works very very well.
    Reply
  3. I use vinegar for a ton of things in my house, including cleaning the washing machine. I have done this for a while now. 
    Reply
  4. I love these tips.  I know that we're not taking care of our machine (or clothes) like we should.  Our machine is really really old.  I probably need to do everything I can to keep it working it's best for as long as I can!
    Reply
  5. Never leaving clothes in the washing machine is a feat I am struggling to teach my kids! That would really help me not have to clean as often if they would stop letting their clothes linger for days in the machine!
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  6. I know some people who didn't even realize you had to clean washing machines. I guess if you don't think about it, it's easy to forget.
    Reply
  7. These are such great tips! I am always forgetting to keep my washing machine clean. I need to take better care of it. 
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  8. Thanks for the reminder. I shoudl probably clean mine while I'm home. A natural solution might be a good idea.
    Reply
  9. I was just cleaning my laundry room thinking about my need to clean out my washer! What fantastic cleaning tips! 
    Reply
  10. Great tips. I use bleach tablets to clean my washer and it seems to work fine. Never considered vinegar or anything else. My biggest fault is with leaving the wet clothes in the washer - or forgetting to start the dryer after putting wet clothes in it. I need a washer that sends reminders until I take care of it!
    Reply

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