Family of Brands
How to Clean Your Washing Machine & Remove Mildew Odors
Clean your washing machine with simple steps that eliminate odors, buildup and grime to ensure your washer stays fresh and functioning at its best.
Washing machine buildup is often caused by leftover moisture, detergent residue and grime trapped in hidden parts of the machine, especially in front-loading washers. Hard water minerals, sweaty or dirty clothes and soap scum can all contribute to musty or sour smells over time. High humidity makes the problem worse by preventing the washer from drying out properly between loads, creating an ideal environment for mold and mildew.
How often to clean your washing machine
To keep your washing machine clean, clean it about once a month to eliminate bacteria, dirt and oil, and to prevent mold, mildew and musty odors from building up. Regular cleaning also helps remove any rust or residue that can affect your washer’s performance. Keeping up with maintenance can help keep your clothes smelling fresh and your machine running efficiently.
What to use to clean your washing machine
Microfiber cloth
Nylon scrub brush
Gloves
Bucket
Small brush
Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach
Clorox™ Disinfecting Cleaning Wipes₁
How to clean a front loader washing machine
Front-loading washers are prone to mold and mildew buildup, especially around the rubber door gasket, so it's important to inspect and dry it regularly after each wash. Using too much detergent can also cause residue buildup and musty odors, since front-loaders have tighter seals and lower water levels. To keep your machine clean and fresh, always use high-efficiency (HE) detergent sparingly and follow good maintenance habits.
Clean the door seal
Wipe the rubber gasket with a cloth soaked in a mixture of water and Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach.
Run a bleach cycle
Pour one cup of Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach into the bleach dispenser. Set the washer to the hottest cycle.
Rinse cycle
Run an additional rinse cycle to ensure all bleach is thoroughly rinsed out.
Clean the dispensers
Remove and soak the detergent dispensers in a solution of warm water and Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach. Scrub and rinse them thoroughly.
Keep it dry
Leave the door open after each use to let it dry out.
How to clean a top loader washing machine
Top-loading washers can collect grime and lint around the agitator, center post and under the lid, where detergent residue and dirt often build up. Because they use more water than front-loaders, top-loaders are also more prone to hard water deposits forming in the drum and hoses. Regularly checking and cleaning these hidden areas helps prevent buildup and keeps the washer running efficiently.
Prep
Select the whites or hot water cycle on your washer.
Run a bleach cycle
Pour one cup of Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach into the bleach dispenser or directly into the drum.
Rinse cycle
Run an additional rinse cycle to ensure all bleach is thoroughly rinsed out.
Clean the dispensers
Remove and soak the detergent dispensers in a solution of warm water and Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach. Scrub and rinse them thoroughly.
Clean the hoses
Disconnect the hoses from the washer and soak them in a solution of warm water and vinegar. Use a brush to scrub any stubborn hard water deposits. Rinse and reinstall.
Scrub the drum
After the cycle, use a microfiber cloth or sponge to wipe the drum’s interior of any hard water spots.
How to clean washing machine parts
Gasket: Be sure to lift and clean under the fold where mold and grime collect. Dry thoroughly.
Tray: Remove and soak in warm, soapy water. Scrub with a small brush to remove buildup, then rinse and dry before reinserting.
Glass Window (Door): Wipe to remove smudges, detergent splashes and residue.
Agitator: Wipe down to remove buildup, and for a deep clean, run a hot cycle with 1 cup of vinegar and baking soda.
Filter: Remove per manufacturer instructions. Rinse under running water and scrub gently to remove debris. Clean monthly or as needed.
Dispenser: Remove if possible and soak in hot, soapy water. Use a toothbrush to clear clogs and buildup. Rinse well and dry.
Washer Drain: Check for blockages or odors. Use a washing machine cleaner monthly to keep it clear.
How to clean your washing machine
Empty the machine
Remove any clothes or items from the washer.
Add bleach
For standard machines, add 1/2 cup of Clorox™ Disinfecting Bleach to the bleach dispenser or directly to the drum. For HE machines, use 1/4 cup.
Run a cycle
- If your washer has a maintenance cycle, select this option.
- Otherwise, run a cycle on hot water with the Extra Rinse option, or use the Whites or Stain cycle.
Ensure contact
Allow the bleach to contact the machine for 10 minutes.
Air dry
Leave the washer door open to air dry after the cycle.
Tips for cleaning a washing machine with bleach
- Not sure what bleach-to-water ratio you need? Check out our handy chart.
- Use freshly mixed solutions. Bleach degrades over time when diluted.
- Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or any other cleaner; doing so can create dangerous fumes.
- Wear gloves and ensure good ventilation during use.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is my washing machine not draining?
If your washing machine does not drain, it could be due to a clogged hose, blocked pump filter or buildup in the drain line. A washing machine drain blocked by lint, detergent residue or debris is a common reason why a washer would not drain properly.
- Why does my washing machine smell like mildew?
A mildew smell from a washing machine is usually caused by moisture, detergent buildup and trapped grime inside the drum, door seals or hoses. Whether it's a smelly washer top loader or you're wondering why your front loader washing machine smells, leaving the door closed between washes and not cleaning regularly can cause a musty odor. To get rid of the smell from the washing machine, it's important to deep clean it and let it dry out properly between loads.
- Why does my washer drain smell?
A smell from the washer drain pipe is often caused by a buildup of lint, soap scum, mildew or bacteria inside the drain hose or standpipe. If you're noticing a smell from the washing machine drain or dealing with a smelly washing machine drain, it’s usually a sign that the drain needs to be cleaned and flushed. Regular maintenance can help eliminate the smell coming from the washing machine drain and prevent it from returning.
- Why does my washer make my clothes smell?
If your washer makes clothes smell, it’s often due to mold, mildew or detergent buildup trapped inside the drum, seals or detergent tray. When your washing machine makes clothes smell, it usually means the machine needs a thorough cleaning. Regular deep cleaning and leaving the door open between loads can help prevent odors from transferring onto your clothes.