Why Washing Machines Get Dirty

Modern washing machines — especially front loaders — are prone to mould, mildew and detergent buildup because they stay damp after cycles. The rubber door seal on front loaders is particularly notorious for harbouring black mould. A dirty machine gives your clothes a musty smell even after washing.

How to Clean a Front Loader Washing Machine

  1. 1

    Clean the door seal

    Pull back the rubber door seal and inspect the fold — this is where black mould accumulates. Spray with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water, or a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 4 parts water for severe mould). Scrub with an old toothbrush and wipe clean with a cloth. Remove all visible mould.

  2. 2

    Clean the detergent drawer

    Pull the detergent drawer out completely (press the release tab if needed). Soak in warm soapy water and scrub away the detergent and softener residue that builds up. Rinse and dry before replacing.

  3. 3

    Clean the filter

    The pump filter (usually behind a small panel at the bottom front of the machine) catches fluff, coins and small items. Place a towel and shallow dish underneath, unscrew the filter cap slowly, let the water drain out, remove and rinse the filter under running water. Replace securely.

  4. 4

    Run a hot vinegar cycle

    With the machine empty, add 2 cups of white vinegar to the drum (not the drawer). Run the hottest, longest cycle available. The vinegar breaks down detergent residue and kills bacteria.

  5. 5

    Run a baking soda cycle

    Add half a cup of baking soda directly to the drum. Run another hot cycle. This deodorises and removes any remaining residue left by the vinegar cycle.

  6. 6

    Wipe down the exterior

    Wipe the outside of the machine, the door glass and around the control panel with a damp cloth. Dry the door seal thoroughly.

How to Clean a Top Loader

The same vinegar and baking soda method works for top loaders. Fill with hot water on the largest load setting, add 4 cups of white vinegar, let it agitate for a minute then pause and soak for 1 hour. Resume and complete the cycle. Run a second cycle with 1 cup of baking soda.

Prevent mould building upLeave the door (and detergent drawer) open after every wash. This allows air circulation and dries out the drum and seal. This single habit dramatically reduces mould growth between cleans.

Frequently Asked Questions

A full clean every 1–3 months depending on use. Wipe the door seal weekly if you notice any moisture or smell. Clean the filter every 3 months or whenever the machine drains slowly or makes unusual sounds.
Yes — it works well. Place one or two dishwasher tablets directly in the drum and run a hot empty cycle. The enzymes and surfactants in dishwasher tablets are effective at breaking down detergent buildup and grease.
Almost always caused by mould or mildew in the machine — most commonly in the door seal, detergent drawer or drum. Clean the machine thoroughly using the steps above and leave the door open between washes. Also check you are not using too much detergent (residue builds up and harbours bacteria) or washing at too low a temperature for your laundry.