How to Deep Clean a Washing Machine — Front-Load and Top-Load

Washing machines that clean clothes can themselves become dirty — developing mould in the drum and gasket, detergent and mineral buildup in the dispenser, and a persistent musty smell that transfers to laundry. Here's how to clean both front-load and top-load machines.

Front-Load Washing Machine

Front-loaders are more prone to mould than top-loaders because water pools in the bottom of the drum and the door gasket stays wet between cycles.

The Drum: Hot Wash with Cleaner

1. Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser
2. Run an empty wash cycle on the hottest setting and longest cycle available
3. When complete, pour ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drum (not the dispenser)
4. Run another hot cycle

Alternatively, use a commercial washing machine cleaner tablet (Affresh, OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner, or similar) — place in the drum and run a hot cycle.

The Door Gasket

The rubber gasket around the door opening is the most common mould location in front-loaders. Using a cloth soaked in a 50/50 water and white vinegar solution, fold back each section of the gasket and wipe thoroughly. For visible black mould: apply undiluted white vinegar, let sit 10 minutes, scrub with a toothbrush, wipe clean.

The Dispenser Drawer

Remove the dispenser drawer (most pull out completely), soak in warm soapy water, scrub with a small brush, rinse, and replace. Wipe inside the drawer cavity with a damp cloth.

Prevention

• Leave the door open between cycles — this allows the drum and gasket to dry
• Remove laundry promptly after cycles complete
• Wipe the gasket dry after each load
• Use only HE (high-efficiency) detergent and use less than the package recommends — excess detergent feeds mould

Top-Load Washing Machine

Top-loaders are easier to clean and less mould-prone but accumulate mineral deposits and detergent buildup in the drum and agitator.

1. Fill the machine with hot water on the largest load setting
2. Add 4 cups of white vinegar and run the agitator briefly to mix
3. Pause the cycle and let the vinegar solution soak for 1 hour
4. While soaking, wipe down the top, rim, and exposed drum interior with a cloth dipped in the vinegar water
5. Resume and complete the cycle
6. Run a second hot cycle with ½ cup of baking soda to remove vinegar residue

How Often

• Front-load: monthly drum clean, weekly gasket wipe
• Top-load: every 2–3 months

Maidless's deep cleaning service includes wiping the washing machine exterior, control panel, and dispenser. Book a Toronto deep clean — HST included.