Keeping your washing machine drum clean is key to maintaining fresh-smelling laundry and extending your machine’s lifespan. Over time, residue from detergent, dirt, and fabric softeners can build up, leading to unpleasant odors and even mold growth.
You might not realize it, but a dirty drum can affect your clothes’ cleanliness and cause your machine to work harder. Luckily, cleaning your washing machine drum is a simple task you can do yourself with a few easy steps.
In this article, you’ll learn effective methods to clean your washing machine drum and keep it running smoothly. Whether you have a front-loader or top-loader, these tips will help you tackle buildup and ensure your laundry comes out fresh every time.
Why Cleaning Your Washing Machine Drum Is Important
Maintaining a clean washing machine drum preserves your machine’s performance and ensures your laundry comes out fresh. Regular cleaning prevents buildup that causes odors and damage.
Common Causes of Drum Dirt and Odors
- Residue from detergents, fabric softeners, and laundry additives builds up inside the drum.
- Dirt and oils from clothes transfer into the drum during every wash cycle.
- Moisture trapped in the drum creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
- Lint and debris accumulate in hard-to-reach areas, worsening odors and clogging drainage.
- Overloading the machine reduces rinse efficiency, leaving behind contaminants.
Benefits of a Clean Washing Machine Drum
- Improved laundry freshness by eliminating musty smells and preventing odor transfer to clothes.
- Enhanced machine efficiency as clean drums spin and drain water properly without obstruction.
- Extended appliance lifespan by reducing wear caused by residue and buildup.
- Prevention of mold and bacteria growth, contributing to a healthier laundry environment.
- Lower energy consumption since clean machines complete wash cycles faster and more effectively.
Tools and Materials Needed for Cleaning
You need specific tools and materials to clean your washing machine drum effectively. Having the right supplies makes the process efficient and ensures thorough removal of residue and buildup.
Household Items and Specialized Cleaning Products
Use household items like distilled white vinegar and baking soda to break down mineral deposits and deodorize. A spray bottle helps apply cleaning solutions evenly. For heavy buildup, select specialized washing machine cleaners containing enzymes or oxygen bleach, which target mold and detergent residue without damaging drum components. A soft microfiber cloth or sponge prevents scratching during scrubbing. Wearing rubber gloves protects your skin from harsh cleaners. Keep a small brush or old toothbrush on hand to reach around rubber seals and tight spaces inside the drum.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Washing Machine Drum
Follow these steps to remove residue, odors, and buildup from your washing machine drum. Maintain cleanliness regularly to keep your machine running efficiently and your laundry fresh.
Preparing the Washing Machine
Unplug your machine to ensure safety when cleaning. Remove any clothes or accessories inside the drum. Leave the door or lid open to allow ventilation during the cleaning process. Gather cleaning materials like distilled white vinegar, baking soda, microfiber cloth, rubber gloves, and an old toothbrush for scrubbing.
Cleaning With Vinegar and Baking Soda
Pour 2 cups of distilled white vinegar into the drum to break down mineral deposits and kill mold spores. Add 1/4 cup of baking soda directly into the drum to deodorize and remove grime. Run the machine on the hottest and longest cycle available. If your machine lacks a cleaning cycle, choose the normal wash with hot water. After the cycle, wipe the drum interior, door, and seals with a microfiber cloth dampened with vinegar to remove residual buildup.
Using Commercial Washing Machine Cleaners
Select a washing machine cleaner formulated for your model—front loader or top loader. Follow package instructions carefully for dosage and cycle settings. Run the machine on an empty cycle using the cleaner to dissolve detergent scum and sanitize the drum. Use commercial cleaners monthly or quarterly if vinegar and baking soda don’t fully remove buildup.
Cleaning the Drum Manually
Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin. Dampen a microfiber cloth or sponge with a vinegar-water solution (1:1 ratio) and scrub the drum’s interior surfaces. Use an old toothbrush to clean rubber door gaskets, detergent dispensers, and hard-to-reach crevices. Remove any visible lint or debris from the drum holes and seals. Leave the door or lid open to air dry completely after manual cleaning.
Tips for Maintaining a Clean Washing Machine Drum
Keeping your washing machine drum clean requires consistent care. Follow these tips to maintain freshness and prevent buildup.
Regular Cleaning Schedule
Establish a cleaning routine by treating your drum once every 1 to 2 months. Schedule a cleaning cycle using vinegar and baking soda or a commercial cleaner to remove residue effectively. Run the machine on the hottest setting during these cleanings to eliminate deposits and bacteria. Wipe the drum and door seal after every few washes to catch any leftover moisture or lint.
Preventing Mold and Mildew Build-up
Keep the drum dry after each use by leaving the door open for several hours to allow air circulation. Remove wet clothes promptly to prevent trapped moisture. Use high-efficiency detergent in recommended amounts, as excess detergent increases residue that fosters mold growth. Inspect and clean the rubber door seal weekly, where water and dirt accumulate easily, promoting mildew development.
Conclusion
Keeping your washing machine drum clean is a simple step that makes a big difference in your laundry routine. With regular care, you’ll avoid unpleasant odors and ensure your clothes come out fresh every time.
By staying consistent with cleaning and maintenance, you protect your machine from damage and keep it running efficiently longer. Taking a few minutes now saves you time and money down the road while giving you peace of mind about your laundry’s cleanliness.
Make cleaning your washing machine drum part of your routine—you’ll appreciate the results every time you do a load.
