How to Clean Your Washing Machine – Quick & Easy Steps

Consider this: 

You just finished a load of laundry, and instead of fresh, clean-smelling clothes, you notice a weird smell coming from your washing machine. Soap, dirt, and grime can build up inside over time, causing unpleasant odors.

No need to worry. Cleaning your washing machine is easy and only takes a few simple steps. Whether it’s just a quick cleanup or a deep wash, we’ll show you how to get it done fast. In a few simple steps, you can get rid of the bad smells and have your machine working like new.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Washing Machine

Sometimes your washing machine needs more than a quick wipe-down. Here’s how to deep clean washing machine thoroughly:

Step 1: Empty and Inspect Remove any items from the drum. Check pockets in the rubber seal for trapped debris, coins, or hair clips.

Step 2: Clean All Removable Parts Take out the detergent drawer and filter. Soak them in warm soapy water for 15-20 minutes, then scrub with an old toothbrush.

Step 3: Run a Hot Cleaning Cycle Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the drum and run the hottest cycle available. This kills bacteria and dissolves soap scum.

Step 4: Baking Soda Rinse After the vinegar cycle, add ½ cup of baking soda and run another hot cycle. This neutralises odours and removes remaining residue.

Step 5: Wipe and Dry Wipe all surfaces with a clean cloth and leave the door open to air dry completely.

How to Clean Washing Machine by Brand (NEW)

Different washing machine brands may have specific cleaning requirements. Here’s how to clean popular brands in Singapore:

How to Clean Washing Machine Bosch Bosch machines often have a dedicated drum clean cycle. Select this cycle and add a washing machine cleaner tablet. Bosch recommends cleaning monthly and always leaving the door ajar after use to prevent mould.

How to Clean Samsung Washing Machine Samsung front-loaders feature an Eco Drum Clean function. Run this cycle every 40 washes when the reminder appears. For manual cleaning, use the Self Clean+ feature with hot water.

How to Clean LG Washing Machine LG machines include a Tub Clean cycle. Run this monthly with a washing machine cleaner or 2 cups of white vinegar. Clean the pump filter every 2 weeks for optimal performance.

Pro Tip: Always check your washing machine’s user manual for brand-specific cleaning instructions. Some manufacturers void warranties if harsh chemicals are used incorrectly.

How to Make Your Washing Machine Last Longer

A clean washing machine works better and lasts longer. Here’s a simple guide to clean the drum, top-loader, and seals – so your clothes always come out clean.

Cleaning the Drum or Tub

The drum (or tub) of your washing machine is where your clothes go, so it’s super important to keep it clean. Over time, soap, detergent, and even dirt can build up inside, making your machine less efficient and leaving behind unwanted smells.

Steps to Clean Washing Machine Drum

1. Grab a damp cloth and wipe down the inside of the drum.
2. If you see soap scum or stains, try running a hot water cycle with a little vinegar to clean it out.
3. After that, make sure to leave the door open so everything dries properly, preventing any mold or musty smells.

Cleaning a Top-Loader

Top-loaders can have some tricky spots to clean. The agitator, which is the part that spins inside, can get filled with dirt, soap, and even lint. And the fabric softener dispenser often builds up gunk.

How to Clean Washing Machine’s Top-Loader

1. Use a small brush to scrub the agitator and get rid of any buildup.
2. Check the fabric softener dispenser and rinse it out with warm soapy water to clear out any dirt.
3. Run a hot water cycle with a little vinegar to clean out the rest of the machine.

Cleaning a Front-Loader

Front-loading washing machines have a few areas that need some special attention. The rubber seals around the door can trap water and dirt, and detergent dispensers can get clogged up. Plus, you might notice some mold or odors if you don’t clean them often enough.

How to Clean a Front-Loader

1. Wipe down the rubber seals with a damp cloth to remove any grime or water.
2. Pull out the detergent dispenser and rinse it under warm water to clear out any leftover soap.
3. Run a hot water cycle with a little bit of vinegar to clean the entire machine and get rid of any smells or mold.

A Sincere Suggestion

Sometimes, getting a little help makes all the difference. Helpling can take care of your washing machine inside and out, saving you time and effort.

Clean Your Washer with Ingredients You Already Have

Cleaning your washing machine doesn’t always have to involve harsh chemicals. Using simple, natural ingredients like baking soda and vinegar can work wonders to keep things fresh and clean. These methods are not only effective but also eco-friendly and safe for your machine. 

Let’s have a look into these easy-to-use options:

Ingredients	What It Does	Quantity	Caution⚠️
Baking Soda	Cleans & freshens drum	1/2 cup	Don’t overuse It’s hard to rinse.
Vinegar	Removes soap scum & odors	1 cup	Don’t overuse May damage seals.
Dish Soap	Cleans stains & grease	1-2 tbsp	Rinse well to avoid foams.
Lemon Juice	Freshens & removes stains	1/4 cup	Test first on small areas.
Vinegar & Baking Soda Mix	Deep cleans & deodorizes	1/2 cup each	Don’t use it often Might damage seals.

Now, let’s get into detail of each:

Get Rid of Smell With Baking Soda

Baking soda is super easy to use and helps your washing machine smell fresh! Just sprinkle ½ cup inside the drum and run a hot water cycle. It clears away leftover soap and dirt. 

But don’t use too much – extra baking soda can be tricky to rinse out. Use it once in a while for a fresh and clean washer!

Clear Out Soap Buildup With Vinegar

Vinegar is a great way to clean your washer and remove bad smells. Pour 1 cup into the detergent drawer and run a hot water cycle. It works hard to get rid of soap scum. Just don’t use it too often—vinegar can wear out the rubber parts of your machine. Use it sometimes to keep your washer in top shape!

No Stain With Dish Soap

Dish soap can help clean stains and grease from your washing machine. Mix 1-2 tablespoons with warm water and wipe down dirty spots with a cloth. Make sure to rinse well so there’s no soapy foam left behind. Dish soap is a quick and simple way to keep your washer looking neat!

Lemon Juice – Natural Freshener

Lemon juice makes your washer smell fresh and clean. Pour ¼ cup into the detergent drawer and run a hot water cycle. It’s great for removing stains and adding a nice citrus smell.

Test it on a small spot first to make sure it’s safe for your machine. Lemon juice is an easy, natural way to freshen things up!

Vinegar & Baking Soda Mix –  Deep Cleaner

For a really deep clean, try mixing vinegar and baking soda. Put ½ cup of baking soda in the drum and ½ cup of vinegar in the detergent drawer, then run a hot water cycle.

This combo tackles dirt and smells like a pro! But don’t use it too often; it could damage the machine’s rubber seals. Save this trick for when your washer really needs it.

🚨Don’t Skip This! How Often to Clean Your Washing Machine

Your washing machine deserves a deep clean every 1-2 months. If you’re washing dirty clothes a lot or using it daily, cleaning every two to three weeks will help keep things fresh.

A little cleaning goes a long way in keeping your machine working well and smelling nice. Trust me, a quick clean-up now and then can save you from bigger problems later on.

While DIY methods work well, commercial washing machine cleaners offer convenience and powerful cleaning. Here are popular washing machine cleaner options available in Singapore:

Best Washing Machine Cleaners in Singapore

Washing Machine Cleaner	Type	Where to Buy	Best For
Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner	Liquid	FairPrice, Guardian	Antibacterial deep clean
Magiclean Washing Machine Cleaner	Powder	Don Don Donki, Shopee	Removing odours and grime
Dr. Beckmann Service-it	Tablets	Cold Storage, Lazada	Front-loader maintenance
Oxiclean Washing Machine Cleaner	Powder	Amazon SG	Heavy-duty cleaning
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner	Tablets	Shopee, Lazada	Monthly maintenance

How to use washing machine cleaner: Simply add the cleaner to an empty drum and run a hot water cycle. Most washing machine cleaners work best when used monthly. For stubborn buildup, you can combine a commercial cleaner with a vinegar rinse for extra freshness.

5 Must-Follow Tips for a Clean Washing Machine

Follow these tips for better washing machine cleaning, and you’ll love how your machine performs. Your clothes will smell fresher every time.

• Use the Right Detergent

Always choose a detergent that suits your washing machine. Too much soap can leave a buildup, making it harder for the machine to clean your clothes properly.

Here’s a quick list I’ve made to help you pick the right detergent.

Detergent	Why It’s Good for Your Washer
Tide	Widely available Gentle yet effective cleaning.
Persil	Strong cleaning power Safe to use.
Ariel	Known for deep cleaning Available globally.
Arm & Hammer	Mild Hypoallergenic

• Don’t Overload It

Give your clothes some space! Overloading the washing machine can prevent clothes from getting fully cleaned, and it can cause your machine to work harder than it should.

• Regular Cleaning

Clean your washing machine once a month to avoid mold and odor buildup. It’s simple—just run a hot water cycle with a bit of vinegar or a washing machine cleaner.

• Clean the Seals

The rubber seals on the door can trap water and dirt. Wipe them down after each load to keep them clean and fresh.

• Leave the Door Open

After a wash, leave the door open for a while to let your machine dry out completely. This prevents mold and bad smells from forming.

Professional Washing Machine Cleaning Singapore

Sometimes DIY cleaning isn’t enough, especially for heavily soiled machines or persistent odours. Professional washing machine service Singapore can help when:

• Bad smells persist after multiple cleaning attempts
• You notice mould growth inside the drum or seals
• Your machine is making unusual noises
• Clothes come out still dirty or with residue
• You’re moving into a new home and want a fresh start

Why Choose Professional Washing Machine Cleaning? Professional technicians have specialised tools to access hard-to-reach parts, remove stubborn buildup, and sanitise your machine thoroughly. They can also identify potential problems before they become expensive repairs.

Helpling connects you with trusted home service providers in Singapore who can deep clean your washing machine and other household appliances. Book a home cleaning session today and enjoy a spotless home without the hassle.

Conclusion

Cleaning your washing machine is easy and really pays off. A clean washer works better, lasts longer, and keeps your clothes fresh and smelling great. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll keep your machine in good shape. Spend a little time on it regularly, and you’ll enjoy cleaner clothes and a machine that works like new.

FAQs

How often should I clean my washing machine? 

Clean your washing machine every 1-2 months for regular use. If you wash heavily soiled items frequently or use your machine daily, clean it every 2-3 weeks to prevent odour and buildup.

What is the best washing machine cleaner to use? 

Commercial washing machine cleaners like Dettol, Affresh, or Dr. Beckmann work well for convenience. For natural alternatives, white vinegar and baking soda are effective and affordable options available in any Singapore supermarket.

Can I use bleach to clean my washing machine? 

Yes, you can use bleach occasionally for deep sanitisation. Add ½ cup of chlorine bleach to an empty hot water cycle. However, never mix bleach with vinegar as this creates toxic fumes. Use bleach sparingly to avoid damaging rubber seals.

Why does my washing machine smell bad even after cleaning? 

Persistent odours usually indicate hidden mould in the rubber seal, clogged drain filter, or buildup in pipes. Try cleaning the filter, wiping seals thoroughly, and running multiple hot cycles with vinegar. If smells continue, consider professional washing machine cleaning.

How do I clean the rubber seal on my front-loader?

 Pull back the rubber gasket and wipe inside with a cloth dampened with vinegar or diluted bleach solution. Remove any debris, hair, or trapped items. Dry thoroughly and leave the door open after every wash.

Is it safe to use vinegar in washing machines?

 Yes, white vinegar is safe for occasional use in washing machines. Use no more than 1 cup per cleaning cycle and limit use to once or twice monthly to prevent potential damage to rubber components over time.

Where can I get washing machine cleaning service in Singapore? 

Helpling Singapore offers professional home cleaning services including appliance cleaning. Book online in 60 seconds and let trusted cleaners handle your washing machine maintenance.