Dirty washing machine got you in a spin? Keeping the drum clean is key to making sure your laundry comes out fresh and your machine runs smoothly. And regular maintenance can stop detergent residue, limescale and mould from building up.

Here’s our quick guide to keeping your washing machine drum squeaky clean.

For more detailed tips, take a look at this article.

1. Run a drum cleaning program

Lots of modern washing machines have a drum cleaning program. They use high temperatures and special spin cycles to clean out the drum. To see if your machine has this feature, check the control panel for a ‘drum clean’ setting – or take a look at your user manual.

Make sure the drum is empty before you start. And you can add a washing machine cleaner or a bit of washing powder to help things along.

2. Run a hot wash without laundry

No drum cleaning program? No problem. You can run a hot wash to get similar results. Set the temperature to at least 60°C (140°F) to kill bacteria and dissolve detergent residues. For an extra cleaning boost, add two cups of white vinegar or a commercial washing machine cleaner to the drum.

Again, just make sure the drum is empty – then run the wash cycle to let the heat and cleaning agents get to work.

3. Wipe the inside of the drum

After running a cleaning cycle or hot wash, it's a good idea to clean the inside of the drum by hand – to get rid of any leftover residue. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the drum, focusing on any spots with visible build-up. For tougher grime, use a soft brush and a mix of bicarbonate of soda and water. This gentle scrub can help clean off any stubborn dirt without damaging the drum.

4. Clean the seals and inside of the door

Don’t forget to clean the door seals and the inside of the washing machine door. These spots can trap moisture and detergent, leading to mould and bad smells. Use a water-and-vinegar mix (on a soft cloth) to wipe everything down – making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies

5. Run a final rinse

Last, but not least, run a final rinse and spin cycle. This step helps flush out any leftover cleaning product or loose debris – leaving your washing machine fresh and ready for your next load of laundry

How often should you clean your washing machine drum?

It’s best to clean your washing machine drum every 1-3 months, depending on how often you use it. Regular cleaning stops build-up and keeps your machine working well. If you do several loads a week, clean it monthly. If you use it less often, every three months should do the trick.

How to tell whether your washing machine needs cleaning

There are some clear signs that usually mean your washing machine drum needs a good clean:

  • The machine smells bad
  • Your clothes come out covered in white marks
  • There’s visible mould or mildew inside the drum

Also, if your machine is draining slowly or making strange noises, you might need to check the filter. For how to clean your pump filter, take a look at this guide.

If your washing machine needs repairing

Keeping your washing machine clean is super important to avoid problems and unnecessary repairs. But if you're still having issues or if your machine isn’t working right, it might be time to call in the professionals.

For expert help from one of our approved engineers, you can book a repair now.

About the author

Richard Dellow

Richard has been working as an engineer at Domestic & General for over 4 years and is keen to share some of the ways our customers can avoid paying for an appliance repair.

As the Regional Field Service Manager, Richard works very closely to our network of engineers and is an integral part of helping our customers ‘self-fix’ wherever possible.

With special expertise in maintaining many household appliances, especially gas appliances, Richard is a source of great expertise when it comes to making these essential home appliances run smoothly and for as long as possible.

In his free time, Richard enjoys spending time with his family and loves being outdoors, endurance and trail running are his passions, but loves any opportunity to take part in big challenges.

To make the most of Richard’s appliance wisdom, take a look at the articles below- they might save you a hefty repair fee…

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