How to clean a washing machine inside and out

A washing machine also needs cleaning and maintenance. Detergent residues, moisture or accumulated dirt can cause odours and affect washing. This guide reviews common areas and how to choose a compatible procedure. The manufacturer’s manual is the reference for products, doses and programmes.

1. Check door seals and rubber parts

Remove accessible residues and clean seals with the product and cloth specified by the manufacturer. Avoid soaking them in vinegar or peroxide without confirming compatibility. Dry afterwards and check for damage.

2. Choose the appropriate maintenance programme from the manual, with an empty machine where specified.

3. Use only a compatible product at the specified dose

Do not fill the drum or dispensers with homemade mixtures. Vinegar, baking soda, acids, peroxides and bleaches are not interchangeable and cannot be combined indiscriminately. Choose a washing-machine cleaner permitted by the manufacturer.

For front-loading machines, place the product only in the compartment or drum specified by the manual and label.

For top-loading models, likewise follow the specified programme and application point. Do not pause a cycle to extend chemical treatment unless the instructions allow it.

4. Let the specified programme complete

During the cycle, clean the exterior with a lightly damp cloth and a compatible product. Avoid wetting controls or connections.

5. Rinse only where the procedure requires

Run an additional rinse if the manual or product requires it. Afterwards, let the interior dry according to manufacturer recommendations, preventing unsafe access by children or animals.

6. Check the dispenser, filter and other accessible components

Clean removable parts according to the manual. Opening the filter may release water; prepare the area and do not handle components requiring technical service.

Products and methods: check compatibility first

Vinegar and baking soda

A natural ingredient is not suitable for every washing machine. Vinegar and baking soda react with each other and do not guarantee descaling or disinfection. Do not use them instead of the manufacturer’s specified procedure.

Enzymatic detergents and oxygen-based products

Formulations have different uses and doses. Check whether the label specifies laundry or appliance cleaning; these are not necessarily the same application. Do not add bleaches to other products without express instructions.

Citric acid and deposits

Some descalers contain citric acid, but formulation and appliance compatibility matter. Do not improvise concentrations or combinations with other substances.

Hydrogen peroxide and other treatments

Do not assume a substance has disinfectant effectiveness or general safety without knowing its formulation, concentration and authorised use. For washing machines, use only permitted procedures and do not mix peroxides with other cleaners. Consult technical service if odours or residues persist.