Why You Should Care About Cleaning Your Washing Machine
Let’s be real—your washing machine is the unsung hero of your household. It hauls the stank, the mud, the mystery stains, and yet, you rarely think about its internal dirtiness. But here’s a hot tip: your washing machine is bound to get grimy over time, harboring detergent buildup, mold, mildew, and funky odors that can turn your freshly laundered clothes into noses crinklers.
Cleaning it regularly isn’t just about keeping smells in check; it boosts performance, protects your investment, prevents repair headaches, and extends the machine’s life. Sounds like a win-win, right? Now, cue dramatic pause… how often should you actually run that washing machine cleaner?
The Golden Rule: Once a Month or Every 30 Loads
Experts from Avocado Green Mattress and Affresh agree: the sweet spot for cleaning your machine with a washing machine cleaner is monthly or roughly every 30 wash cycles. This cadence keeps the grime, residues, and microbes from setting up shop.
Why monthly? Because on average, most households do multiple loads weekly—two to three loads a week quickly add up, and that’s when detergents and softeners, along with dirt, start leaving their “footprints” inside.
So mark your calendar or set a reminder: one wash cycle with a washing machine cleaner once a month, no excuses.
Front Loader vs. Top Loader: The Cleaning Frequency Showdown
Not all washing machines are created equal, and the way they get dirty varies too. According to Professional Appliance, here’s what you need to know:
- Top-loading machines: These work more like your classic agitator, with ample ventilation so mold has fewer chances to lurk. Cleaning once a month with a washing machine cleaner is recommended to keep them running smoothly and smelling fresh.
- Front-loading machines: These beauties are efficient but tend to be airtight, trapping moisture inside. This creates the perfect storm for mildew and funky odors. For these, quarterly cleaning—every three months—is generally advised, unless odors creep in sooner.
If your laundry room looks like a damp cave, or you suspect mold getting cozy, don’t wait—clean it sooner.
Sanitize Like a Pro: When to Step Up Your Game
Running a standard washing machine cleaner is great, but sometimes your machine needs a date with the big guns.
If you’ve been hit with illnesses in your household, or your freshly washed clothes smell less than fresh, it’s time for a thorough sanitizing cycle. Manufacturers and experts like Affresh recommend sanitizing as soon as odors or contamination issues surface.
Advanced washing machine cleaner products and sanitizers can kill bacteria and remove biofilms lurking inside your machine, killing the stink and health hazards alike.
Give It a Deep Clean Twice a Year
While monthly or quarterly maintenance keeps your washer in fine shape, don’t forget about the deep clean. According to The Home Depot, this should be done about every six months.
A deep clean involves more than just running a cleaning cycle. It includes scrubbing the gasket (yep, the rubber door seal), cleaning detergent dispensers, and wiping down the drum and door. For a complete guide on washing machine gasket care, check out our post on How Often to Replace Washing Machine Gasket.
This biannual ritual resets your machine’s hygiene and performance levels, like a spa day for your appliance.
What Happens When You Skip Cleaning?
Ignoring washing machine cleaning is like skipping oil changes in your car—you might get away with it for a bit, but eventually, things fall apart.
Leaving residue can clog the filter, reduce washing efficiency, and even cause your machine to break down faster. More annoyingly, you might notice that your clothes come out dingy or smelling funky despite a full wash.
For ideas on keeping those filters spotless, head to our How Often to Replace Washing Machine Filter guide.
DIY Cleaning Hacks and Recommended Products
Feeling adventurous? A lot of folk swear by vinegar and baking soda to DIY their washing machine cleaner cycles. For a detailed tutorial, see our article How Often to Clean Washing Machine with Vinegar.
If you’d rather keep it simple and effective, commercial washing machine cleaners like these are a great call:
These products are formulated to target grime, odors, and build-up effectively, making your monthly (or quarterly) cleaning effortless.
Tips to Keep Your Washing Machine Happier, Longer
- Leave the door or lid open after washes to air out moisture and prevent mold.
- Use the right amount of detergent — too much soap equals more residue.
- Empty pockets and pre-treat stains to reduce grime entering the drum.
- Regularly wipe the rubber gasket and dispenser trays with a cloth to remove dirt.
Want to know when else to clean parts of your machine? Check out our deep dives on When to Replace Washing Machine Door Seal and How Often To Drain Washing Machine Filter.
Wrapping Up: Your Washing Machine’s Health is in Your Hands
To keep your laundry fresh, your washer efficient, and your smells pleasant, stick to running a washing machine cleaner approximately once a month or every 30 washes for top loaders, and every three months for front loaders. Step up your game with sanitizing when necessary, and don’t forget the deep cleaning ritual twice a year.
Your washing machine deserves that shiny treatment. After all, a happy washer means happy clothes and a happy you.