Why Bother Cleaning Your Washing Machine?
Let’s be real: your washing machine isn’t exactly winning any cleanliness contests by itself. Over time, detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, grime, and mold love to throw a party inside that drum and dispenser. The result? Stinky odors, dingy clothes, and sometimes even malfunctions. So if you want your laundry day to feel less like a questionable science experiment, it’s time to get your washing machine cleaner cleaned—yes, the cleaner itself.
Cleaning your washing machine (and the cleaner) is a necessary ritual for keeping your appliance working efficiently and smelling fresh. Plus, nothing beats that sweet satisfaction of a sparkling clean washer.
Cleaning Washing Machine Cleaner? Wait, What?
Here’s the plot twist: washing machine cleaners (like the popular Affresh tablets for India or global buyers including USA) are designed to dissolve residue, mold, and detergent buildup inside the drum. But over time, if the container or dispenser drawer where you store these cleaners isn’t clean, you could be inviting dirt and gunk to ruin the party.
So yes, you do want to keep the container or dispenser tidy because cleaner tablets or liquids work best when there’s no crummy buildup blocking their magic.
Step 1: Empty and Clean Your Washing Machine Cleaner Storage
Start by pulling out the detergent and cleaner dispenser tray. This little drawer is a hidden treasure chest for mold and detergent junk. Take it out carefully.
- Rinse the tray under hot running water to loosen any detergent or cleaner residue.
- If it’s removable, soak the tray for 15–30 minutes in hot water mixed with a bit of mild dish soap.
- Scrub away any stubborn buildup with a soft brush or old toothbrush.
- Don’t forget to wipe inside the dispenser slot on the machine itself with a damp cloth.
A clean dispenser ensures your washing machine cleaner or detergent empties properly, doing its job without obstruction.
Step 2: Run a Cleaning Cycle Using Cleaning Tablets or Homemade Solutions
Once your dispenser is sparkly, it’s time to call in the big guns. Depending on your preference and what you have available, here’s how to deep clean your washer:
Using Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets (e.g., Affresh)
- Place one tablet directly into the drum’s bottom—not the dispenser drawer.
- Run the washer’s cleaning or tub clean cycle on the hottest water setting.
- Once finished, wipe the inside of the drum and the rubber door seal with a damp cloth.
That’s it. These tablets work wonders dissolving residue and killing odor-causing bacteria.
The Classic Vinegar and Baking Soda Method
- Set your washer to the hottest, longest cycle (usually the sanitize or tub clean mode).
- Add two cups of white vinegar directly into the drum.
- Halfway through the cycle (or if your machine allows pausing), add a quarter cup of baking soda.
- Allow the cycle to finish completely.
- Afterward, wipe down the drum, door seal, and dispenser with a soft cloth.
This DIY method is a fantastic natural alternative that cuts through grime and deodorizes your machine.
Using Bleach for a Sterile Clean
For an extra disinfecting boost, bleach is a powerful tool—just handle it with care:
- Add one cup of chlorine bleach straight into the drum.
- Run a hot wash cycle (sanitize or tub clean recommended).
- Once done, run an additional rinse cycle to flush out bleach residues.
Be mindful not to mix bleach with other cleaners, especially vinegar or baking soda, as this creates harmful gases.
Step 3: Wipe down Seals, Drum, and Exterior for Full Freshness
Now that you’ve run a cleaning cycle, don’t forget the nooks and crannies:
- Rubber Gasket: The foldy rubber seal around the door is a notorious mold magnet. Wipe it thoroughly with a cloth soaked in vinegar or mild bleach solution.
- Drum Interior: Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove any loosened debris or residue.
- Exterior: Dust off buttons, knobs, and lint filters with a soft cloth and mild detergent if needed.
Regular wipe-downs between deep cleans keep things smelling sweet and avoid buildup.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Washing Machine Freshness
Keep your cleaning efforts from turning into a one-hit-wonder by following these simple practices:
- Leave the Door Open: After laundry day, keep the washer door ajar to let moisture evaporate and prevent mold growth.
- Use Recommended Detergent: Too much detergent causes buildup, so follow manufacturer guidelines carefully.
- Clean Dispenser and Seals Monthly: Those tiny places are prime real estate for dirt—keep them tidy regularly.
- Run a Cleaning Cycle Every Month: Whether using tablets or DIY methods, monthly cleaning helps maintain freshness and efficiency.
Ready to Freshen Up Your Washing Machine?
Your washing machine might be a hard-working laundry warrior, but it needs a little TLC now and then to keep fighting the good fight. Cleaning your washing machine cleaner’s storage, running cycles with tablets like Affresh India or natural solutions, and maintaining the seals and dispenser trays makes a world of difference.
Remember, a cleaner machine equals fresher clothes and fewer wardrobe malfunctions, plus it’ll extend your washer’s life—talk about a win-win.
For more targeted cleaning tips, check out our guides on how to clean washing machine center agitator like a pro or cleaning automatic Samsung washing machines to keep every part spotless.