How to Clean Algae from Washing Machine

The Slimy Truth: Why Algae Loves Your Washing Machine

Let’s be real: your washing machine isn’t exactly the Ritz-Carlton of appliances. It’s damp, dark, and a bit of a cozy cave for algae, mold, and mildew parties. Algae growing inside your washer might sound like a plot from a sci-fi flick, but unfortunately it’s a real nuisance that can affect washing performance, cause unpleasant odors, and even damage your machine over time.

Algae thrive in warm, moist environments — exactly what many washers provide when left unopened for days or rinsed with soft water lacking disinfectants. So, if you notice a greenish slimy film growing inside your drum, detergent compartment, or rubber seals, it’s time to bring out the cleaning cavalry.

No worries — we’ll guide you through the slickest tricks to banish algae, keep your laundry smelling fresh, and keep that washer humming along like new.

Step 1: Gear Up – Get Ready for a Deep Clean

First things first: make sure your washing machine is completely empty. No sneaky socks or T-shirts hiding inside. This is all about the machine, not your laundry. Leave the door or lid open for a bit to air out any musty smells before you begin.

Grab your cleaning MVPs: household chlorine bleach (or white vinegar if you’re going for a natural route), a soft cloth, an old toothbrush or small scrub brush, and rubber gloves. Ready? Let’s roll up those sleeves.

Step 2: Hot Water Cycle with a Punch of Bleach or Vinegar

The real magic starts here. Run a hot water cycle at the highest temperature setting available (choose the largest load if your machine allows). This hot bath helps loosen algae and kills bacteria lurking inside.

Add about 1 cup (240 ml) of liquid chlorine bleach into the bleach dispenser, or alternatively, pour 2 cups (about 500 ml) of white vinegar into the detergent drawer. Both are powerful disinfectants — bleach wins for heavy-duty algae and mold removal, while vinegar is a gentler, natural alternative that also deodorizes.

Start the cycle and let it work its magic. For front loaders, detailed cleaning tips can be found in this video guide. This approach also targets algae lurking in drainage lines and inside the drum.

Step 3: Manual Wipe-Down for Stubborn Spots

Once the cycle is done, it’s time for some hands-on scrubbing. Algae love to sneak into rubber door seals, detergent dispensers, and corners where water pools.

Mix a diluted bleach solution (about 1 part bleach to 10 parts water) or use undiluted vinegar in a spray bottle. Use a cloth soaked in this solution or a soft brush to thoroughly scrub these vulnerable spots. Pay close attention to folds in rubber seals; algae love to hide there.

Pro tip: If the deposits are stubborn, dipping the detergent drawer into a bleach solution overnight can help dissolve slime and gunk while preventing future buildup.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry Like a Pro

After scrubbing, run an additional rinse cycle (without detergent) to flush out any leftover bleach or vinegar residues. This keeps your clothes and machine safe from chemical remnants.

Once finished, leave the washing machine door wide open for several hours – or even better, overnight – to air dry completely and prevent any chance of algae regrowth. Moisture is algae’s best friend, so a dry drum is your first line of defense going forward.

Got Really Stubborn Algae? Bring Out the Heavy Artillery

If your washer looks like it’s hosting an algae jungle, or if you’ve got recurring algae despite regular cleaning, specialized washing machine cleaning tablets or powders can be your secret weapons. Many owners report success using these alongside routine bleach cycles.

For extreme cases (think severe algae and mold in rubber gaskets), some have tried careful application of chlorine pool shock granules diluted properly according to instructions, followed by thorough rinsing. Definitely treat this option with caution and protective gear.

Natural Alternatives: Baking Soda and Vinegar Combo

If you prefer skipping bleach’s harshness, a tried-and-true DIY cleaner is baking soda combined with white vinegar. Add half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum, and pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent drawer. Run a hot cycle as usual.

This fizzing combo helps break down residue and deodorizes without synthetic chemicals. While it may not be quite as potent against aggressive algae colonies as bleach, it’s a great monthly maintenance option.

Handy Tips to Keep Algae at Bay for the Long Haul

  • Always leave the door or lid open after each wash to dry out the interior.
  • Wipe down rubber gaskets and dispensers regularly with a vinegar or bleach wipe.
  • Run these deep cleaning cycles once every 1-3 months, depending on use intensity and water quality.
  • Regularly clean detergent drawers and pay attention to areas where water pools or residue accumulates.
  • Use detergent manufacturers recommend and avoid excessive detergent, as buildup fuels algae growth.

Taken together, this routine keeps your washing machine fresh and free of those unwelcome green guests.

Keep Your Machine Happy With Smarter Choices

Speaking of smarter choices, if you’re in the market for a new washing machine — whether it’s a front loader that’s a bit more prone to mold or a top loader — it pays to choose models and practices that reduce mildew and algae buildup. Check out guides like How to Choose the Best Washing Machine and How to Choose Front Load Washing Machine Capacity to get started.

Quick Product Recommendations for Cleaning

Ready to get cleaning? Grab powerful laundry cleaning helpers from trusted sources:

Because a clean machine means cleaner clothes and a happier laundry day. You feel me?