How Much Does It Cost to Clean a Washing Machine?

Why You Should Care About Cleaning Your Washing Machine

Let’s be real—your washing machine silently handles one of the nastiest jobs you throw at it: cleaning your dirtiest clothes. But here’s the plot twist: your washing machine needs cleaning too. Over time, soap scum, detergent residue, fabric fibers, and mildew build up inside, turning your trusty laundry sidekick into a grime magnet. Not fun.

Cleaning your washing machine not only fights funky odors and mold but also helps keep your clothes fresh and extends your machine’s lifespan. Neglecting this can lead to poor wash performance and even costly repairs. No one wants that mid-cycle horror show.

So how much does it actually cost to clean this household hero? Strap in, because the answer depends on whether you play DIY champion or call in the pros—and also the type and condition of your washer.

Professional Washing Machine Cleaning Costs: What to Expect

If you’re the “call in the cavalry” type, hiring a professional washing machine cleaning service offers peace of mind. Professionals typically do a thorough job, scrubbing the drum, hoses, filters, seals, and sanitizing the entire unit. Bonus points if they add deodorizing or antibacterial treatments.

In India, the price range you’re looking at for this service generally sits between ₹300 to ₹1,500. Breaking it down:

  • Basic cleaning: Around ₹300 to ₹500. This covers a surface-level run through to clear out mild grime and residues.
  • Deep cleaning: ₹600 to ₹1,500. This includes a comprehensive scrub of the drum, filters, hoses, and drainage system, along with sanitization.

Location, machine type, and condition can jostle the price tag. For instance, front-loading machines usually cost a bit more to clean than top-loaders because of their complex design.

Across the pond in the UK, expect professional cleaning prices to hover from £30 to £50 depending on similar factors like location and machine wear[source][source].

What Does a Professional Cleaning Service Include?

Good question! You’re not just paying to have the machine wiped down. A professional cleaning typically involves:

  • Drum Cleaning: Removing residue build-up inside the tub where your clothes tumble.
  • Filter & Hose Cleaning: Dirt and lint don’t just vanish—filters and hoses trap them, so they need a good scrubbing.
  • Seal & Door Cleaning: These moist, rubber parts are breeding grounds for mold and mildew.
  • Deodorizing & Sanitizing: Using antibacterial treatments to zap odor-causing bacteria.

The goal: a freshly cleaned machine that runs efficiently and smells like fresh laundry heaven.

DIY Washing Machine Cleaning: The Budget-Friendly Alternative

Not in the mood to hand over your hard-earned cash for a pro service every 3-6 months? We get it. The DIY route is popular for a reason: it saves money and gives you bragging rights. Plus, when your machine is in good shape, it doesn’t take an engineer to clean it.

The essentials you’ll need:

  • Baking Soda and Vinegar: The classic combo to break down grime and deodorize. Run an empty cycle with vinegar, then follow with baking soda.
  • Cleaning Tablets: Specialized tabs you toss in to tackle detergent residue and mildew inside the drum.
  • Brush & Cloth: For scrubbing seals and detergent dispensers.

According to Home Depot, a routine DIY clean can be completed with items you might already have at home and only takes a couple of hours spread over a day. This route costs only a fraction of professional cleaning, mostly the price of the detergent or tablets.

One little pro tip: Regularly cleaning your washing machine helps avoid heavy-duty grime that professional services handle. So, a bit of elbow grease now might save you hundreds later.

Additional Factors That Affect Cleaning Costs

The devil’s in the details. A few extras can crank up the price or influence what you decide to pay:

  • Type of Washing Machine: Front-loaders often cost more to clean because of their complex seals and detergent drawers. Top-loaders are simpler beasts, usually cheaper.
  • Severity of Dirt and Mold: Got a machine that’s been ignored for a year or two? It’ll take more effort—and more money—to bring it back to snuff.
  • Location: Urban centers typically have higher service costs due to convenience and demand.
  • Additional Services: Sometimes you’ll want antibacterial, deodorizing, or even machine repair bundled in, which adds to the bill.

When to Clean Your Washing Machine

You wouldn’t skip oil changes on your car, so don’t skip washing machine clean-ups. Most experts recommend cleaning your washing machine every 3 to 6 months to avoid buildup that can cause odor, damage, and poor wash results[source].

Keep an eye—or nose—out for these signs it’s time for a spa day for your washer:

  • Musty or moldy smells during or after washing
  • Clothes coming out less clean than usual
  • Visible buildup or slime inside the drum or door seal
  • Water not draining properly or lingering puddles

Regular cleaning keeps your machine running smoother and clothes happier. It’s like giving your washing machine a little TLC it definitely deserves.

Helpful Resources & Related Reads

If you want to dive deeper into washing machines costs and maintenance, here are some articles you might find insightful:

Ready to Clean? Here’s Where to Buy Cleaning Essentials

If you’re taking the DIY plunge, you’ll want tried-and-true cleaning products to get the job done right. Check out these top-rated options available on Amazon:

These make scheduling your next washing machine clean a breeze without the fuss.