How to Properly Clean a Washing Machine

Essential Steps to Clean Your Washing Machine

While cleaning your commercial washing machines may seem odd, it makes complete sense. Although they use laundry detergent every time they run a load, they’re not cleaning themselves.

Washing machines can accumulate dirt and grime from soiled clothes, leftover detergent, mold and mildew, which leads to bacteria growth. Regular cleanings prevent your clients from getting their clothes back partially cleaned or with a funny smell. Proper maintenance eliminates built-up mineral deposits, protecting your equipment from malfunctions and securing your bottom line. 

Keeping your machines clean can prolong their life span and ensure clothes come out fresh. Keep reading to learn how to clean your washing machine!

Table of Contents

• Types of Washing Machine Cleaners
  • Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
  • Vinegar and Baking Soda
  • Bleach
  • Peroxide
• How to Clean a Top Loader Washing Machine
• How to Clean a Front-Loading Washing Machine
• Extra Washing Machine Cleaning Tips
• Benefits of Regular Cleaning
• Signs You Need Professional Washing Machine Maintenance and Cleaning
• Visit Our Blog for More Laundry Tips

Types of Washing Machine Cleaners

With some preventive maintenance and cleaning, you can keep your machines running optimally and your clients happy. You can use many types of cleaners to clean out your machines, including powders, tablets, liquids, sprays, gels and wipes. These are all compatible with most machines, so choosing the right one will depend on your personal preference and the extent of the odors or messes.

Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets

Perhaps one of the most straightforward ways to clean your washing machine is by using laundry detergent tablets. These tablets are usually made with a combination of potent cleaning agents and are designed to dissolve quickly in water and reach every nook and cranny of the machine.

1. Ensure your machine is dry and empty.
2. Place a tablet of designated machine cleaner into the tub.
3. Change your settings to normal. Select the hottest water.
4. Run the washer on a full cycle.

How to Clean A Washing Machine With Baking Soda and Vinegar

Cleaning your washing machine with vinegar and baking soda is a great alternative for those who prefer cleaning with natural ingredients. These two items you can find in most kitchens are great for absorbing odors and dissolving hard water stains. 

1. Start with a dry, empty machine.
2. Set the washer to a large load and place it on cleaning mode or the hottest setting you have.
3. Add 3 to 4 cups of white vinegar as the washer fills with water.
4. Let the washer agitate.
5. Pause the cycle.
6. Let the vinegar soak for one minute.
7. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda before turning on the agitator again.
8. Stop the cycle and let it sit for one hour.
9. Run the washer until it’s complete.

Repeat the process if your machine doesn’t appear as clean as you’d like.

Bleach

Peroxide might not be your first option when searching for what to clean a washer machine with, but it’s a great product for dealing with mildew and odors. Hydrogen peroxide is a safe and effective disinfectant for appliances. Be sure to use a bottle with at least 3% concentration to get the best results.

To clean your machine with peroxide, do the following:

1. Fill your empty machine with hot water for a large load.
2. Add 1 quart of bleach and allow the machine to run for one minute.
3. If you have a top loader, open the machine’s door and let the tub soak in the bleach for an hour. 
4. After an hour, shut the cover and let the machine run a complete cycle to drain the bleach.

Peroxide

Peroxide might not be your first option when searching for what to clean a washer machine with, but it’s a great product for dealing with mildew and odors. Hydrogen peroxide is a safe and effective disinfectant for appliances. Be sure to use a bottle with at least 3% concentration to get the best results.

To clean your machine with peroxide, do the following:

1. Start with a dry, empty washing machine.
2. Set your washer to a large load on the cleaning setting or the hottest setting you have.
3. Add two cups of hydrogen peroxide to the tub.
4. Run the washer once fully.

How to Clean a Top Loader Washing Machine

Cleaning a top-loading washing machine can be easier than a front-load one, as you can easily allow a cleaning solution to soak in it. Here are the basic steps for cleaning a top-load washing machine:

1. Clean the washer tub using the cleaner of your choice.
2. While the tub is soaking, clean the removable parts, such as detergent trays. Allow these to soak.
3. Wipe down the outside of the machine with a cleaner of your choice.
4. When the cleaner load is complete, clean the smaller parts around the tub.
5. Clean the filter and agitator.
6. Finish wiping and cleaning off the detergent parts that have been soaking.
7. Wipe the inside of the washer tub and the lid with a microfiber cloth.
8. Wipe the outside of the machine again with the cloth.
9. Prop the lid open to ensure everything dries thoroughly.

How to Clean a Front-Loading Washing Machine

Learning how to clean a front-load washing machine is essential, as they tend to be more susceptible to bad smells than top-loading washers. Due to their setup, water can easily pool in tight places, leading to mold or mildew growth. By regularly cleaning out your commercial washing machines, you can keep out unwanted growth and odor.

Here are a few basic steps for cleaning your front-loading washer:

1. Clean the washer tub using the cleaner of your choice.
2. Clean the drawers, trays and other removable parts while the tub soaks.
3. Wipe down the outside of the washer.
4. When the cleaner load is complete, scrub the door gasket with an old toothbrush and wipe it down with the cleaner.
5. Clean the machine’s filter.
6. Finish cleaning the soaking detergent trays and removable parts.
7. Wipe down the inside of the tub and the door with a microfiber cloth.
8. Wipe the outside of the washer once more with the cloth.
9. Prop the door open to ensure everything dries thoroughly.

Extra Washing Machine Cleaning Tips

Some tips for cleaning your commercial washing machines include:

• Check your manual: If unsure how often your washing machines should be cleaned, check the user manual to see if it recommends maintenance cycles. If there aren’t any, aim to deep clean your machine at least once a month.
• Use vinegar: Many claim that vinegar is the best way to clean out your washing machine. Vinegar can remove and prevent bacteria growth and act as a deodorizer to cut through mildew odors. However, be aware of using too much. Excess vinegar use can damage the hoses and tubes of your machine.
• Use supplies you have on hand: To make cleaning your washing machine simple, use supplies you already have on hand. All you’ll need is vinegar, bleach or baking soda, a toothbrush and a microfiber cloth to get the job done right.
• Don’t forget the smaller parts: It’s a good idea to clean out the gasket to ensure nothing is stuck and prevent anything loose from damaging the machine.
• Keep the doors and dispenser drawers open: Keeping the washing machines’ doors and dispenser drawers open between washes can prevent mold growth and odors.

Benefits of Regular Cleaning

While washing machines work with water and different detergents, they are not self-cleaning machines. Minerals in hard water, detergent and residue can build up over time and become mold and mildew in your washers’ damp and warm environment. Regularly cleaning your commercial laundry machines comes with many benefits, from extending their productive life to ensuring customer satisfaction. 

The benefits of timely cleaning and maintenance include:

• Preventing mold and mildew growth
• Ensuring clothes are washed properly
• Saving energy costs with efficient equipment
• Preventing costly damage
• Extending the machine’s life span
• Minimizing downtime
• Detecting malfunctions and issues opportunely

Signs You Need Professional Washing Machine Maintenance and Cleaning

Scheduling regular preventative care from professionals is one of the best strategies for keeping your commercial laundry operations up and running. If you don’t have the staff or the time to tend to your machines, hiring professional technicians and cleaners will help you save time and energy cleaning each unit and let you invest it in running your business.

Some signs you may need professional help to serve your commercial washers are:

• The smell of rotten eggs in your washer’s filters
• Moldy rubber seals
• Built-up detergent in the machine’s drawers
• A musty smell in clothes after washing cycles
• Limescale residue on clothes

Get Started on Your Washing Machine Cleaning Today!

Since 1990, Caldwell & Gregory has offered top commercial laundry solutions for various industries. Our washers and dryers are provided across multiple payment platforms. We can also help maintain your machines with commercial laundry equipment repair.

We’re committed to providing excellent customer service and the best laundry technology and payment options for clients and customers. Contact us online or visit our blog for more laundry tips to keep your machines in quality shape.