How to Clean a Washing Machine: The Complete Maintenance Guide

Your washing machine cleans everything you put into it – but are you cleaning the washing machine itself? Knowing how to clean a washing machine properly tends to be a household basic that most people skip until something goes wrong. At MHC World, we’ve seen it all, including machines brought in for repair that simply needed a good clean, and quality appliances written off years too early because basic maintenance was never part of the routine. 

This guide covers everything you need to know about how to clean a washing machine: drum cleaning, the detergent drawer, the filter, the door seal, descaling, and a monthly checklist that’s simple to stick to.

Why Regular Cleaning Matters

A washing machine that hasn’t been cleaned in a while becomes a breeding ground for detergent residue, mould, mildew, and bacteria, all of which thrive in warm, damp environments. The drum, the gasket, and the drain are particular hotspots. Left unchecked, the buildup causes bad smells while actively reducing wash quality and forcing the machine to work harder than it needs to. That means higher energy and water use and a shorter lifespan for a machine that should be lasting you years. In fact, the average washing machine’s lifespan is between 7 and 12 years if well-cared for. The good news is that a consistent washing machine maintenance routine takes very little time and costs almost nothing.

Cleaning the Drum

The drum is where all the action happens, and it shows. Between lint, detergent residue, hard water deposits, and general grime, it needs a regular reset.

For both front loaders and top loaders:

• Run an empty cycle on the hottest available setting (or use the dedicated drum-clean cycle if your washing machine has one).

• Add a washing machine cleaner tablet or manufacturer-approved cleaning product to the drum or drawer.

• Once the cycle finishes, wipe the inside of the drum with a damp cloth to lift any loosened residue.

• Leave the door open for at least 30 minutes so moisture can escape.

Front loader tip: The rubber door gasket is a mould magnet. Pull back the folds and wipe thoroughly. You’ll often find lint, hair, and residue tucked in there.

Top loader tip: Nasty smells in top loaders usually come from leftover soap or standing water. A hot empty cycle is your first line of defence. Check your model for a lint filter near the agitator and clean it while you’re at it.

Cleaning the Detergent Drawer

Detergent and fabric conditioner build up into a waxy, sometimes mouldy, mess that can block proper flow into the drum.

• Locate the release tab (or middle lock, depending on your model) and slide the drawer out completely.

• Soak it in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the buildup.

• Scrub with an old toothbrush, getting into all the compartments.

• Clean the housing inside the machine too. The drawer cavity accumulates just as much residue.

• Dry everything thoroughly before sliding the drawer back in.

Do this once a month and you’ll never have to deal with a blocked dispenser again.

Washing Machine Filter Maintenance

The filter catches lint, coins, hair, and debris before they reach the drain pump. When it gets too full, you’ll notice drainage problems and, eventually, a breakdown. Clean it every 30 to 40 washes, or roughly once every one to three months.

• Switch off the machine before you start.

• Place a towel or shallow tray under the filter access panel to catch the water that will spill out (there’s always water).

• Open the panel, unscrew the filter, and rinse it under running water.

• Use a soft brush or toothbrush to clear lint and debris from both the filter and the housing.

• Refit the filter securely, then run a short rinse cycle to confirm it’s draining correctly.

Effective Door Seal Care

The rubber door seal is where mould takes hold fastest, especially for front loaders. After all, it sits in constant contact with moisture and rarely dries out completely, which is exactly the environment in which mould thrives.

• Wipe the seal with a dry cloth to remove trapped moisture after every wash.

• Pull back the folds and check for small items, lint, hair, or detergent buildup.

• Once a month, do a deeper clean with warm water and a mild cleaning solution, then dry the seal completely.

• When the machine is not in use, leave the door slightly open to allow for airflow and hinder mould growth.

The Descaling Process

Hard water is tough on washing machines. The mineral deposits it leaves behind (known as limescale) accumulate on heating elements, drum surfaces, and internal components, reducing efficiency and eventually causing damage. Descale your machine every three to six months, depending on how hard your water is and how often you use the machine.

To descale a washing machine:

• Ensure the drum is completely empty.

• Add the recommended dose of washing machine descaler to the detergent drawer.

• Run a hot cycle (ideally 60°C or higher) with no pre-wash selected.

• If the descaler instructions call for a soak pause, allow that time before completing the cycle.

• Run a second hot cycle with nothing added to flush out any remaining descaler residue.

Troubleshooting Odours

Here’s where to focus if you need to remove a washing machine smell fast:

• Musty or mouldy smell: Usually found in the drum, door seal, or detergent drawer. Run a hot cleaning cycle immediately, then clean all three areas manually. Leave the door open between washes going forward.

• Sewage-like smell: Often a sign of a blocked or dirty filter, or a drain hose issue. Start with the filter, cleaning it thoroughly and running a rinse cycle. The drain hose may need checking if the odour persists.

• Chemical or soapy smell: Too much detergent is the usual culprit in this instance. Excess soap doesn’t rinse away cleanly and coats the drum and internal components. Reduce your detergent amount and run a couple of hot empty cycles to flush the residue out. Front loader owners should make sure they’re using HE (high efficiency) detergent specifically.

If you’ve cleaned everything and the smell is still lingering, it’s worth calling in a professional. Sometimes the issue is internal, like a clogged pump or a seal that needs replacing. 

Washing Machine Monthly Maintenance Checklist

Copy or print this monthly maintenance checklist and keep it somewhere visible. Work through it once a month:

☐ Run one empty cleaning cycle with a washer cleaner tablet or suitable cleaning agent.

☐ Wipe the drum, door seal, and detergent drawer.

☐ Clean the filter and check for trapped debris.

☐ Inspect hoses, seals, and dispenser areas for leaks or blockages.

☐ Leave the door and drawer slightly open after use to allow proper drying.

Weekly habit to add: Don’t leave wet laundry in the drum. It takes minutes for that damp environment to start developing odours.

A little time spent learning how to clean a washing machine properly saves you much money and frustration down the line. When your machine does need professional attention or it’s simply time for a new one, MHC World’s washing machine selection and our after-sales support keep your home running smoothly.

Explore our existing range of washing machines for sale in South Africa, from front-loader favourites, like the LG 15kg Front Loader Washing Machine Graphite Finish F0Z6DYP24, to top-loader options, like the Samsung 17.5kg Deep Charcoal AI Top Loader Washing Machine - WA80F18S8CFA. We stock South Africa’s most trusted brands, including LG, Samsung, Defy, Midea, Speed Queen, AEG, Bosch, and more. 

Shop online or visit our Pretoria store today.