How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?

Posted By: Truly Free Home|Posted On: 12/24/2025

Why Clean Your Washing Machine?

Your washing machine deals with dirt, detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, and trapped moisture on a daily basis. Over time, all of that gunk creates the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and bacteria to grow—especially in front-load washers with tight rubber door seals.

If you don't clean your washing machine regularly, you'll start to notice funky smells, dingy-looking clothes, and even visible mold or mildew buildup in the drum and gasket. Regular cleaning prevents all of this and keeps your washer running efficiently.

For a deeper dive into why washing machines smell and how to fix it, check out our post: How to Clean Your Washing Machine—and Why Regular Maintenance is so Important.

How Often Should You Generally Clean Your Washing Machine?

For routine maintenance, wipe down your washing machine after every few washes. This includes:

Wiping down the rubber door seal (especially on front-load washers) to remove trapped moisture, detergent, and gunk
Leaving the door open after each wash to let the drum air out
Cleaning out the detergent dispenser drawer to prevent buildup

These quick steps take less than a minute and go a long way in preventing mold and odors from taking hold.

How Often Should You Deep Clean Your Washing Machine?

Deep cleaning your washing machine should happen once a month, or every 30-40 loads if you do laundry less frequently.

A deep clean involves running a hot, empty cycle with a washing machine cleaner to break down residue, kill bacteria, and eliminate odors. Use Truly Free Home Laundry Machine Cleaner for a powerful, non-toxic clean that won't leave behind harsh chemical residue.

If you notice any funky smells creeping back in between deep cleans, don't wait—run a cleaning cycle right away.

Maintenance Schedule: From the Drum to the Gaskets

Different parts of your washing machine need attention at different intervals. Here's a simple maintenance schedule to follow:

After every wash: Leave the door open to air out the drum and prevent moisture buildup.

Weekly: Wipe down the rubber door seal and remove any visible gunk or moisture.

Monthly: Run a deep cleaning cycle with Truly Free Home Laundry Machine Cleaner and clean out the detergent dispenser drawer.

Every 3 months: Check and clean the filter (most front-load washers have one). Trapped lint, hair, and debris can cause serious smells if left unchecked.

Using Commercial Cleaners vs. Natural Methods

You have options when it comes to cleaning your washing machine. Some people swear by DIY methods like vinegar and baking soda, while others prefer commercial cleaners designed specifically for washing machines.

While vinegar can work in a pinch, it's not as effective at breaking down heavy buildup or killing bacteria. Plus, overusing vinegar can actually damage rubber seals over time.

Truly Free Home Laundry Machine Cleaner is a better choice. It's specifically formulated to tackle residue, mold, and odors without harsh chemicals or toxic fragrances. It's non-toxic, safe for all washing machines—and septic systems—and works in both top-load and front-load models.

Tips for Keeping Your Washing Machine Cleaner For Longer

The best way to keep your washing machine clean is to prevent buildup in the first place. Here's how:

Leave the door open after every wash. This simple habit prevents moisture from getting trapped and stops mold before it starts.

Switch to non-toxic laundry products. Conventional detergents and fabric softeners leave behind waxy residue that feeds bacteria and causes buildup. Truly Free Home Laundry Wash rinses clean and won't contribute to gunky buildup.

Skip traditional fabric softener. Waxy fabric softeners coat your washing machine drum just like they coat your clothes. Use Truly Free Home Softening Rinse instead—it softens water, not fabric, so there's no residue left behind.

Wipe down the gasket regularly. Don't let moisture and gunk sit in the rubber door seal. A quick wipe after every few washes makes a huge difference.

Your washing machine works hard to keep your clothes clean, so give it a little TLC in return. With regular maintenance, monthly deep cleans using Truly Free Home Laundry Machine Cleaner, and a few simple habits, you can keep your washer fresh, efficient, and odor-free for years to come.

Ready to freshen up your washing machine? Shop Truly Free Home's non-toxic laundry essentials and keep your washer running like new.