How to Clean Your Washing Machine—and Why Regular Maintenance Is so Important

Posted By: Tay Roberts

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Posted On: 11/17/2025

How To Clean Your Washing Machine With Non-Toxic Cleaning Products

A clean washer means cleaner laundry. So if your “clean” laundry hasn’t smelled funky lately, your washing machine may be the culprit. Follow these simple steps to remove buildup, banish odors, and keep your machine running like new.

What You Need:


Step 1: Clean The Exterior And Interior Surfaces

  • Spray Truly Free Home Everyday Cleaner on the exterior and interior surfaces of your washing machine.
  • Use a cleaning cloth to wipe down all areas, including the soap dispenser, bleach cubby, under the washer lid, and any other spots that require attention.


Quick Tip: For front loaders, pay special attention to the door seal/gasket, which can trap moisture and odors. 

Step 2: Deep Clean The Drum

  • Add a Truly Free Laundry Machine Cleaner sachet to the drum of your washer.
  • Run your washer on the longest and hottest setting available, or use the cleaning cycle if your machine has one.


Step 3: Final Touches

  • Once the cycle is complete, remove the empty sachet and recycle it.
  • Enjoy your freshly cleaned, like-new washing machine!


Quick Tip: Truly Free Home Laundry Machine Cleaner is also ideal for in-between deep cleans. Whether your kids had an accident or you’ve washed a few loads of sweaty gym clothes, cleaning your machine frequently helps keep buildup at bay.

How To Keep Your Washing Machine Running at Peak Performance

To maintain your washing machine's cleanliness and efficiency, it's important to follow a regular cleaning routine based on your usage:

  • Infrequent Use (A couple of times a week): Clean your machine every 90 days.
  • Moderate Use (About four times a week): Clean your machine every 60 days.
  • Frequent Use (Daily laundry): Clean your machine every 30 days to prevent buildup from water and external elements.


Quick Tip: If you have a washer with a cleaning timer, follow that recommendation. 

By sticking with this maintenance schedule, you’ll keep your washing machine running smoothly, eliminate unpleasant odors, and extend its lifespan.

Why Cleaning Your Washing Machine Is Important

A well-maintained washer lasts longer, smells better, and delivers cleaner laundry. Here’s why giving it a regular refresh matters more than you think.

Prevents Mold and Mildew

Over time, moisture and laundry detergent residue can create a breeding ground for mold and mildew inside your washing machine. This not only causes unpleasant odors but can also transfer to your clothes, leaving them smelling less than fresh. Regular cleaning helps eliminate these issues while keeping your machine and laundry smelling clean.

Enhances Efficiency

A clean washing machine operates more efficiently. Soap scum, detergent buildup, and mineral deposits can impact your machine's performance, leading to longer wash cycles and higher energy consumption. By keeping your machine clean, you’ll ensure it runs smoothly and reduce wear and tear on its components.

Prolongs Machine Lifespan

Regular maintenance, including cleaning, can significantly extend the lifespan of your washing machine. By removing buildup and preventing corrosion, you help your appliance function optimally for years to come, saving you money on repairs or replacements.

Improves Laundry Results

A dirty washing machine can't clean clothes effectively. Residue from previous loads can redeposit onto your laundry, leading to dingy, unclean clothes. Cleaning your washing machine ensures your laundry comes out as clean and vibrant as possible.

Reduces Allergens

If you or your family members suffer from allergies, a clean washing machine is especially important. Dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens can accumulate in a dirty machine, aggravating allergy symptoms. Regular cleaning helps minimize these allergens in your laundry.

The Bottom Line

Regularly cleaning your washing machine is one of those small-but-mighty habits that can make a big difference in how well your appliance performs—and how long it lasts. And when you use non-toxic products like Truly Free Home Everyday Cleaner and Truly Free Home Laundry Machine Cleaner, you’re not just clearing away mildew and detergent buildup that slows your machine down; you’re protecting your family from harmful toxins.

Sticking to a simple cleaning schedule—every 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on how often you run loads—also helps your washer stay fresh, efficient, and ready to deliver truly clean clothes. It’s a quick task that can save you money on repairs, extend the life of your machine, and guarantee your laundry smells and feels its freshest.

So take a few minutes to give your washer the clean it deserves—and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your clothes are coming out as safe and spotless as possible.

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