If your clothes aren’t smelling fresh after a wash or your machine has a musty odor, it's probably time to clean your washing machine drum. Even the most powerful washers collect dirt, detergent residue, mold, and bacteria over time.
This step-by-step guide will show you how to clean a washing machine drum properly — with or without chemicals — so your laundry stays hygienic and your washer lasts longer.
🌀 1. Why Cleaning the Washing Machine Drum Is Essential
Neglecting the drum can lead to:
Mold and mildew buildup
Foul odors in clothes
Reduced washing efficiency
Bacterial growth
Shortened appliance lifespan
✅ Regular cleaning = better performance and fresher laundry.
🧴 2. What You’ll Need to Clean the Drum
You don’t need expensive products. Common household items work just fine.
Basic Supplies:
White vinegar (natural disinfectant)
Baking soda (odor neutralizer & grime remover)
Microfiber cloth
Old toothbrush (for scrubbing)
Optional: bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or commercial machine cleaner
✅ Choose chemical-free options for a safer, eco-friendly clean.
🧼 3. How to Clean Front Load Washing Machine Drum
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Empty the drum completely.
Add 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum.
Run a hot water cycle (preferably "Tub Clean" or "Drum Clean" mode).
After the cycle ends, sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda inside the drum.
Run another short hot cycle.
Wipe the drum, door, and rubber gasket with a damp microfiber cloth.
✅ Vinegar removes bacteria and mold, while baking soda neutralizes odors.
🚿 4. How to Clean Top Load Washing Machine Drum
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Set washer to the hottest, largest load setting.
Fill the tub and add 4 cups of white vinegar.
Let the washer agitate for 1 minute, then pause it.
Let the mixture soak for 1 hour.
Resume the cycle.
After it drains, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda and run a short hot cycle.
Wipe the drum and lid with a cloth.
✅ Ideal for removing grime in hard-to-reach areas under the agitator.
🧽 5. How to Clean Mold and Mildew in Washing Drum
If your machine has a strong moldy smell, here’s what to do:
Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water.
Spray the inside of the drum and rubber seals.
Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
Scrub with a soft brush.
Run a hot wash cycle with vinegar only.
✅ Hydrogen peroxide kills mold spores effectively without bleach.
🧂 6. Natural Alternatives to Chemical Cleaners
Best Eco-Friendly Options:
Citric acid – removes limescale and hard water deposits
Lemon juice – natural deodorizer
Essential oils (e.g., tea tree or lavender) – antibacterial and aromatic
Borax – boosts cleaning power (use sparingly)
✅ Safe for children, pets, and the environment.
🔁 7. How Often Should You Clean the Washing Machine Drum?
To keep your washing machine running efficiently:
Light use: Clean every 2–3 months
Heavy use: Clean monthly
Visible mold or odor: Clean immediately
✅ Set reminders or clean after every 30–40 washes.
🚫 8. Bonus: Things to Avoid When Cleaning the Drum
To prevent damage to your appliance:
❌ Don’t use undiluted bleach regularly – it’s corrosive
❌ Don’t mix vinegar and bleach – creates toxic fumes
❌ Don’t ignore the rubber gasket – it's mold-prone
❌ Don’t use abrasive scrubbers on stainless steel drums
✅ Follow these tips to extend the life of your machine.
✅ Final Thoughts – Keep Your Washing Machine Drum Fresh & Clean
Keeping your washing machine drum clean doesn’t take much time, but it has a huge impact on hygiene, energy efficiency, and appliance lifespan.
🧼 Regular cleaning
🧽 Natural ingredients
🧺 Fresher clothes every time
👉 Bookmark this guide
👉 Share it with family or friends
👉 Try the vinegar & baking soda method today!
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