How to deep clean a washing machine
/In the video, Brian wipes down the door gasket of a front-load washer and measures out a cleaning solution. Front-loaders trap moisture, so regular cleaning keeps odors and mildew away.
Video by Brian Huie on YouTube. Watch on YouTube
- How often
- Quarterly (Brian's schedule)
- Video
- 33 seconds
How often should you clean a washing machine?
Brian's schedule is quarterly. LG, Samsung and Whirlpool each recommend running the tub-clean cycle once a month, and Samsung suggests cleaning the pump filter about monthly or every 40 washes.
How do you deep clean a front-loader?
- Empty the drum and run the tub-clean cycle with the cleaner the manufacturer recommends (a washer cleaner or liquid chlorine bleach, per the manual).
- Wipe the door gasket, including under the lip, with a diluted bleach or vinegar solution.
- Rinse the detergent dispenser and its inserts in warm water.
- Unplug the washer and clean the drain pump filter behind the lower front panel, draining the water into a shallow pan first.
- Leave the door and dispenser open afterward so everything air-dries.
Safety notes
- Never mix bleach and vinegar, and never use undiluted bleach on the gasket.
- After a hot cleaning cycle, wait about an hour before draining the pump filter.
- Skip thickened or no-splash bleach, which can over-suds.
Related guides
How to descale and deep clean a dishwasherHow to clean an air purifierAll Home Care Advice guides
Sources
- LG: front-load washer maintenance
- Samsung: cleaning a front-load washer
- Whirlpool: cleaning a front-load washer
Checked October 2026. Manufacturer instructions for a specific model come first. General information, not a substitute for a licensed professional.
From the Home Care Advice by Brian Huie, a principal broker and Realtor with Compass in Seattle.
