You should deep-clean your washing machine about once a month or every 30–40 loads , with lighter quick care more often and at least a thorough clean every 3–6 months if you use it less.

How often to clean (Quick Scoop)

  • Light routine care
    • After every wash: Leave the door open so the drum can dry out and odors don’t build up.
* Weekly: Wipe the rubber door seal (gasket) and around the door to remove moisture, lint, and gunk.
  • Regular deep clean
    • Most experts recommend: Once a month clean of the drum using a cleaning cycle or hot cycle with a washer cleaner (or suitable DIY method), especially if you run several loads a week.
* Another rule of thumb: Every **30–40 loads** if you do laundry less often.
  • Occasional maintenance
    • Every 1–3 months : Full “top to bottom” clean (drum, gasket, detergent drawer, exterior) depending on how heavily you use the machine.
* Every **3 months** : Clean the filter (common on front-loaders) to remove lint, hair, and debris that can cause bad smells and drainage issues.
  • At the very least
    • Do a deep clean at least every 6 months if you are a very light user, but monthly is better for freshness and to prevent mold and mineral buildup.

Factors that change how often

You may need to clean more often than monthly if:

  • You run many loads per week (big household, kids, sports gear).
  • You use a lot of liquid detergent or fabric softener (these leave more residue).
  • You live in a hard water area, which causes faster mineral buildup.
  • You notice:
    • Musty or sour smell from the drum or clean clothes.
    • Visible slime or mold on the gasket or drawer.
    • Clothes not coming out as fresh as they should.

In those cases, doing a deep clean every 2–3 weeks until things are fresh again is reasonable.

Simple example schedule

For a typical household that does 3–5 loads weekly:

  1. After each load : Door open to dry.
  2. Weekly : Quick wipe of gasket and door glass.
  3. Monthly :
    • Run a hot cleaning cycle with a washer cleaner or appropriate DIY method.
    • Clean the detergent drawer and wipe inside the drawer housing.
  1. Every 3 months : Clean the filter and check hoses and connections.

Think of it like brushing vs. dentist visits: a little regular TLC plus a monthly “checkup” keeps your washer from getting stinky and extends its life.

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Wondering how often to clean your washing machine? Learn the ideal schedule (daily habits, monthly deep cleans, and quarterly maintenance) to prevent smells, mold, and buildup and keep laundry truly fresh.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.