How To Deep Clean Your Washing Machine Naturally And Prevent Mildew Smells

Washing machines are designed to clean clothes, but ironically, they often become breeding grounds for mold, mildew, and lingering odors. Over time, detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, hard water minerals, and damp environments inside the drum create the perfect conditions for bacteria and fungi to thrive. The result? A musty smell that transfers to your freshly laundered clothes. While many turn to chemical cleaners, a natural deep cleaning approach is not only safer for your family and environment—it's also highly effective. This guide walks you through a complete, step-by-step process to restore your washing machine to peak cleanliness using vinegar, baking soda, and other accessible solutions.

Why Natural Cleaning Works Best for Washing Machines

Commercial washing machine cleaners often contain harsh chemicals like chlorine or synthetic fragrances that can linger in rubber seals and hoses, potentially irritating sensitive skin or damaging components over time. In contrast, natural cleaning agents such as white vinegar and baking soda offer powerful cleaning properties without toxic side effects.

Vinegar is acidic, making it excellent at dissolving mineral deposits, killing bacteria, and neutralizing odors. Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive and deodorizer, helping lift grime and absorb unpleasant smells. Together, they form a dynamic duo capable of tackling even the most stubborn buildup in both top-loading and front-loading machines.

“Natural cleaning solutions are just as effective as chemical ones for routine maintenance—and far safer for households with children or pets.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Environmental Health Specialist

Step-by-Step Guide: Deep Cleaning Your Washing Machine Naturally

A thorough deep clean should be performed every 1–3 months, depending on usage. Follow this detailed timeline to ensure no area is overlooked.

1. Unplug and Prepare (5 minutes)
   For safety, unplug the machine if possible. Remove any laundry, lint traps, or dispensers. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth and mild soap.
2. Clean the Detergent Dispenser (10 minutes)
   Remove the detergent, bleach, and fabric softener trays. Soak them in warm water mixed with one cup of white vinegar for 10 minutes. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away residue, then rinse and dry before replacing.
3. Scrub the Door Gasket (Front-Loaders Only) (15 minutes)
   Lift the rubber seal around the door and inspect for black spots or slimy residue—this is mildew. Mix ½ cup baking soda with ¼ cup water to form a paste. Apply it to affected areas using a soft cloth or sponge. Let sit for 5 minutes, then wipe clean with a vinegar-dampened cloth. Dry thoroughly with a microfiber towel.
4. Run a Hot Vinegar Wash Cycle (60 minutes)
   Set your machine to the hottest, longest cycle (usually “Clean Washer” or “Sanitize”). Pour 2 cups of distilled white vinegar directly into the drum. Do not add detergent or clothes. Start the cycle. The heat will help vinegar penetrate buildup in the pump, hoses, and drum walls.
5. Follow with a Baking Soda Cycle (45 minutes)
   Once the vinegar cycle ends, sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda into the drum. Run another hot cycle. This neutralizes any remaining acidity, removes residual odor, and polishes internal surfaces.
6. Wipe Down Interior Surfaces (10 minutes)
   After the final spin, open the lid or door to allow airflow. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the drum, gasket, and glass (if applicable). Pay special attention to crevices where moisture collects.
7. Clean the Drain Pump Filter (Optional but Recommended) (20 minutes)
   Locate the filter (usually behind a small access panel near the bottom front). Place a towel underneath to catch water. Slowly unscrew the cap and remove debris like coins, hair, or lint. Rinse the filter under running water and reinsert securely.

Tip: Always leave your washing machine door and detergent drawer slightly open after each use to promote air circulation and prevent moisture accumulation.

Preventing Mildew Smells: Daily Habits That Make a Difference

Deep cleaning is essential, but long-term freshness depends on consistent habits. Mildew thrives in dark, damp spaces—exactly what a closed washing machine becomes after every wash. Prevent recurrence by integrating these simple practices into your routine.

• Leave the door ajar: Especially critical for front-loaders. Keeping the door open by 2–3 inches allows humidity to escape.
• Remove wet clothes promptly: Don’t let damp laundry sit for hours. Transfer items to the dryer or hang them immediately.
• Avoid overusing detergent: Excess suds don’t rinse out completely and feed microbial growth. Use high-efficiency (HE) detergent in recommended amounts.
• Use vinegar in regular washes: Add ½ cup of vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser once a week to keep the drum fresh and reduce static.
• Inspect and clean monthly: Even with good habits, periodic checks of the gasket and dispenser prevent hidden mold colonies.

Do’s and Don’ts of Natural Washing Machine Maintenance

Do’s	Don’ts
Do use white vinegar and baking soda regularly	Don’t use bleach and vinegar together—they create toxic fumes
Do clean the gasket weekly with a dry cloth	Don’t ignore visible mold; address it immediately
Do run empty hot cycles monthly	Don’t overload the machine; poor rinsing leads to residue
Do store detergent in a dry place to prevent clumping	Don’t use scented products to mask odors—they trap grime

Real Example: How One Household Eliminated Chronic Odors

The Thompson family had struggled with a persistent sour smell coming from their front-loading washer for over a year. Despite using brand-name cleaning tablets every few months, towels continued to emerge with a damp, basement-like odor. Frustrated, they decided to try a full natural deep clean following the method outlined here.

They started by removing the detergent drawer and soaking it in vinegar, revealing a thick layer of gelatinous residue they hadn’t noticed. The rubber gasket was visibly streaked with black mold. After scrubbing it with a baking soda paste and running two consecutive cycles—one with vinegar, one with baking soda—the difference was immediate. The next load of laundry came out smelling clean and fresh, with no trace of the previous odor. By adopting the habit of leaving the door open and doing a monthly vinegar wash, they’ve kept their machine odor-free for eight months and counting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?

No. Apple cider vinegar contains sugars and colorants that can leave residue or stain internal parts. Stick to clear, distilled white vinegar for best results.

Is it safe to mix baking soda and vinegar in the same cycle?

While mixing them creates a foaming reaction, doing so in the same cycle reduces their effectiveness because they neutralize each other. For deep cleaning, run them in separate cycles—vinegar first, then baking soda.

How do I know if my washing machine has mold inside the drum?

If clothes consistently smell musty, or you notice black specks on light-colored garments, mold may be growing behind the inner drum. A strong vinegar odor after cleaning may also indicate deep-seated biological growth. In such cases, multiple cleaning cycles or professional servicing may be needed.

Maintenance Checklist: Keep Your Machine Fresh Year-Round

Stay ahead of odor and buildup with this easy-to-follow checklist. Print it and post it near your laundry area for quick reference.

• ⬜ Run a hot vinegar cycle monthly
• ⬜ Clean detergent drawer every 2 weeks
• ⬜ Wipe door gasket weekly with dry cloth
• ⬜ Leave door and drawer open after each use
• ⬜ Inspect drain filter quarterly
• ⬜ Avoid overloading during regular washes
• ⬜ Use only HE detergent in correct amounts
• ⬜ Replace rubber hoses every 5 years (if applicable)

Tip: If you detect a sewage-like smell, check the standpipe or P-trap in your laundry drain—this may indicate plumbing issues rather than machine contamination.

Conclusion: A Clean Machine Means Cleaner, Fresher Laundry

Your washing machine works hard for you—return the favor by giving it the care it deserves. Regular deep cleaning with natural ingredients not only eliminates mildew and odors but also extends the life of your appliance and improves its efficiency. By understanding how buildup occurs and taking proactive steps, you can ensure every load comes out truly clean—not just superficially fresh, but deeply sanitized and free from hidden contaminants.

Start today. Choose a weekend when you have a few spare hours, gather your vinegar and baking soda, and give your machine the refresh it needs. Once you experience the difference, you’ll wonder why you waited so long. Share your results, ask questions, or pass this guide along to someone battling laundry-day frustrations. A naturally clean washing machine is within reach—and worth every effort.

💬 Have you tried natural cleaning for your washer? What worked—or didn’t work—for you? Join the conversation and help others maintain fresher, healthier laundry routines!