6 washing machine tips: how to clean a washer and keep it running strong

Your washing machine is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home, tackling heavy loads week after week. But all that spinning, soaking, and rinsing takes a toll. Left unchecked, moisture and residue can lead to odors, clogs, and performance issues. Fortunately, a few good habits go a long way. Whether you own a top-load or front-load model, these maintenance tips will help you keep your machine running efficiently and extend your washer's lifespan.

Check out our laundry accessories to keep your washer and dryer in top shape, and visit our DIY washer repair help page for troubleshooting guides, videos, and repair tips.

How to clean a washer (front-load and top-load)

Both front-load and top-load washers benefit from a regular cleaning routine. A monthly cleaning with a washing machine cleaner helps prevent detergent buildup, mildew, and odors. You can also use simple ingredients from your pantry once a month to keep your washer clean.

How to clean a top-load washer

Here's how to clean a top-load washer using vinegar and baking soda to remove buildup and keep it fresh.

• Set the washer to the hottest and largest load setting.

• Add 4 cups of white vinegar and let the washer agitate for a minute.

• Pause the cycle and let it sit for 1 hour.

• Resume and finish the cycle.

• Run another cycle with 1 cup of baking soda.

• Wipe down the tub and agitator after the cycle finishes.

How to clean a front-load washer

Front-load washers need a little extra attention, especially around the rubber gasket—here’s how to clean one thoroughly.

• Spray the drum with white vinegar and wipe it clean.

• Clean the rubber gasket using a paste of baking soda and vinegar.

• Run a hot cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar in the detergent tray.

• Wipe down the drum and gasket after the cycle finishes.

• Leave the door open to help prevent mildew.

Some washers have a self-clean cycle. Follow the instructions in your owner's manual if it does.

If you're dealing with stubborn odors, check out these helpful tips to keep your washer odor free.

Load it right and set the correct cycle

Overloading your washer or choosing the wrong cycle doesn’t just impact how clean your laundry gets—it also creates unnecessary wear on your washer’s internal components. This added stress can lead to mechanical failures and poor washing performance over time.

Follow these washer loading and cycle selection tips to help extend washer lifespan and improve efficiency:

• Don’t jam the washer full—clothes need room to move freely during agitation and spin cycles.

• Select the right cycle based on fabric type and soil level. For example, use the bulky setting for towels and bedding, and the delicate cycle for lightweight items.

• Avoid mixing heavy items (like towels or jeans) with lighter fabrics (like shirts or activewear) in the same load—this can cause balance issues and uneven washing.

• Always redistribute clothing if your washer becomes off-balance during a cycle. Restarting without correcting the load can damage the suspension system.

An unbalanced washer puts repeated stress on key parts like shock absorbers and the lid switch. If your washer won’t advance through a cycle or the lid lock light flashes, you may need to replace a faulty lid switch. Follow our guide on how to replace the lid switch or lock assembly to fix it yourself.

Use the right amount of detergent

Too little detergent won't get your clothes clean, but too much detergent leaves soap residue on clothing and in the washer. Residue can trap the very dirt you’re trying to remove, leaving clothes less clean than they should be. It can also cause odor buildup inside the washer.

Excess detergent leads to over-sudsing, which can lock up and damage the drain pump.

To keep your washer and clothes in top condition, follow these detergent guidelines:

• Follow your owner’s manual for detergent dosing.

• If you use a water softener or have soft water, reduce the amount.

• Use HE (high-efficiency) detergent if your washer requires it.

Clean the dispensers and pump filter

Fabric softener and detergent can leave sticky residue inside your washer’s dispensers, while debris can build up in the pump filter and affect drainage. Cleaning both regularly improves washer performance, prevents odors, and helps water flow efficiently.

If your washer has a removable pump filter, it’s especially important to check it monthly. Many front-load washers have a small access door at the bottom for easy filter removal. Always follow the instructions in your owner’s manual for your specific model.

Monthly cleaning checklist:

• Remove and rinse dispensers with warm water to clear out buildup.

• Use a soft brush or cloth to clean stubborn residue.

• Locate and remove the pump filter (if your washer has one).

  • Clean out lint, hair, coins, or other debris.

  • Reinsert the filter and close the access door securely.

Not sure where your pump filter is? Watch our video on cleaning the pump filter on a front-load washer with no access door.

Keep the washer level

An unbalanced washer can cause excessive vibration and noise, leading to premature wear on internal components like the suspension system or control board. To prevent long-term damage and keep cycles running smoothly, make sure your washer sits level and stable on the floor.

If the machine rocks when you press on the corners, it's time to make adjustments. Some vibration issues may also be due to a weak or uneven floor.

Leveling checklist:

• Check that all four legs make firm contact with the floor.

• Press down on diagonally opposite corners—there should be no rocking.

• Adjust leveling legs as needed:

  • Turn clockwise to raise a leg

  • Turn counterclockwise to lower it

• Tighten the lock nut once the leg is in position.

• If vibration persists on a solidly level machine, place a ¾-inch plywood sheet under the washer to reinforce soft or uneven flooring.

Even if your washer appears level at a glance, regular checks can help catch small shifts before they become bigger problems.

Inspect the water inlet hoses

A leaking washer hose can do serious damage before you even realize there’s a problem. Regularly inspecting your water inlet and drain hoses helps prevent costly flooding, mold growth, or damage to nearby floors and walls. It only takes a minute and can save you a major repair down the road.

Plan to check hoses once a month—or more often if your washer is in constant use.

Inspection checklist:

Look at both inlet hoses and the drain hose at the back of the washer.

• Check for visible signs of wear, including:

  • Bulges

  • Cracks

  • Leaks around fittings

• Make sure connections are tight but not overtightened.

• Replace any hose that shows damage or feels brittle.

• Consider upgrading to braided stainless steel hoses for added durability.

Pro tip: Keep a flashlight nearby for quick monthly inspections—especially if your washer is in a dark corner or tight laundry room space.

Frequently asked questions

Q: My washer hasn’t been used in a while—how should I clean it before running a load?

A: Yes. Start by running a hot wash cycle with a washing machine cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to remove any stale water, residue, or mold. Clean the dispensers and gasket (if front-load), then run a second rinse cycle before using it again.

Q: Why is my washing machine not draining properly?

A: Common causes include a clogged drain pump filter, a kinked or clogged drain hose, or a faulty lid switch or drain pump. Cleaning the pump filter and checking the hose should be your first steps. For more help, visit our washer repair troubleshooting guide.

Q: Does using too much detergent damage my washer?

A: Yes—excess detergent can cause over-sudsing, leading to poor rinsing, trapped residue, and potential damage to the drain pump or sensors. Always follow your washer’s detergent guidelines.

Q: Do I really need to leave my washer door open between loads?

A: Yes, especially for front-load washers. Leaving the door open helps dry out the drum and gasket, preventing mold and mildew growth.

Still dealing with washer issues? Whether it’s draining problems, vibration, or a part that needs replacing, we’ve got resources to help. Visit our DIY washer repair help section for step-by-step guides and troubleshooting tips. And if you need a replacement part along the way, we carry the repair parts that fit your washer—no guesswork required.