How to Clean Auto Washing Machine at Home
Your automatic washing machine works hard to keep your clothes fresh and clean, but over time, it collects dirt, detergent residue, and limescale that affect its performance. If your clothes start smelling musty or the washer doesn’t clean as efficiently as before, it’s a clear sign that your washing machine needs cleaning.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explain how to clean an auto washing machine at home, step by step, using simple tools and household ingredients. Whether you have a top-load or front-load washer, these cleaning methods will help restore your machine’s efficiency and keep it running smoothly.
Why Cleaning Your Auto Washing Machine Is Important
Many homeowners assume that a washing machine cleans itself during every wash cycle. Unfortunately, that’s not true. Every time you wash clothes, traces of detergent, fabric softener, dirt, and bacteria can build up inside the drum, gasket, and filter.
Without regular cleaning, these deposits can cause:
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Bad odors inside the drum
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Mold or mildew around the rubber seal
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Detergent residue on clothes
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Slow drainage and poor spinning performance
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Reduced machine lifespan
By cleaning your washing machine once every month, you’ll not only prevent these problems but also improve the overall washing quality and energy efficiency.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin cleaning your automatic washing machine, gather these essential items:
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White vinegar or apple cider vinegar
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Baking soda
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A soft microfiber cloth or sponge
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Old toothbrush
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Warm water
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Liquid detergent (optional)
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Small bucket or bowl
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Rubber gloves
These simple ingredients are eco-friendly, affordable, and effective at removing dirt, odors, and bacteria from your machine.
Step-by-Step Guide to Clean an Automatic Washing Machine
Step 1: Empty the Machine
Start by ensuring your washing machine is completely empty. Remove all clothes, towels, or detergent pods from the drum. Cleaning should only be done when the washer is not in use.
Step 2: Clean the Detergent Drawer
The detergent drawer often collects detergent residue, fabric softener, and mold.
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Pull out the drawer completely.
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Soak it in warm water mixed with vinegar for 10–15 minutes.
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Use a toothbrush to scrub away any stubborn buildup.
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Rinse thoroughly and let it dry before reinserting.
If the drawer is fixed and cannot be removed, wipe it using a damp cloth dipped in vinegar solution.
Step 3: Clean the Rubber Door Seal (for Front Load Machines)
The rubber gasket around the door is a common place for mold and bacteria to grow.
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Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water.
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Dip a soft cloth in the solution and clean the rubber seal thoroughly.
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Use an old toothbrush to reach tight corners and remove lint or mold.
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Wipe it dry with a clean towel.
You can also sprinkle a little baking soda around the gasket to absorb moisture and odors.
Step 4: Clean the Drum Using Vinegar and Baking Soda
This is the most effective step for deep cleaning your washing machine drum.
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Pour 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum.
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Add ½ cup of baking soda to the detergent compartment or drum.
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Run a hot water cycle (without clothes) and let the mixture break down dirt, soap scum, and bacteria.
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Once the cycle is complete, open the lid or door and let the drum air dry.
This natural cleaning method removes unpleasant smells, kills germs, and eliminates limescale buildup.
Step 5: Clean the Filter
Every washing machine has a lint or drain filter that collects debris, hair, and small fabric particles.
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Locate the filter (usually near the bottom corner of the machine).
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Place a small bowl or towel underneath to catch any water.
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Unscrew the filter cover and remove the filter carefully.
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Rinse it under running water to remove lint and dirt.
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Wipe the area clean and reattach the filter securely.
A clean filter ensures proper water drainage and prevents washing machine errors.
Step 6: Clean the Exterior and Control Panel
Don’t forget to clean the outside of your washing machine.
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Mix a small amount of vinegar with warm water.
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Dampen a microfiber cloth and wipe down the exterior surfaces.
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Gently clean the buttons, knobs, and display panel.
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Wipe again with a dry cloth to remove streaks.
Keeping the exterior clean makes your machine look new and prevents dirt buildup around the edges.
Step 7: Run a Rinse Cycle
After all cleaning steps are complete, run one additional rinse cycle with plain water. This ensures all vinegar or baking soda residues are washed away, leaving your drum fresh and clean.
How to Clean a Top Load Automatic Washing Machine
For top-load washing machines, the cleaning process is slightly different:
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Fill the drum with hot water up to the highest level.
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Add 2 cups of vinegar and let the machine run for 10 minutes.
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Pause the cycle and let it sit for 1 hour to dissolve limescale.
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Resume the wash cycle and drain the water.
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Sprinkle ½ cup baking soda, run another hot cycle, and then rinse.
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Clean the agitator, lid, and detergent dispenser with a cloth dipped in vinegar solution.
This method thoroughly disinfects the inside of your top-load washer and removes hidden dirt.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
To maintain efficiency, it’s recommended to:
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Do a deep cleaning every 30 days if you use the washer regularly.
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Wipe the rubber seal and detergent drawer weekly.
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Keep the lid or door open after each wash to prevent mold and moisture buildup.
If you live in an area with hard water, consider cleaning the machine more frequently to prevent limescale formation.
Signs Your Washing Machine Needs Cleaning
Watch out for these warning signs indicating your washer needs immediate cleaning:
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Musty or sour smell inside the drum
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White marks or soap scum on clothes after washing
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Water not draining properly
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Visible mold or black spots around the gasket
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Strange noises during spin cycles
Ignoring these signs can reduce your machine’s lifespan and increase energy usage.
Pro Tips to Keep Your Washing Machine Fresh and Efficient
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Use the right amount of detergent — too much can cause buildup.
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Run a hot water cycle at least once a week to kill bacteria.
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Always remove washed clothes promptly to prevent odor.
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Keep the lid or door open after use to allow ventilation.
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Regularly inspect hoses and connections for leaks.
Following these maintenance habits will keep your washing machine in top condition for years.
When to Call a Professional Washing Machine Technician in Makkah
Sometimes, even after cleaning, your washing machine may still show problems such as:
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Unusual noises or vibrations
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Water leakage from the bottom
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Drum not spinning properly
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Error codes on display
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Electrical or control panel issues
In such cases, it’s best to contact a professional washing machine repair service in Makkah. At Taj Service Repair, our certified technicians specialize in automatic washing machine repair and maintenance. We handle all brands and models with guaranteed results, using genuine parts and the latest tools.
If your washing machine isn’t performing as it should, call us at +966537725042 or email info@tajservicerepair.com for same-day repair service in Makkah.
Conclusion
Cleaning your auto washing machine at home is simple, affordable, and highly effective in keeping your appliance running efficiently. Regular cleaning not only removes dirt and bacteria but also helps your machine last longer and wash clothes better.
By following the step-by-step guide above, you can ensure your washing machine remains fresh, odor-free, and ready to deliver spotless laundry every time.
If you ever face serious issues, don’t worry — Taj Service Repair Makkah is always ready to help with fast, affordable, and reliable washing machine repair services.