How to Maintain Your Washing Machine: 8 Easy Tips for Long-Lasting Performance

A washing machine is arguably the hardest-working appliance in your home, but how often do you return the favour? Regular washing machine maintenance not only helps keep your clothes fresh but also extends the life of your washing machine and keeps your energy bills in check.

So, whether you own a top loader or a front loader, knowing how to maintain your washing machine is a must. We’ve put together eight easy tips that’ll keep your washer running smoothly for years to come.

Wondering how to clean washing machine interiors well? Detergent residue, grime and bacteria all love to build up inside the drum over time. And this can leave your clothes smelling less-than-fresh.

Most modern machines have a ‘drum clean’ or ‘tub clean’ cycle. Use this monthly with hot water and either white vinegar or a dedicated cleaning powder/solution. If your machine doesn’t have that setting, simply run an empty hot cycle with the cleaner of your choice. It’s particularly important for cleaning washing machine drum areas where odours can form.

If you own a front loader, you’ve likely encountered a funky-smelling seal. That rubber ring traps moisture and detergent, acting as a breeding ground for mould and bacteria. The fix? Simple. After every cycle, wipe the door seal with a dry cloth and leave the door open to help air it out. It’s an easy tip for front load washer maintenance and helps stop those musty smells from settling in.

Soap scum and detergent residue love to gather in the detergent drawer. If you never really take a close look, this gunk can clog up your machine and hamper its cleaning power. Pull out the drawer entirely and rinse it under warm water every week. Use an old toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach corners for better washer hygiene and function.

The drain filter is your machine’s dirt trap, catching everything from lint and hair to stray coins and tissues. Knowing how to clean washing machine filter areas will help you avoid clogs and drainage issues. Most filters are accessible behind a small panel near the base of the machine. Refer to your owner’s manual for how to remove, clean and replace it properly.

An uneven washer isn’t just noisy – it can vibrate violently and even damage your floors. Use a spirit level to check if your washer is sitting flat and adjust the feet if necessary. It’s a step that’s easy to overlook in washing machine maintenance tips, but it can reduce wear on the internal parts.

Overstuffing your washer might seem like a time-saver, but it puts excess strain on the motor, agitator and bearings. It also reduces the quality of your wash cycles. As a general rule, leave a hand’s width of space between the top of the drum and your laundry for the best possible clean without stressing the machine.

Using too much detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes; it just means more residue. If you own a high-efficiency washer, always use HE-labelled detergent and follow the dosage guidelines. This small adjustment can stop long-term gunk build-up and eliminate bad smells.

If your machine doesn’t have a dedicated drum-clean setting, you can still run a maintenance cycle manually. Use a store-bought cleaner or vinegar and run a hot, empty cycle once a month. This will help remove detergent film and lingering bacteria, keeping things hygienic and smelling fresh.

Q. How long do washing machines last?

Most last between 8 and 12 years. Keeping up with washing machine maintenance like this can help extend that lifespan.

Q. What causes a bad smell in a washing machine?

Trapped moisture, detergent build-up and mould – especially in seals and filters – are the main culprits.

Q. Do front loaders need more maintenance than top loaders?

Yes, slightly. Front loaders are more prone to mould because of their airtight seals, so clean those seals and detergent drawers more often!

Q. When should I replace my washing machine?

If your machine is over 10 years old, frequently breaks down or leaves your clothes still dirty, it might be time for an upgrade. When you’re ready to choose, explore our Washing Machine Buying Guide for key differences between machine types, must-have features, and expert tips.

Q. Can I use vinegar and baking soda together to clean my washer?

Yes. Use vinegar in the detergent drawer and baking soda in the drum. Don’t mix them beforehand, otherwise they will cancel each other out.