How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine? – Expert Advice from Refitec

Washing machines are the unsung heroes of our homes. They handle one of the most laborious household chores — laundry — with efficiency and ease. But while they keep our clothes clean, many homeowners forget that the washing machine itself also needs regular cleaning. Just like any other household appliance, a washing machine accumulates dirt, soap residue, lint, mineral deposits, and even mold over time. Without proper maintenance, it will not only perform less effectively but may also pose hygiene risks to your clothes and your home.

At Refitec, we specialize in the repair and maintenance of household appliances, and one of the most common questions our clients ask is: “How often should I clean my washing machine?” This article will give you a detailed, step-by-step understanding of why cleaning your washing machine is crucial, how frequently you should do it, and best practices for keeping your appliance in top condition.

We’ll also share some insider tips, gained from years of servicing washing machines across homes, apartments, and laundromats, to ensure your machine runs like new for years to come.

Why Cleaning Your Washing Machine Matters

Washing machines are designed to clean clothes, but the cleaning process itself creates the perfect environment for build-ups and bacteria. Here’s why cleaning matters:

1. Soap Scum and Detergent Build-Up:
   Over time, detergents, softeners, and bleach leave behind residues that build up inside the drum and hoses. This residue can trap dirt and bacteria, making the machine less effective.
2. Mold and Mildew Growth:
   The damp, warm environment of a washing machine, especially front-loaders, is ideal for mold and mildew to thrive. This not only causes unpleasant odors but can also leave stains on your clothes.
3. Mineral Deposits:
   If you live in an area with hard water, minerals like calcium and magnesium accumulate inside your machine. These deposits can clog hoses, reduce water flow, and affect your machine’s performance.
4. Bad Odors:
   A dirty washing machine can smell musty or sour. This odor can transfer to your laundry, leaving freshly washed clothes smelling less than fresh.
5. Longevity and Efficiency:
   A well-maintained washing machine lasts longer and operates more efficiently. This means lower energy bills and fewer costly repairs over time.

At Refitec, we’ve seen countless machines brought in for repairs due to issues that could have been prevented with regular cleaning. Our goal is to help you avoid these pitfalls.

How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?

The frequency of cleaning your washing machine depends on how often you use it, the type of detergent you use, and whether you have hard water. However, as a general guideline:

• Deep Cleaning (Drum & Internal Components): Once a month.
• Exterior Cleaning (Wipe Down & Buttons): Weekly.
• Gasket and Door Seal Cleaning (Front Loaders): After every wash or at least weekly.
• Filter Cleaning (Lint Trap, Drain Pump Filter): Every 2–3 months.
• Descaling (For Hard Water Areas): Every 3 months.

At Refitec, we recommend erring on the side of cleaning more frequently rather than less. Think of it like servicing your car — regular maintenance prevents costly breakdowns.

Let’s break this down further:

1. Monthly Deep Cleaning (The Drum and Internal Components)

Every month, run a hot water cycle with no clothes in the machine. Add one of the following to the drum before starting the cycle:

• Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets (commercial products)
• 2 Cups of White Vinegar (natural option)
• ½ Cup of Baking Soda (optional for extra odor removal)

This monthly cycle removes detergent build-up, disinfects the drum, and neutralizes odors. Some newer machines even have a “Clean Washer” cycle built in — use it if available.

At Refitec, our technicians have found that customers who maintain this monthly habit rarely experience mold or bad odor issues.

2. Weekly Exterior Cleaning

The exterior of the machine also needs regular care. Detergent splashes, lint, and dust can build up on the top, sides, and control panels.

• Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the machine’s exterior weekly.
• For buttons and control panels, use a mild soap solution.
• Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach directly on plastic parts, as this may cause discoloration.

This simple step makes your machine look new and prevents buttons from sticking due to detergent residue.

3. Cleaning the Gasket and Door Seals

If you own a front-loading washing machine, the rubber gasket around the door is one of the most common spots for mold, mildew, and trapped debris. This is because water and lint can sit in the folds of the gasket after a wash cycle.

At least once a week — or ideally after every wash — do the following:

• Wipe down the gasket with a dry cloth to remove moisture.
• For deeper cleaning, use a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water or a commercial mildew remover.
• Inspect for small items (coins, hair ties, socks) stuck inside the gasket folds.

This practice drastically reduces the musty smell many front-load owners complain about.

4. Filter and Drain Pump Cleaning

Most washing machines have a lint filter or drain pump filter that catches debris. If left unchecked, this can clog and cause the machine to drain poorly or stop mid-cycle.

At Refitec, clogged filters are one of the top reasons customers call us for repairs.

We recommend:

• Check and clean the filter every 2–3 months.
• Refer to your machine’s manual for filter location (often at the front bottom panel).
• Keep a small tray and towel handy when opening the filter, as water may spill out.

This small step prevents drainage problems and prolongs the pump’s life.

5. Descaling for Hard Water

If your area has hard water, mineral deposits can build up inside your machine’s pipes, hoses, and heating element. This affects water flow and heating efficiency.

To combat this:

• Use a descaling agent (like commercial descalers) every 3 months.
• Alternatively, run a hot cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar to dissolve minerals.
• Consider installing a water softener if the issue is severe.

Refitec recommends regular descaling for customers in hard water areas to prevent expensive repairs like heating element replacements.

Signs That Your Washing Machine Needs Immediate Cleaning

While a regular schedule is important, sometimes your washing machine will show clear signs that it needs cleaning right away. Look out for:

• Persistent Bad Odors (even after running empty cycles).
• Visible Mold or Black Spots around the door gasket or inside the drum.
• Residue on Clothes after washing.
• Water Draining Slowly or standing water left after cycles.
• Strange Noises during spinning or draining (can indicate a clogged filter).

If you notice these symptoms, don’t wait for your next scheduled cleaning — act immediately.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Routine Recommended by Refitec

Here’s the ultimate washing machine cleaning checklist that we provide to our clients:

After Every Wash

• Leave the door open to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.
• Wipe down the door seal and drum with a dry cloth.

Weekly

• Wipe the machine exterior and control panel with a damp cloth.
• Clean the detergent drawer (remove and rinse under warm water).

Monthly

• Run an empty hot cycle with a washer cleaner or vinegar and baking soda.
• Check the hoses for leaks or cracks.

Every 2–3 Months

• Clean the lint filter/drain pump filter.
• Inspect the water inlet filters (behind the machine) for blockages.

Every 3–6 Months

• Descale your machine if you live in a hard-water area.

By following this schedule, you’ll drastically extend the life of your machine and keep your laundry hygienically clean.

Additional Refitec Tips for Washing Machine Maintenance

At Refitec, we go beyond just telling you how often to clean your machine. We also advise our clients on how to use their machine properly to minimize build-up in the first place:

• Use the Right Amount of Detergent:
  More detergent does not equal cleaner clothes. In fact, excess detergent leaves residue that attracts dirt and bacteria.
• Avoid Cold Washes All the Time:
  Occasional hot cycles help kill bacteria and dissolve detergent residue.
• Don’t Overload the Machine:
  Overloading stresses the motor and leaves less room for water to circulate, making residue build-up worse.
• Use High-Efficiency (HE) Detergent:
  If you own a high-efficiency washer, only use HE detergent. Regular detergent creates more suds and residue.
• Keep the Door Open:
  After each wash, leave the door slightly ajar to allow airflow and prevent mold.

These habits, combined with regular cleaning, keep your machine performing like new.

Why Choose Refitec for Washing Machine Care

Cleaning your washing machine yourself is effective, but sometimes a professional service is necessary — especially for deep internal cleaning or repairs. That’s where Refitec comes in.

We offer:

• Professional Washing Machine Cleaning and Servicing: We handle parts you can’t easily access, like the inner drum, hoses, and heating element.
• Spare Parts Availability: Whether it’s a gasket, pump, or hose, we stock genuine spare parts for all major brands.
• Expert Technicians: Our team is trained to diagnose and fix washing machine issues quickly and efficiently.
• Preventive Maintenance Plans: We offer scheduled maintenance to ensure your machine stays in top shape year-round.

Many of our customers have saved thousands of shillings in repair or replacement costs by following our maintenance tips and scheduling regular servicing with us.

Conclusion

Your washing machine works hard to keep your clothes clean — but it also needs care to keep running smoothly. At Refitec, we recommend cleaning your washing machine:

• After Every Wash: Wipe seals and leave the door open.
• Weekly: Clean the exterior and detergent drawer.
• Monthly: Run a hot empty cycle with a cleaner.
• Every 2–3 Months: Clean filters.
• Every 3 Months: Descale if you have hard water.

This routine not only improves your machine’s performance and longevity but also ensures your laundry stays fresh and hygienic.

Remember, preventive maintenance is always cheaper and more effective than repairs. By following these Refitec-recommended practices, you’ll enjoy a cleaner, more efficient washing machine for years to come.

If your machine needs professional cleaning, servicing, or parts replacement, Refitec is here to help. Our expert team is just a call away, ready to provide the highest quality service for all your washing machine needs.