© Shutterstock

Clean and serene -

Nobody wants to open their washing machine to clothes that smell bad. Before you begin cleaning your washing machine, you'll need to consider the type and size of your machine, as well as where the filter is located.

© Shutterstock

Getting started -

Your washing machine's manufacturer will provide important information, like for how long and how much cleaning product you'll need to clean the machine.

© Shutterstock

Getting started -

You might need to consult the washing machine instruction manual to find the location of the filter. It should be cleaned or replaced as part of the process.

© Shutterstock

Gathering your materials -

To give your machine a proper, deep clean that leaves it sparkling and free from bacteria, you need to have the right materials for the job.

© Shutterstock

Rubber gloves -

It's not a fun job, but someone's got to do it! Before handling cleaning products, make sure to use rubber gloves that will keep the skin on your hands protected.

© Shutterstock

Bucket -

While you're in the middle of cleaning your machine, you'll need something on hand that you can use to clean your tools. Keep a bucket of water next to you.

© Shutterstock

Scrubbing brush -

One of the best things to get to work on stubborn, hard-to-move dirt is a strong-bristled, hand-held scrubbing brush.

© Shutterstock

Old toothbrush or small scrubbing brush -

In order to get to the harder-to-reach, smaller crevices of your machine, you'll need a small scrubbing brush—but an old toothbrush will do the job just as well! 

© Shutterstock

Cloths -

Washable and inexpensive, cloth diapers are a wonderful material to use to clean your machine. They have a soft texture and are better for the environment as they don't contain microplastics.

© Shutterstock

Bleach -

Chlorine bleach of any brand type is a chemical cleaner. It's favored for use in household cleaning due to its powerful ability to break down bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

© Shutterstock

White vinegar -

An eco-friendly option, white vinegar is one of the best natural household cleaning products. It helps to neutralize smells, and because it is so acidic it kills bacteria. White vinegar also cuts through mold and mildew, which can easily build up inside a machine due to the amount of water usage.

© Shutterstock

Baking soda -

Believe it or not, baking soda has been a favorite cleaning product since the 1800s. That's because this substance helps to lift stubborn dirt due to its slightly abrasive texture.

© Shutterstock

Washing machine cleaner tablets -

Designed to remove odor-causing bacteria from your machine as well as break down grime and residue, these tablets make it to hard-to-reach areas, like the pipes, seals, and drum.

© Shutterstock

Aggressive cleaning power -

Add a quarter cup of bleach into the drawer or directly into the drum and put on an empty wash at the highest heat setting. Afterward, clean the filter and wipe down the detergent dispenser and gaskets.

© Shutterstock

Eco cleaning power -

For a more eco-friendly clean, use a quarter cup of white vinegar instead of bleach in the wash. Do not mix vinegar and baking soda, as they cancel each other out, reducing each one's cleaning capability.

© Shutterstock

Water heat -

It's important to run the water on the hottest wash setting, as this will kill the most of any lingering bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

© Shutterstock

Filter cleaning -

After you've run your hot cleaning wash through the machine, remove the filters and detergent dispensers for cleaning separately.

© Shutterstock

Filter cleaning -

Soak filter parts in white vinegar or a bleach and water mixture. Wearing your rubber gloves and using a small scrubber or old toothbrush, gently remove any residue or dirt.

© Shutterstock

Inside the drum and machine exterior -

Next, it's time to thoroughly wipe inside and outside the machine. Mix white vinegar and water or bleach and water, and use your scrubbing brush to clean inside the drum. The gasket can trap mold and other smelly material.

© Shutterstock

Inside the drum and machine exterior -

Using your cloth diapers, give the machine exterior a good wipe down, again with the bleach and water or white vinegar and water mixture.

© Shutterstock

Top loaders vs. front loaders -

Front loaders, due to their rubber gasket, are more likely to hold onto things like hair, which can cause a strange odor. Top loaders don't tend to gather quite as much smelly gunk, but they can still get stinky.

© Shutterstock

Cleaning to alleviate smells -

To alleviate smells, use baking soda. Mix a quarter cup baking soda with a quarter cup of water, in the detergent dispenser. In the drum, add four cups of white vinegar, and wash the machine at the highest heat level.

© Shutterstock

Cleaning mold -

Mold can be stubborn, and it requires cleaning with bleach to destroy it. Again, it will normally accumulate in front-loading machines in the rubber gasket, whereas in top loaders, it appears in other hard-to-reach places.

© Shutterstock

Cleaning mold -

To address mold in your machine, after doing your clean cycle with bleach or vinegar and a hot wash, use a bristle scrubbing brush, cloth diaper, or rag to clean away mold. Afterward, clean the area with a dry cloth.

© Shutterstock

Be mindful with vinegar -

Don't overuse vinegar in your washing machine, either as a cleaner or in your laundry cycle, as it can damage the interior parts of the appliance.

© Shutterstock

Why does a smell happen? -

Soap grime, dirt, detergent scum, and debris can collect in the different parts of your machine, creating a thriving environment for bacteria and germs to grow.

© Shutterstock

How to prevent smells -

Apart from cleaning the machine itself, you can help prevent smells by removing clean clothes from the drum quickly. Removing human or pet hair between cleans will also make your machine cleaner overall.

© Shutterstock

Clean, odor-free clothes, everytime -

By giving your machine a good 15 to 30-minute clean each month, as well as the steps outlined to maintain cleanliness in between cleanings, you can ensure your laundry smells great and odor-free after each wash.

Sources: (National Geographic) (Better Homes and Gardens) (Architectural Digest) (Good Housekeeping)

See also: Disturbing things that happen if you stop cleaning your home

© Shutterstock