How to Clean Washing Machine Drum

Residue buildup inside a washing machine drum is a routine maintenance issue. Detergent deposits, hard water minerals, and moisture combine over time to reduce cleaning performance and produce musty odors. Cleaning the washing machine drum periodically helps maintain machine hygiene and can extend the life of internal components.

The appropriate cleaning method depends on the machine type and the level of buildup present. A lightly used front-loader with mild odor requires a different approach than a top-loader with visible mineral deposits or mold growth around the gasket. Understanding the condition before starting helps you choose the right product and process.

The steps below cover drum cleaning for both front-load and top-load machines using commercially available cleaners. Included are tool lists, step-by-step instructions, and guidance for variations in condition and machine type.

Tools and Materials

Tools

• Microfiber cloths (at least 3–4)
• Old toothbrush or small scrub brush
• Bucket
• Spray bottle

Materials

• Commercial washing machine cleaner tablets or powder (such as Affresh, OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner, or equivalent)
• Warm water

Optional

• Rubber gloves
• Flashlight (for inspecting the drum and gasket folds)
• Chlorine bleach (for mold or mildew cases only — see dedicated section below)
• Mold and mildew spray cleaner (for stubborn gasket buildup)

How to Clean a Washing Machine Drum

Drum cleaning addresses residue on the drum interior, door seal, detergent dispenser, and drum lip. The method varies slightly between front-load and top-load machines due to differences in drum position and gasket design. Most machines should be cleaned every 30–60 days depending on frequency of use and water hardness.

How to Clean a Front-Load Washing Machine Drum

Front-load machines tend to accumulate more moisture inside the drum and along the rubber door gasket. This makes them more susceptible to mold and odor buildup. Cleaning should address both the drum interior and the gasket folds.

You will need:

• 1 commercial washing machine cleaner tablet or measured powder dose
• Microfiber cloths
• Old toothbrush
• Rubber gloves

1. Remove any laundry from the drum. The machine must be completely empty.
2. Place one washing machine cleaner tablet directly into the drum — not the detergent dispenser, unless the product instructions specify otherwise.
3. Select the hottest available cycle. Use the “Drum Clean,” “Tub Clean,” or “Sanitize” cycle if your machine offers one. If not, use the longest hot water cycle available.
4. Start the cycle and allow it to run completely without interruption.
5. Once the cycle finishes, open the door and wipe the drum interior with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Pay attention to the back of the drum and the drum lip.
6. Pull back the rubber door gasket folds and inspect for black mold or slimy residue. Wipe accessible areas with a damp microfiber cloth.
7. Use an old toothbrush to scrub narrow gasket folds, corners, and the drum lip where residue collects.
8. Leave the door open for at least 30 minutes after cleaning to allow moisture to escape.

If odor persists after one cleaning cycle, run a second cycle with a fresh cleaner tablet. Persistent odor may indicate mold deeper in the gasket that requires manual attention or, in some cases, professional service.

How to Clean a Top-Load Washing Machine Drum

Top-load machines — whether traditional agitator models or high-efficiency impeller types — are generally less prone to gasket mold but can accumulate significant mineral deposits and soap scum on the drum walls. The cleaning process uses a hot-water soak cycle.

You will need:

• 1 commercial washing machine cleaner tablet or powder (measured per product label)
• Microfiber cloths
• Old toothbrush
• Rubber gloves

1. Make sure the drum is empty before starting.
2. Add one cleaner tablet or the measured powder dose directly to the drum.
3. Select the largest load setting and the hottest water temperature available.
4. Start the cycle. On traditional top-loaders, pause the cycle once the drum fills with water and the cleaner has dissolved — typically 5–10 minutes in. Allow the machine to soak for 30–60 minutes before resuming. Skip this pause on high-efficiency models, as they do not fill with standing water.
5. Resume and allow the full cycle to complete.
6. After the cycle ends, wipe the drum walls, drum lip, and underside of the lid with a clean damp microfiber cloth.
7. Use a toothbrush to scrub around the agitator base (if present), dispensers, and any crevices around the drum opening.
8. Wipe dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
9. Leave the lid open for 30 minutes to allow airflow and drying.

If mineral deposits remain visible on the drum walls after one cycle, a second cleaning run is typically more effective than scrubbing, which can scratch the drum surface on some models.

Cleaning a Washing Machine Drum with Bleach (Mold and Mildew Only)

Bleach is not a routine drum cleaner. It is a targeted option for visible mold or mildew growth — typically found on the rubber door gasket of front-load machines or around the drum lip of top-loaders in humid environments.

Check your owner’s manual before using bleach. Some manufacturers explicitly advise against it, particularly on machines with stainless steel drums, rubber components, or specific internal coatings. Using bleach on an incompatible machine can degrade seals and gaskets over time or void the warranty on certain models.

If your manual permits bleach use, the steps below apply to gasket and drum lip treatment only — not as a full-cycle drum cleaner.

You will need:

• Rubber gloves
• Chlorine bleach
• Warm water
• Microfiber cloths
• Old toothbrush

1. Mix a diluted bleach solution: 1 tablespoon of chlorine bleach per 1 quart of warm water. Do not use undiluted bleach directly on drum surfaces or gasket rubber.
2. Put on rubber gloves before handling the solution.
3. Dampen a microfiber cloth with the solution and apply it to the affected area — gasket folds, drum lip, or dispenser housing where mold is visible.
4. Allow the solution to sit for no more than 5 minutes. Prolonged contact can damage rubber gaskets.
5. Scrub with an old toothbrush to loosen mold from narrow folds and seams.
6. Wipe the treated area thoroughly with a clean damp cloth to remove bleach residue.
7. Rinse with a second clean cloth dampened with plain water.
8. Run an empty rinse cycle immediately after to flush any residue from the drum interior.
9. Leave the door open to allow full drying.

If mold returns within a short period after treatment, the growth may extend beyond surface level. In that case, a replacement gasket or professional inspection is worth considering.

Cleaning the Detergent and Softener Dispensers

The dispenser drawer and housing collect detergent residue and can develop mold separately from the drum. Cleaning the drum without addressing the dispensers may allow odor and residue to recirculate.

1. Remove the dispenser drawer if it is designed to detach — most front-loaders and many top-loaders allow this. Check the owner’s manual if unsure.
2. Rinse the drawer under warm running water. Use a toothbrush to scrub residue from each compartment.
3. Inspect the dispenser housing (the slot the drawer slides into). Wipe it with a damp cloth and scrub with the toothbrush as needed.
4. Allow the drawer to dry fully before reinserting.
5. On machines with fixed dispensers, spray the dispenser area lightly with warm water and wipe with a cloth.

What to Avoid When Cleaning the Drum

Certain practices can reduce cleaning effectiveness or cause gradual damage to drum surfaces and internal components.

• Avoid overloading the detergent dispenser. Excess detergent — even HE-rated formulas — is a leading cause of drum residue and odor. Follow the detergent manufacturer’s dosing guidelines, not the machine’s maximum fill line.
• Do not use abrasive scrubbers on the drum interior. Steel wool, scouring pads, and stiff-bristle brushes can scratch the drum surface and compromise the finish on stainless steel models.
• Avoid leaving wet laundry sitting in the drum. Moisture left inside — especially in front-loaders — accelerates mold and mildew growth on the gasket and drum walls.
• Do not close the door or lid immediately after a wash cycle. Trapping residual moisture inside encourages odor and mold. Leave the door ajar for at least 30 minutes after each use.
• Avoid using liquid fabric softener routinely. It leaves a waxy film in the drum and dispenser that accumulates faster than detergent residue and is harder to remove.
• Do not mix bleach with other cleaning products — including commercial drum cleaners — in the same cycle or application. Combining bleach with certain cleaners can produce harmful fumes.

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