How to Clean a Washing Machine (Drum, Drawer and Seal)

A musty washing machine usually means detergent residue and damp. Cleaning the parts that hold water, and letting it dry, fixes it.

By the Ample Cleaners team · 5 October 2026 · 4 min read

Share this guide

Clean it

  1. Remove the detergent drawer and wash it in warm soapy water, brushing out the housing
  2. Wipe the rubber door seal and pull back the folds, where mould and grime hide
  3. Clean the filter, usually behind a small hatch at the bottom, with a towel and bowl ready for water
  4. Run an empty hot cycle with a washing machine cleaner, as the manufacturer advises

Prevent smells

  • Leave the door and drawer ajar between washes
  • Take out wet washing promptly
  • Do not use too much detergent, and run a hot wash now and then

Signs it needs cleaning

  • A musty smell on clothes after washing
  • Black mould on the door seal
  • Residue or slime in the detergent drawer
  • Water draining slowly, which can mean a blocked filter

Common questions

How often should I clean my washing machine?

A monthly maintenance wash and a wipe of the seal keeps most machines fresh.

Would you rather we did it for you?

Ample Cleaners offers deep cleaning across Barking, Dagenham, Romford, Ilford and surrounding areas, with DBS-checked cleaners and a fixed price.

Share this guide

More guides