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Your washing machine spends its days washing everything — towels, school uniforms, bedsheets, gym clothes, delicate fabrics, and the kitchen cloth that somehow always finds its way into the wrong load. You put them in, add detergent, choose a programme, and let the machine take over.
But there is one thing that often gets overlooked: the machine itself.
Over time, detergent residue can settle in the dispenser, moisture can remain around the door gasket, lint can collect in filters, and mineral deposits can build up inside the machine. You may not notice any of it at first, but gradually, it can change how your laundry feels after a wash.
That is why a clean washing machine matters. It does not have to become another major household chore. A few simple steps, done consistently, can help keep the machine fresh and ready for the next load.
What Happens Inside a Washing Machine Over Time?
Detergent and fabric conditioner can leave residue around the dispenser and other damp areas. Hard water can gradually contribute to limescale buildup. Lint, hair, and small fibres can collect in filters. Moisture can also remain inside the drum and around the rubber seal after a cycle, particularly if the door or lid is closed straight away.
A machine may look clean from the outside while these small traces continue to accumulate inside.
This is why laundry machine cleaning is not just about dealing with an unpleasant smell. Regular upkeep helps minimise residue and mineral buildup while keeping frequently used parts clean and dry.
The good news is that most of this care is straightforward.
Step 1: Run an Empty Hot Wash Cycle
Remove all clothes and run an empty hot wash or dedicated drum-clean programme, depending on the options available on your model. If your machine has a specific drum-clean cycle, follow the instructions in the user manual for the right programme and temperature.
If you are using a machine-care product, follow its instructions carefully. IFB essentials Descal, for example, is designed to remove limescale from washing machines and is used in an empty cycle without clothes.
The aim is to properly clean the inside of the machine, rather than simply running another normal wash without clothes.
This can be particularly useful in hard-water areas, where mineral deposits can build up over time. A regular cleaning cycle can become an easy part of your washing machine care routine.
Step 2: Clean the Detergent and Softener Dispenser
The dispenser drawer is easy to forget because it is usually hidden away.
Pull it out according to your machine's instructions and rinse the compartments with water. Use a soft cloth or brush to loosen any detergent or fabric-conditioner residue that has collected around the edges and corners.
Take a moment to look at the area inside the machine where the drawer sits, too. If you notice residue there, wipe it away before replacing the clean, dry drawer.
Keeping this area clean helps prevent old detergent and softener from sitting in the machine between washes.
And if you use IFB washing machine liquid, follow the dosage and compartment guidance provided for the product. More detergent does not necessarily mean cleaner clothes. Using the recommended amount can also help reduce unnecessary residue.
Step 3: Wipe the Door Gasket and Rubber Seal
This is one of the easiest places to overlook, especially on a front-loading machine. If you have a front door washing machine, gently pull back the rubber gasket around the door and check the folds. Lint, hair, moisture, and small traces of detergent can collect here after repeated washes.
Wipe the seal with a clean, damp cloth. Pay particular attention to the lower part, where water may remain after a cycle. Once cleaned, let the gasket dry properly before closing the door.
A clean gasket is also useful for spotting problems early. If you notice cracks, tears, or other visible damage, check the user manual or arrange professional service rather than attempting to repair the seal yourself.
Step 4: Clean the Drum and Lint Filter
The drum is where the washing happens, but it is not the only part that needs attention.
Wipe away any visible residue around the drum opening and surfaces. If your machine has an accessible lint or fluff filter, remove it and clean it according to the instructions for your model.
Selected IFB top load washing machines feature a Lint Tower Filter that traps lint and fibres released during the wash, helping prevent them from being redeposited on clothes. The filter can also be removed for cleaning.
Filter designs can vary between washing machines, so always follow the care instructions for your specific model. If your machine has a dedicated drum-clean programme, use it at the recommended frequency rather than waiting until the machine develops an odour.
Keeping the drum and filter clean helps make regular washing machine care easier and more effective.
Step 5: Dry and Ventilate the Machine After Cleaning
Once the cleaning is done, let the machine dry properly.
Wipe away any visible moisture around the door, gasket, or accessible surfaces, then leave the door or lid open when the machine is not in use, provided this is safe and practical in your home.
That small habit allows air to circulate and helps the inside of the machine dry out properly. It is particularly useful after a cleaning cycle, but it is also worth making part of your regular laundry routine.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
There is no single schedule that works for every household.
If you run several loads each week, wash heavily soiled clothes regularly, or live in a hard-water area, your machine may need frequent attention.
A monthly deep-cleaning routine is a useful starting point for many households. Filters, dispensers, and rubber seals can be checked more often, while descaling may be needed every two to three months depending on water hardness and how frequently the machine is used.
The important thing is consistency. A short routine every few weeks is easier to maintain than waiting until residue, mineral buildup, or odour becomes noticeable.
Regular washing machine maintenance is less about doing more and more about doing a few small things at the right time.
Choosing the Right Machine-Care Product
Regular appliance maintenance is about more than wiping down the parts you can see. Some types of buildup need a product designed specifically for the job.
For more stubborn limescale or buildup, choose a machine-care product designed for washing machines and use it as directed. Other machine-care products may be intended for different types of upkeep, so it is important to choose one according to the type of buildup you are dealing with and the instructions for your appliance.
You do not need to use a cleaning product every time you wash. The better approach is to combine regular physical cleaning with machine-care products when they are appropriate.
Everyday habits matter, too. Using the right amount of detergent, avoiding an overloaded drum, and leaving the door open after a cycle are all part of good washing machine care. These small habits can help reduce residue, moisture buildup, and unnecessary strain on the machine.
Key Takeaways
Your washing machine cleans your clothes every week, but it needs a little care of its own.
A simple routine can go a long way: run an empty cleaning cycle, rinse the dispenser, wipe the gasket, clean the drum and accessible filter, and leave the machine open to dry.
These small habits do not take much time. Done regularly, they can help keep the machine fresher, reduce residue and buildup, and make everyday laundry feel a little easier.
