How to Clean a Washing Machine — The Complete Guide (Inside & Out)

In Saudi Arabia's Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran we recommend: weekly surface cleaning (door seal wipe, exterior, control panel — 20–30 minutes), and quarterly tasks (vinegar flush, inlet mesh filter cleaning — 60–90 minutes). In coastal cities (Dammam, Khobar and Dhahran), increase the monthly tasks to every 2 weeks because coastal humidity accelerates mould growth and corrosion. See the full routine.

The best approach is a layered routine: (1) wipe the door seal dry after every wash; (2) deep clean the door seal fold with diluted vinegar monthly; (3) clean the detergent drawer monthly; (4) run a Tub Clean cycle monthly; (5) clean the drain filter monthly; (6) run a vinegar flush quarterly. The two highest-value tasks are cleaning the door seal fold and the drain filter — these prevent more washers from failing than any other routine action.

No — bleach should never be used on the rubber door seal or on plastic components. Bleach degrades rubber, causing premature cracking and making the seal more prone to mould. It also discolours plastic and produces harmful vapours when mixed with detergent or ammonia. For the door seal, use diluted white vinegar (50/50 with water) instead — it kills most mould spores and dissolves limescale without damaging rubber. See the cleaning agents guide.

Yes — diluted white vinegar (50/50 with water) is one of the safest and most effective cleaning agents for washing machines. It kills most mould spores, dissolves limescale, and deodorises naturally. Use it on the door seal, detergent drawer, and exterior surfaces. For descaling the drum and internal water paths, use 500ml of undiluted white vinegar in a hot cycle with no clothes, quarterly. Do not use vinegar on or near the control board — liquid can corrode PCB traces.

Mild black mould on the door seal can be removed with diluted white vinegar (50/50 with water) and a soft toothbrush. Pull the seal fold back, spray generously with vinegar, let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub gently. For stubborn staining, use a baking soda paste. If the black staining has penetrated deep into the rubber and cannot be removed, the seal may need replacement — deep penetration indicates the mould has damaged the rubber itself. See the Door Seal part page.

Remove the drawer completely (usually by pressing a release clip and pulling). Soak the drawer in warm soapy water for 15 minutes. Scrub with an old toothbrush — particularly the siphon cap and the channels where detergent and softener flow. Clean the drawer housing (the cavity the drawer sits in) with a toothbrush and a damp cloth. Rinse the housing with clean water (pour gently — do not flood). Dry the drawer completely before reinstalling. Do not put the drawer in a dishwasher — heat can warp it.

Use a dry microfibre cloth, or a cloth very lightly dampened (not wet) with water. Never spray liquid directly on the control panel — liquid can seep into buttons and cause electronic failures, particularly in coastal humidity. Never use vinegar, ammonia-based cleaners, or abrasive cleaners on the panel. Unplug the washer before cleaning the control panel thoroughly.

If the smell returns after routine cleaning, the cause is deeper — biofilm in the drum, drain system, or seal fold. Run a Tub Clean cycle with a cleaning tablet, deep-clean the door seal fold with diluted vinegar, and clean the drain filter. If the smell persists, the biofilm may be inside the drain hose or pump housing — see the Odour Prevention guide. In coastal Saudi cities, this problem is much more common because humidity accelerates biofilm growth.

Wipe the exterior cabinet with a cloth dampened in warm soapy water. Rinse with a clean damp cloth, then dry with a dry cloth. Pay attention to the top surface — this is where detergent drips accumulate. In coastal cities, salt-laden air can accelerate corrosion on painted and metallic surfaces, so a weekly wipe is worthwhile. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvent-based cleaners on painted surfaces, and do not use excessive water — liquid can seep into seams.

For most households, DIY cleaning covers 90% of what is needed — and we say so honestly. Professional deep cleaning is genuinely worth it in specific situations: (1) heavy limescale buildup that a vinegar flush cannot fully remove; (2) persistent odour that returns after DIY cleaning, indicating deep biofilm; (3) washer over 8 years old with unknown maintenance history; (4) recently moved into a property with an existing washer; (5) after a major repair. or bi-annually for coastal or heavy-use households.

recommended annually for most households, or bi-annually for coastal or heavy-use households. the highest-return investment you can make on your washing machine.

The drum is best cleaned with a Tub Clean cycle (also called Self Clean or Drum Clean) using a cleaning tablet — the cycle runs at high temperature with extra water to flush the drum and internal water paths. Alternatively, run a vinegar flush: 500ml of white vinegar in a hot cycle with no clothes. Wipe the visible drum surface with a damp cloth monthly. Never use bleach, abrasive pads, or solvents in the drum. See the Tub Cleaning guide.

Clean the drain filter monthly as a minimum — this is the single highest-value cleaning task. In households with pets, long hair, or heavy towel use, clean it every 2 weeks. In Saudi Arabia's Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran, we recommend every 2 weeks in summer and monthly in winter, because hard water limescale and coastal humidity accelerate filter clogging.

If the smell persists despite thorough cleaning of the door seal, drawer, drum, and filter, the cause is deeper — typically biofilm inside the drain hose or pump housing. Run a vinegar flush (500ml white vinegar, hot cycle, no clothes). If the smell continues, the drain hose may need to be removed and flushed separately (see Drain Maintenance guide), or a professional deep clean may be needed to reach internal seams. In coastal Saudi cities, this problem is more common because humidity accelerates biofilm growth.

Yes — we offer professional deep cleaning across Dammam, Al Khobar and Dhahran. In coastal cities (Dammam, Khobar and Dhahran) we recommend bi-annual deep cleaning because of the humidity. All visits include a full system inspection and a written report on your washer's condition. Home visits by appointment is available for urgent issues. See all service areas →