The habits that keep it clean
Leave the door and the detergent drawer ajar between washes so the drum can dry — this one change does more than anything else. Take laundry out promptly rather than leaving it to steam overnight. Use less detergent than instinct suggests, especially if you live in a soft water area, because excess detergent is food for the film you just removed. Cut back on fabric conditioner, which coats both towels and machine. And run one hot cycle regularly rather than washing everything at thirty degrees forever.
How often should I clean my washing machine?
A full clean — drawer, seal, filter, hot maintenance wash — every couple of months suits most households, and monthly if you wash sportswear, pet bedding, or heavily soiled work clothes. Between those, a quick wipe of the seal when you unload takes ten seconds and prevents most of the build-up. If you already have a smell, do the full reset now and then reassess in a fortnight.
Can I use vinegar in my washing machine?
White vinegar is a popular home remedy and it does help with mineral deposits and odour, but it is acidic, and used frequently it can be hard on rubber seals and some hoses over time. If you want to try it, use it occasionally rather than as your weekly routine, never mix it in the same cycle with bleach, and check your manufacturer's manual first — some specifically advise against it, and a machine still under warranty is not worth risking for the sake of a kitchen-cupboard trick.
