How to Deep Clean a Washing Machine With Bleach

If your fresh laundry smells bad when damp, mold or mildew in your washing machine might be the culprit. Soil, lint, and residual water can accumulate inside your washer, creating an ideal environment for odor-causing bacteria and even black mold. Follow these steps to keep your washing machine fresh and odor-free.

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By Mary Gagliardi

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Use as directed.

What you need

Steps for mold removal in your washing machine

  1. Empty the washer

    Ensure the washer is empty to prevent bleach from contacting fabrics.

  2. Add bleach to dispenser

    Pour Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach into the bleach dispenser, filling to the “max fill” line. This step helps eliminate mold in washing machine components like the tub and detergent dispenser.

  3. Run a hot water cycle with extra rinse

    Set your washer to the hottest water temperature (often the “heavy duty” or “whites” cycle) and add an extra rinse cycle. This helps flush out bacteria and removes bleach residues.

  4. Clean the drum, door and dispenser

    After the cycle, use a microfiber cloth with bleach solution or Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes to wipe down the drum, door seal, detergent dispenser, and lint filter to further clean any moldy washing machine areas.

  5. Scrub hard-to-reach areas

    Use a brush to scrub areas like the washer seal, detergent dispenser, and around the tub where mold and mildew can accumulate.

  6. Extra steps for mold removal

    For stubborn mold, use additional bleach or an alternative cleaning method like vinegar and water. Soak a hot towel in the solution and scrub thoroughly.

  7. Repeat if needed

    If there’s still an off-smell or visible mold, repeat the cycle until mold in your washing machine is completely removed.

  8. Wipe down the exterior

    Finish by wiping down the washer's exterior with Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes for a complete clean.

Alternative cleaning methods

If you’re looking for alternatives to bleach, try these:

  • Vinegar and water solution: Mix equal parts vinegar and water, pour into the detergent dispenser, and run a hot water cycle.

  • Scrubbing with a hot towel: Use a towel soaked in hot water and vinegar to scrub the drum and door seals.

Tips for preventing mold and mildew in washing machines

  • Keep the door open: After each use, leave the washer door open to allow air circulation and reduce moisture buildup.

  • Limit detergent use: Use the recommended amount of detergent; too much can contribute to mold growth.

  • Store in a dry area: Ensure your laundry area is dry and well-ventilated.

  • Regular maintenance: Run a bleach cleanout cycle monthly to maintain a mold-free washer.

For more cleaning tips and products, visit our cleaning products category page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is leaving the washer door open enough to prevent mold?

Not entirely. While leaving the door open helps, soil and detergent buildups still need regular cleaning to prevent mold and mildew in washing machines. An open washing machine door can also be dangerous if you have children or pets in the house.

Can regular bleach be used to clean my washer?

Yes, Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach with sodium hypochlorite can be used for effective washing machine mold removal. Measure carefully and use as directed.