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How to Clean and Maintain Your Washer and Dryer to Extend Their Lifespan

How to Clean and Maintain Your Washer and Dryer to Extend Their Lifespan

Your washer and dryer work hard, day in and day out, tackling everything from sweaty gym clothes to mystery-stained socks. But when was the last time you gave them a good cleaning?

Over time, washing machines (both front-loaders and top-loaders) accumulate soap scum, detergent residue, and even mold. Meanwhile, clothes dryers collect lint beyond the filter, which can reduce efficiency and even become a fire hazard. Regular maintenance not only keeps your appliances running smoothly but also extends their lifespan, saving you money in the long run.

If you want cleaner clothes, fresher-smelling laundry, and fewer appliance repairs, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down exactly how to clean your washer and dryer the right way.

Contents

Why Cleaning Your Washer and Dryer Matters

It’s easy to think your appliances don’t need cleaning, after all, they clean things, right? But washing machines and dryers can quickly become breeding grounds for mildew, grime, and lint buildup. Ignoring maintenance can lead to:

  • Musty-smelling clothes (even right after washing!)
  • Longer drying times and higher energy bills
  • Mold growth inside the washer
  • Reduced efficiency & more wear and tear on your appliances
  • Potential fire hazards from clogged dryer vents

Luckily, keeping your machines in top shape is easier than you think.

How to Clean a Front-Load Washer

Front-load washers are great for efficiency, but they also require regular maintenance to prevent mold and grime buildup, especially in that rubber door seal (gasket).

1. Clean the Door Seal (Gasket)

The gasket traps moisture, which can lead to mildew and musty smells.

  1. Pull back the rubber seal and wipe out any visible grime with a damp microfiber cloth.
  2. Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water (or use a diluted bleach solution).
  3. Dip a soft brush or toothbrush into the solution and scrub around the entire seal, focusing on hidden folds.
  4. Wipe everything dry to prevent future mold growth.

Pro Tip: If the gasket smells particularly bad, let the cleaning solution sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing.

2. Clean the Washer Drum

  1. Remove any loose debris or leftover detergent pods stuck in the drum.
  2. Wipe down the interior with a vinegar-dampened microfiber cloth.
  3. For stubborn residue, apply a baking soda paste (mix baking soda + water), let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub gently.

3. Tackle the Detergent Dispenser

Fabric softener and detergent can create a sticky residue that clogs the dispenser.

  1. Remove the drawer and soak it in warm, soapy water for 10–20 minutes.
  2. Scrub with a toothbrush to remove any leftover buildup.
  3. Rinse, dry, and reinsert.

4. Run a Cleaning Cycle

Now that the parts are clean, let’s flush out the entire system:

  • Vinegar Method: Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser or drum.
  • Bleach Method: Use 1 cup of bleach instead if you’re dealing with major mold/mildew issues.
  • Commercial Washer Cleaner: Products like Affresh® or Clorox® Washing Machine Cleaner also work well.

Run an empty cycle on the hottest setting to break down leftover detergent, residue, and mold.

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How to Clean a Top-Load Washer

Top-load washing machines don’t have the same gasket issues as front-loaders, but they can still build up soap scum, mold, and hard-water deposits inside the drum and under the agitator.

1. Clean the Drum and Agitator

  1. Fill the washer with hot water (or use the largest load setting).
  2. Add 4 cups of white vinegar and let it agitate for a minute to mix.
  3. Pause the cycle and let the vinegar water soak for 1 hour—this loosens up soap residue and hard water deposits.
  4. Scrub around the agitator and drum walls with a soft brush or sponge.
  5. Run a full cycle to rinse.

2. Clean the Detergent and Fabric Softener Dispensers

  1. Remove the dispensers (if possible) and soak them in warm, soapy water.
  2. Scrub with an old toothbrush to remove built-up gunk.
  3. Rinse, dry, and reinstall.

Pro Tip: If your washer has hard-water stains, use a paste of baking soda and water to scrub them away.

How to Clean a Clothes Dryer

Your dryer might seem low-maintenance, but lint buildup can reduce efficiency and become a fire hazard. A few simple steps can keep it running efficiently and safely.

1. Clean the Lint Trap

  • Remove lint from the filter after every load.
  • Once a month, wash the lint screen with warm, soapy water to remove fabric softener buildup.

2. Clean Inside the Dryer Drum

  1. Wipe down the drum with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
  2. If there’s any stuck-on residue (from melted crayon, gum, etc.), rub it with a magic eraser or baking soda paste.
  3. Dry thoroughly with a microfiber cloth.

3. Deep Clean the Dryer Vent & Ducts

Lint buildup in the vent can reduce airflow, increase drying times, and cause fires.

  1. Unplug the dryer and move it away from the wall.
  2. Disconnect the vent hose and vacuum out the lint inside.
  3. Use a dryer vent cleaning brush (available online or in hardware stores) to remove deeper buildup.
  4. Reattach the hose and plug the dryer back in.

Pro Tip: If your dryer takes forever to dry clothes, chances are the vent needs a deep clean!

How Often Should You Clean Your Washer and Dryer?

          • Washer Deep Clean: Every 1–2 months
          • Wipe Down Washer Gasket/Drum: Weekly
          • Leave Washer Door Open After Use: Always!
          • Clean Dryer Lint Trap: After every load
          • Deep Clean Dryer Vent & Ducts: Every 6–12 months

Keep Your Appliances Running Like New

Your washer and dryer are some of the hardest-working appliances in your home, so why not show them a little love? Regular maintenance doesn’t just prevent bad smells and annoying buildup; it actually extends the lifespan of your machines, helps them work more efficiently, and saves you money on repairs and energy bills.

By deep cleaning your washer every 1–2 months, keeping your dryer lint-free, and staying on top of simple maintenance habits, you’ll keep your laundry fresh, your appliances running smoothly, and your home safer.

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Escrito por

Em Rey

Content Contributor at

Microfiber Wholesale

Em is an experienced content writer and strategist, creating engaging and informative content for lifestyle, home, and beauty publications over the past eight years.

Her passion for eco-friendly cleaning aligns with the growing demand for sustainable solutions, and she’s a strong advocate for microfiber products due to their efficiency and environmental benefits.

Em’s in-depth knowledge of the cleaning industry and commitment to promoting green initiatives make her an ideal partner for crafting content that resonates with professional cleaners.

When she’s not creating content, you'll find her with a toddler in tow either outdoors, somewhere near water, or baking.

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