Washing machine cleaning is taken for granted. Most people clean their clothes regularly but forget about the machine that does the cleaning. Over time, a washing machine quietly collects detergent residue, fabric fibres, grease, bacteria, and even mould. This hidden dirt affects not only how your clothes smell, but also your health and your machine’s lifespan.
If your clothes don’t feel as fresh as they used to, or your laundry room has a damp smell, your machine is asking for attention.
This guide from Feen Cleaning Services shows you how to clean your washing machine properly, using simple household items and professional techniques.
Before Washing Machine cleaning, What Really Builds Up Inside?
A washing machine is constantly exposed to:
- Soap and softener residues
- Body oils from clothes
- Lint and hair
- Moisture (perfect for mould growth)
Because most people wash at low temperatures, these materials never fully disappear. Instead, they stick to the drum, pipes, seal, and filter.
Over time, this leads to:
- Bad odour
- Grey-looking clothes
- Slow drainage
- Increased energy use
- Shorter machine lifespan
The “3-Zone” Method to Clean Your Washing Machine
At Feen, we divide washing machine cleaning into three zones:
- The Inside (Drum & Pipes)
- The Outside (Seal & Drawer)
- The System (Filter & Drain)
If you clean only one zone, the smell will come back.
Zone 1: Deep Clean the Inside of Your Washing Machine
This targets the invisible dirt inside the drum and pipes.
Method A – Heat Flush (Best for Monthly Maintenance)
- Run the machine empty on the hottest cycle
- Add 2 cups of baking soda
- Let the full cycle complete
- Do not add clothes
This melts grease, kills bacteria, and removes residue.
Method B – Descale Treatment (Best for Hard Water Areas)
- Add 1 litre of white vinegar
- Run hot cycle
- Pause halfway for 30 minutes, then continue
This dissolves limescale and mineral build-up.
Zone 2: Clean the Rubber Seal and Drawer
These parts are responsible for 90% of washing machine smells.
Rubber Seal:
- Pull it gently outward
- Wipe inside using warm water + soap
- For black spots, use hydrogen peroxide
Detergent Drawer:
- Remove completely
- Soak in hot water
- Scrub with toothbrush
- Dry before reinserting
Zone 3: Clean the Filter (Most Ignored Part)
The filter collects:
- Coins
- Hair
- Buttons
- Tissue
- Sand and dirt
How:
- Open bottom panel
- Place towel
- Unscrew filter slowly
- Clean under hot water
- Replace securely
A dirty filter alone can make a clean machine smell terrible.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
| Action | Frequency |
| Hot empty wash | Once a month |
| Wipe seal | Weekly |
| Clean drawer | Monthly |
| Clean filter | Every 2–3 months |
| Professional deep clean | Every 6–12 months |
Signs Your Washing Machine Needs Immediate Cleaning
- Clothes smell musty after washing
- You see black residue on rubber seal
- Water drains slowly
- You find lint on “clean” clothes
- The machine smells when opened
Common Mistakes That Make Washing Machines Dirty Faster
These are not small issues, they indicate bacterial growth inside the system. Many people unknowingly damage their machines by:
- Using too much detergent
- Never running hot cycles
- Leaving the door closed after washing
- Ignoring the filter for years
- Using only fabric softener
These habits create the perfect environment for mould.
Professional Advice from Feen Cleaning Services
DIY methods help, but they cannot:
- Open internal hoses
- Access pump systems
- Remove deep biofilm
- Disinfect professionally
That’s why we recommend a professional washing machine deep clean at least once a year, especially for:
- Hostels
- Airbnb apartments
- Family homes
- Student housing
- Hotels
Let Feen Cleaning Services Do It Properly
Our team uses professional equipment and safe industrial solutions to remove:
- Hidden bacteria
- Limescale
- Grease
- Odours
- Biofilm inside pipes
Result:
✔ Fresher clothes
✔ No bad smells
✔ Longer machine life
✔ Healthier home
📞 Book a Washing Machine Deep Cleaning Service with Feen Cleaning Services today and stop washing your clothes in a dirty machine.
