How to Clean a Washer and Dryer

Co-authored by Chris Willatt

Last Updated: March 29, 2022 Approved

Have your clothes been feeling less clean lately? One possible culprit could be a dirty washer and dryer. It seems like washers and dryers should keep themselves clean—after all, they're constantly exposed to detergents, fabric softeners, and heat—but they actually need to be cleaned regularly like any other appliance. Fortunately, cleaning your washer and dryer is a breeze, and we're here to show you exactly how to do it.

Get Product Support Solve Any Problem

Hi there! Do you have a question about how to use or repair your home appliance? I’ve read the manuals so you don’t have to. Select your product, brand, and model, then ask away!

*

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Clean Your Washer

Download Article

Get rid of mold and mildew odors, as well as a built up of soap and fabric residue by running the machine empty with hot water and about 2 cups of white vinegar. (You can use 1 cup of bleach instead of vinegar, but bleach can damage the rubber gaskets).^{[1]
X
Research source}^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Chris Willatt
House Cleaning Professional

Expert Interview. 1 July 2019.}
The vinegar will help to dissolve the mineral deposits caused by hard water or well water.

Advertisement
^{[3]
X
Research source}
If these cups are removable, take them out and rinse them under running water. Otherwise, use a pipe cleaner or some cotton swabs to remove the residue. (If you do this after each load, they won't get an accumulated build-up of gunk and grime).^{[4]
X
Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Clean Your Dryer

Download Article

Use the narrow wand attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove as much lint as possible that has built up underneath the filer itself. If you don't have a vacuum, insert a duster into the filter well and wipe up the lint.^{[5]
X
Expert Source

Chris Willatt
House Cleaning Professional

Expert Interview. 1 July 2019.}^{[6]
X
Research source}
^{[7]
X
Research source}
Lift the flap and make sure there isn't any debris or lint blocking the vent, preventing air from escaping freely.^{[8]
X
Research source}
Use warm, sudsy water and then rinse the soap residue off.^{[9]
X
Research source}
6
Remove melted crayon, ink or dyes by applying an all-purpose spray cleaner on the drum and wipe it up with a damp cloth or paper towel.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- For extra measure, toss a few old towels into the dryer and run it on the high setting for about 20 minutes—any color residue not removed with the spray cleaner will transfer to your old towels.

Video

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

I have ink stains from a pen on the inside of the drum. What can I use to remove them?

Community Answer

Acetone (Nail polish remover) will remove ink, but it is highly flammable. Put it on a cotton-ball and wipe the spots. Then wipe it down with soap and water and rinse thoroughly.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 12
Question

How do I get smells out of my dryer?

Community Answer

Run the dryer on empty a few times and then add dryer sheets.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 8
Question

What do I use if there is rust on the outside of the dryer?

Adrian

Top Answerer

If it is surface rust, sand it off. Make sure the vent pipes are not leaking, as it may lead to moisture, causing corrosion.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

If your washer empties into a large sink, make sure you have a strainer in the drain to catch any debris that might be on the clothing you wash. It will help keep your pipes from getting clogged.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
If possible, keep the lid to your washing machine in an open position when you aren't using it. If you have a front loading machine, try to keep the door open between washings. Keeping the lid or door open between washings will help prevent mold and mildew from forming on the inside of your washer.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
After washing a particularly dirty or grimy load of clothes, be sure to wipe the inside of the washer immediately after removing the clothes so that the residue doesn't dry on the inside of your machine.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Clean the lint filter from your dryer before you dry every load. Lint build up can cause a fire.

Thanks
Helpful 45 Not Helpful 12
Change the hoses connecting your washer to the hot and cold water faucets every 3 to 5 years, or as soon as they start to show wear. The hoses can split if they get old or brittle, causing a serious flood.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0