Signs your washing machine needs cleaning
Anyone who does laundry on a regular basis dreads this scenario: you pull a fresh load out of the machine, lift it to your nose, and, ugh, something is off. If your washing machine starts letting you down like this, it’s trying to tell you something.
The clearest signs your washing machine needs cleaning are a musty smell, black, slimy residue around the rubber door seal or drum, and dirty marks on fabric. These three tell-tale signs point to a build up of detergent, mould or limescale that will take a proper deep clean to shift.
In this blog, we’ll look at these common signs in more depth, describe what causes them, and run through Dr. Beckmann’s 3-step cleaning process to keep your machine spotless.
Skip ahead to Dr. Beckmann’s recommended washing machine cleaner products.
Why you need to clean your washing machine regularly
When you think about it, it makes sense: washing machines constantly deal with dirt, sweat, food and grime, all in warm, damp conditions. In other words, the ideal environment for bacteria, mould and residue to thrive.
Left ignored, these nasties start to affect the very thing the machine is meant to do: give you clean, fresh laundry. Detergent residue and limescale can also damage your machine, meaning you may have to replace it earlier. So, regular cleaning is essential to protect your machine, not just your clothes.
The most common signs that your washing machine needs cleaning
If you spot one or all three of these signs, your washing machine is crying out for a deep clean.
Unpleasant odours
We’ve all been there. Your wash has ended, you open the door, and instead of the lovely fresh smell you are expecting, there is a distinct mustiness.
That smell is caused by mould, which grows from the bacteria living inside your machine. Despite how long the wash has been on, and regardless of which detergent you use, that mould can cling to clothes, bedding and towels.
At best, it’s an offence to the nostrils. At worst, it can aggravate respiratory problems. So be alert, and at the sign of the first nasty niff, make time to clean your machine.
Black, slimy residue around the door seal or drum
It’s easy to act on autopilot if you do laundry every day. We are all guilty of throwing in the next load without taking any notice of what’s lurking inside.
Next time you do a wash, take a quick look at your washing machine’s drum and rubber door seal. Do you see black, slimy residue? That is soap scum: a grimy build-up of detergent and fabric softener.
This sign is hard to ignore once you see it. Nobody wants to put their washing into a visibly dirty machine. Scroll down for tips on how to clean the door seal and drum.
Dirty marks on fabric
Have you found dirty marks on clothing that you swear weren’t there before the wash? You’re not imagining it. It could be soap scum described above, which leaves ugly black marks. Another culprit is limescale, which is common if you live in a hard water area.
Limescale builds up on pipes and heating elements inside your machine, leaving a greyish, sometimes yellow mark behind on light fabrics. And while you don’t want your favourite top ruined, the bigger threat is the damage to your machine – limescale is known to be one of the biggest causes of breakdowns.
What causes build-up inside a washing machine?
Washing machines are supposed to clean, right? But that doesn’t mean they are automatically self-cleaning. Despite the constant flow of water and detergent, particles can build up over time and affect your machine’s performance.
Detergent build-up
Your wash doesn’t always use all of the cleaning and softening agents you put in. Leftover detergent and fabric softener collect in the detergent drawer and the hard-to-reach housing behind it, especially if you use more than you need (see our Ultimate Laundry Guide for more on this and other tips). That detergent residue turns sticky, then mouldy, and the smell soon follows.
Mould, bacteria and moisture
These days, we’re all more conscious of energy saving and many of us run low-temperature washes of 30° or 40° whenever possible. Unfortunately, this won’t kill all bacteria, which is why regular hot-wash cycles (60°+) with specialist cleaning detergents are important.
Limescale in hard water areas
If you live in a hard water area, your machine will suffer a build-up of mineral deposits. Limescale coats the drum, pipes and element, which means your machine has to work harder. Over time, this can lead to a loss of performance and breakdown.
3 steps for a cleaner washing machine
The good news is that keeping your washing machine clean is simple and straightforward.
1. Use a dedicated washing machine cleaner
Deep clean your machine with a dedicated washing machine cleaner. Empty the drum completely, then run the cleaner through the empty machine on a hot cycle to shift the buildup left by everyday washing (always follow the directions for use on the pack).
One cycle, every 1-3 months (or every 30 washes), is all it takes to tackle limescale, residue and odours. Grab yourself a coffee, wait for the cycle to finish and instantly enjoy a fresher, more hygienic machine.
2. Clean the detergent drawer, door seal and control panel regularly
Cleaning your machine’s easy-to-reach parts between deep-cleaning cycles can make all the difference.
- Detergent drawer: Slide out the detergent drawer and wash it in a sink of warm soapy water.
- Rubber seal: An old toothbrush is perfect for removing residue inside the folds of the rubber seal, before wiping it dry with a clean, soft cloth.
- Control panel: Finish by wiping the control panel and door with a soft, damp cloth.
- Job done.
3. Leave the washing machine door open after every wash
This is the simplest way to help prevent a musty-smelling washing machine. Simply leave the door ajar after every wash to let the drum air dry. The fresh air helps moisture evaporate, and the drier conditions make it harder for bacteria, mould and mildew to grow.
How often should you deep clean your washing machine?
For most homes, a hot, empty cycle with a dedicated washing machine cleaner every 1-3 months (or every 30 washes) keeps things fresh.
The right frequency depends on your water type and how you use your machine. If you have a large household, run frequent low-temperature cycles, live in a hard water area or regularly tackle heavily soiled loads, once a month is recommended.
Making it part of your routine, say the first laundry day of the month, is the easiest way to stay on top of it.
Dr. Beckmann’s recommended washing machine cleaning products
Prepare to be amazed – this is how easy Dr. Beckmann makes it to protect your laundry and washing machine.
Service-it uses activated carbon to draw out the dissolved grime and detergent residue responsible for musty smells. It clears limescale and 99.99% of bacteria, while protecting metal parts and keeping the rubber seal supple, all finished with a fresh Ocean Breeze scent.
Service-it Deep Clean goes a step further, using active oxygen and activated carbon powder to lift 99.99% of bacteria, fungi and viruses along with the hidden dirt a normal wash leaves behind.
Use the two consecutively, every 1-3 months or around every 30 washes, each on a hot 60°C cycle in an empty machine. Then you can breathe easy and enjoy genuinely fresh results, wash after wash.
Frequently asked questions – signs your washing machine needs cleaning
Is baking soda or distilled white vinegar good for cleaning a washing machine?
Baking soda and distilled white vinegar are popular home remedies that can help freshen up your washing machine a little. But they are ineffective when it comes to shifting heavy soap scum and limescale. Vinegar may even damage your washing machine’s seal over time. Dedicated washing machine cleaners do the job more thoroughly and safely.
Is it safe to use bleach?
Using chlorine bleach or other harsh chemicals in a washing machine is not recommended. Not only is it ineffective at removing limescale, but it is also harsh on the rubber seal and other components. A purpose-made washing machine cleaning solution is by far the safer choice.