How to Clean the Plastic Drum on a Washing Machine

A clean washing machine will help ensure that your clothes are also clean.

Because a washing machine is regularly exposed to soap and water, one rarely considers that the washing machine itself also needs a regular cleaning. However, cleaning the inside of the washing machine is necessary from time to time because the machine occasionally will develop mildew and rust stains and accumulate grime, especially after washing heavily soiled loads or if the washing machine is left unused for long periods of time. Fortunately, cleaning the drum inside the washing machine is relatively simple.

Things You'll Need

• Clean cloths or paper towels
• Lemon juice
• Vinegar
• Household bleach

Instructions

1. Open the washing machine and clean the interior drum with a damp cloth or paper towel. Wipe down the entire basin, ensuring that you clean out the corners and around the agitator.

2. Adjust the settings on the washing machine so it will fill with hot water on the largest load cycle. Allow the washing machine to fill with hot water. Before the washing cycle kicks in, add roughly 2 cups of lemon juice. This will help eliminate rust and other stains. If your washer has a mildew or mold problem, add another 2 cups of vinegar.

3. Allow the machine to complete the cycle, drain and shut off. Reset the machine to the same hot water and large-load cycle as before and allow it fill. This time, add approximately 2 cups of household bleach to the water. The bleach will help remove any remaining stubborn stains on the plastic drum.

4. Reset the machine for a third and final wash cycle after the machine completes the cycle and drains the hot water and bleach. Use the hot water and large-load cycle once again. Do not add anything to the water, as this cycle is intended to rinse away any remaining bleach.

5. Check the drum for any remaining dirt or grime. If any stains remain, repeat Steps 1 through 4.

Tips & Warnings

• If you wish to clean the fabric softener and/or bleach dispenser, remove them from the washing machine after you've cleaned the plastic drum. Place the dispensers in a sink full of warm water and let them soak for about an hour. Remove the dispensers and wipe them with a paper towel. If necessary, use a cotton swab to clean the hard-to-reach corners.

References

• HowToCleanStuff.net: How to Clean a Washing Machine
• Household Management 101: Cleaning Washing Machine - Learn How to Disinfect and Eliminate Mildew Smells