How to clean your washing machine drum at home: top-loaders and front-loaders, and how often

Quick answer: put drum cleaning powder into the empty drum, select the “drum clean” programme (or a normal wash at the highest water level), run one full cycle, then wipe the door seal and drawer. Do this after about 30 washes, or sooner if the machine smells.

Signs your drum needs cleaning

• A damp smell when you open the lid or door.
• Clothes still smell after washing, even with enough detergent.
• The rubber seal around a front-loader door has dark, slimy marks.
• Detergent and softener compartments hold residue.

The outside of the drum and the water chamber are out of sight, and detergent residue, lint and moisture build up there over time.

Cleaning the drum with cleaning powder

1. Take out all clothes; the drum must be empty.
2. Add the cleaning powder to the drum. With SPY Washing Machine Cleaner, use about half a tub each time (one 250g tub = 2 uses).
3. Select “drum clean” if your machine has it. If not, choose a normal wash at the highest water level.
4. Run one full cycle.
5. Front-loaders: wipe the rubber door seal and the dispenser drawer after the cycle.
6. Leave the door open so the drum dries.

Safety notes

• Wear gloves.
• Don’t add clothes.
• Don’t use with other chemicals such as bleach or washing powder.
• Keep out of reach of children; store somewhere dry and out of direct sun.

How often?

How you use the machine	Suggestion
Daily washing	About once a month
A few washes a week	After about 30 washes
Machine already smells	Clean now, then regularly

Keeping the drum clean for longer

• Measure detergent correctly. Excess detergent leaves residue in the drum. See: How much concentrated detergent should you use?
• Hang clothes as soon as the cycle ends.
• Leave the door open after washing to let the drum dry.
• Rinse the compartments regularly. See: Why isn’t the fabric softener draining?

SPY Washing Machine Cleaner

SPY Washing Machine Cleaner uses active oxygen to clean detergent residue, mould and hidden build-up in the drum, water chamber, door seal and drawer, and removes musty odours. A 250g tub is enough for 2 cleans, for top-loaders and front-loaders.

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