Most modern washers feature a dedicated "Clean Washer," "Tub Clean," or "Self Clean" cycle. If your machine lacks this specific setting, you can use a "Normal" cycle set to the hottest water and longest/heavy-duty wash. Always run this cycle with the machine completely empty.
Run the dedicated "Clean Washer," "Self Clean," or "Tub Clean" cycle on your machine using hot water. If your washer lacks this setting, select the longest cycle on the hottest water temperature (e.g., Heavy Duty with Hot water). Always run this cycle with the machine completely empty.
To clean your washing machine, run an empty drum cycle using either a dedicated machine-cleaning tablet (e.g., affresh Washer Cleaner or Active Washing Machine Tablets) or liquid chlorine bleach. Use your machine's "Clean Washer", "Tub Clean", or the hottest, longest regular cycle available.
To run a clean cycle on a washing machine, ensure the drum is completely empty and add a washing machine cleaner (like a Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner tablet or 2 cups of white vinegar). Set the machine to its hottest water setting or the dedicated "Clean Washer/Tub Clean" cycle, and press start.
For a standard self-clean cycle, you don't need to add anything; the cycle uses hot water to sanitize an empty drum. However, for persistent odors or residue, add 1 cup of liquid chlorine bleach to the designated dispenser (or drum) before starting the cycle.
Your laundry won't be clean.
Dirty washing machines produce dirty laundry.
No, you should not pour vinegar in your washing machine drum. The acidity can damage rubber seals, hoses and other components of your washer over time.
Vinegar should not be placed directly in the washing machine. However, it can be beneficial to use it to treat stains and odors prior to washing. Just make sure you thoroughly rinse the items before placing them in the washing machine.
This cycle uses more water, in addition to bleach or a washing machine cleaner, to control accumulation of soils and detergent build-up in your Washer. It is easy to use, and should be run at least once a month or about every 40 wash cycles.
No, you should not use regular laundry detergent when running a "Clean Washer" or "Self Clean" cycle. Regular detergent creates excessive suds in high heat and won't properly eliminate mold, mildew, or soap scum.
To deep clean your washing machine and eliminate odor-causing mold, detergent, and hard water buildup, follow these targeted steps for the drum, drawers, and filter. Aim to complete this process every month or after roughly 30 wash cycles.
How to Tell When Washers Need Maintenance
Neither cycle is objectively "better" overall; which one you should choose depends entirely on what your clothes need right now.
To clean your washing machine, run an empty drum cycle using either a dedicated machine-cleaning tablet (e.g., affresh Washer Cleaner or Active Washing Machine Tablets) or liquid chlorine bleach. Use your machine's "Clean Washer", "Tub Clean", or the hottest, longest regular cycle available.
Self-cleaning a washing machine involves running an empty, hot cycle—often labeled "Self Clean," "Pure Cycle," or "Tub Clean"—using either a dedicated cleaner (like affresh tablets), 1 cup of bleach, or 3–4 cups of white vinegar. For best results, clean the rubber door seal, dispenser drawer, and drain filter separately to remove mold and debris buildup.
The best way to clean a top-load washing machine is to manually scrub removable dispensers and hard-to-reach areas, then run an empty cycle using a specialized cleaner or a strong cleaning agent. This removes soap scum, mineral deposits, and odor-causing bacteria.
While laundry experts often debate the "ultimate" rule, the most agreed-upon golden rule of laundry is to never overload your washer or dryer. Cramming machines too full prevents clothes from properly agitating, cleaning, and drying, leaving them with leftover residue, lint, and excess wear.
Start with an empty tub. For a front-load washer, put 2 tablespoons of borax or oxygen bleach and 2 tablespoons of washing soda in the tub of the washing machine. For a top-loading machine, put 1/2 cup of each of the powders into the wash tub. Run at the hottest temperature or use the “clean tub” setting on the washer.
It is only cheaper to do washing after 6 p.m. if you are on a Time-of-Use (TOU) or variable rate electricity plan. If you have a flat-rate plan, your electricity costs the exact same amount 24/7.
Using vinegar in your laundry can damage your washing machine’s rubber parts, degrade fabrics over time, and disrupt your detergent’s cleaning power.
Yes, but do not add them at the exact same time. Because vinegar is acidic and detergents are alkaline, mixing them directly will neutralize their cleaning power.
You do not need to add regular laundry detergent to a "Drum Clean" cycle. In fact, manufacturers recommend running this high-temperature cycle completely empty and without detergent, as leftover soap can cause excessive foaming and the chemicals can sometimes damage the drum.
You should use vinegar as a softener, putting it in the fabric softener slot of the machine. Not at the same time. Used as a sodtener, it will help to get rid of any remaining detergent that is not washed of in the rinsing part of the wash.
Because vinegar is highly acidic, it can cause permanent damage to certain materials, dull finishes, and corrode metals over time. Avoid using it on the following items and surfaces:
Ways you can clean your washing machine with vinegar
Remove the detergent and fabric softener drawers, and then soak them for an extended period in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water.