If you use your machine a lot, or mostly wash at lower temperatures (30-40°C), it’s worth doing it every 2-3 weeks instead.

A lot of newer machines also have a self-clean or “drum clean” cycle - this should be run regularly as part of the same routine.

Why You Need to Clean a Washing Machine

It sounds a bit backwards, but washing machines don’t actually stay clean just because they use water.

Over time, a few things build up inside:

  • Detergent residue
  • Fabric fibres and dirt
  • Grease from clothes
  • Bacteria and biofilm (a thin layer that causes smells)

I see this all the time - especially in machines that are used regularly on cooler washes. They start to smell, or clothes come out not quite fresh, even though everything looks fine on the surface.

How Often Should You Clean It

A simple rule that works for most households:

  • Standard use (a few washes a week):
    • clean it once a month
  • Heavy use (daily washing / families):
    • every 2-3 weeks
  • Mostly low-temperature washing (30-40°C):
    • every 2-3 weeks
  • Light use (once or twice a week):
    • every 6-8 weeks

A Note on Water in Gwynedd

Around Gwynedd and the Llyn Peninsula, we’ve generally got soft water, which means you don’t get the same heavy limescale build-up you see in harder water areas.

That said, machines still get dirty - just in a different way.

Here it’s more about:

  • detergent build-up
  • trapped dirt and fibres
  • bacteria causing smells

So even without limescale, regular cleaning still makes a big difference.

What Happens If You Don’t Clean It

This is usually what people notice first:

  • Clothes coming out with a musty or damp smell
  • Black mould around the door seal
  • A general “off” smell from the machine itself
  • Detergent drawer getting clogged up
  • Machine not cleaning as well as it used to

Left long enough, it can also start affecting how the machine runs.

How to Clean a Washing Machine (Basic Method)

You don’t need to overcomplicate it.

A basic clean is:

  1. Run an empty hot wash (60-90°C)
  2. Use a washing machine cleaner (or similar product)
  3. Wipe:
    • the door seal
    • inside the detergent drawer
  4. Check and clean the filter if accessible

That alone will deal with most issues.

Do You Need a Washing Machine Cleaner

Short answer: it helps - especially over time.

There are a few different types of products:

Maintenance cleaners

These are the most common.

They break down:

  • detergent residue
  • grease
  • general build-up

Antibacterial cleaners

Designed to deal with:

  • bacteria
  • biofilm (what causes that “washing machine smell”)

Descalers

More relevant in hard water areas, but still useful occasionally.

Why not just use hot water?

A hot wash on its own will help, but it won’t always break down the build-up properly - especially inside the pipes and drum housing.

That’s where these products come in.

Typical examples you’ll see in the UK include things like:

  • Dr. Beckmann Service-It Deep Clean Washing Machine Cleaner
  • Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner Lavender 250 ml

You don’t need anything fancy - just something designed for washing machine cleaning used every so often.

What About the Self-Clean Function

A lot of modern machines have a self-clean / drum clean cycle.

These are useful, and I’d recommend using them - but they’re not magic.

How often should you run it?

  • About once a month, same as a normal clean

Should you still use a cleaner product?

  • Yes, ideally - especially if there’s already some build-up

The cycle helps flush things through, but it won’t always fully remove grease and residue on its own.

Simple Ways to Keep It Clean Between Washes

A few small habits make a big difference:

  • Leave the door slightly open after a wash
  • Don’t overuse detergent
  • Run an occasional hot wash (even if you normally wash at 30°C)
  • Wipe the rubber seal now and then

These stop problems building up in the first place.

When It’s Time to Get It Looked At

If you’ve cleaned it and you’re still getting issues, it might be more than just build-up.

Things to watch for:

  • Smell that won’t go away after cleaning
  • Water not draining properly
  • Visible mould or residue you can’t clear
  • Machine making unusual noises

At that point, it’s usually worth getting it checked (see our washing machine repairs in Pwllheli) before it turns into a bigger job.

FAQs

How often should I run a drum clean cycle?

Roughly once a month, or more often if you use the machine heavily.

Can I use vinegar instead of a washing machine cleaner?

You can, but it’s not always as effective at breaking down grease and detergent build-up. Purpose-made cleaners tend to do a better job.

Why does my washing machine smell even after cleaning?

Usually because build-up has formed in places a quick clean didn’t reach - like the pipes or behind the drum. It may need a deeper clean or inspection.

Final Word

Cleaning your washing machine isn’t something most people think about, but doing it regularly makes a noticeable difference.

Once a month is enough for most homes - and it helps keep your machine running properly, your clothes smelling fresh, and avoids bigger problems down the line.