Skipping washing machine maintenance will hinder its performance and shorten its lifespan. As one of the hardest-working appliances in your home, taking care of these elements will help it last longer.
Without proper washer maintenance, you could even be increasing your energy bills. Fortunately, keeping your machine running smoothly doesn't require much effort – just a few simple checks and habits.
When it comes to laundry tips, the best way to keep your clothes fresh is to ensure your washing machine stays in great shape with these five simple tips our industry experts swear by.
5 washing machine maintenance tips to make your appliance last longer
1. Deep-clean monthly
White vinegar is a great natural and non-toxic alternative to fabric softener.
Detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, and trapped dirt can accumulate inside the drum and seals over time.
Steven Ip, founder of Cleanzen, says, 'Many people know they need to deep clean their washing machine regularly, but few know how to do it properly.
'If your washer doesn’t have a sanitize cycle, use the hottest water setting and add one cup each of baking soda and white vinegar directly into the drum. Let the machine run for a minute, then pause it and let the mixture sit for an hour before completing the cycle. This removes bacteria, mineral buildup, and odors naturally.'
Great Value Distilled White Vinegar, available at Walmart, is an eco-friendly option which can not only clean your machine, but be added to cycles – whether to wash towels with vinegar, or as an alternative to fabric softener for that 'newly-bought' feel.
For baking soda, we recommend the Arm and Hammer Baking Soda, also available at Walmart, as the brand is known for its quality, and we like the twist-top lid on this version making it easy to keep moisture out when storing.
Nicola Davies, founder of Tranquil Home, adds, 'To finish, wipe the rubber seal – also known as the gasket – with a cloth and mold cleaner.'
Cleaning pro Nicola Davies recommends these high-quality tablets, which are specially formulated to dissolve slowly, removing odor-causing washing machine residue. Safe to use with both front-load and top-load machines, using a tablet a month can ensure yours stays mold-free and performing at its best.
This powerful gel is specifically designed to quickly remove mold and stubborn stains from your washing machine. Simply squeeze a small amount, apply to the surface, wait for 3-10 hours, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. For stubborn stains, you can use the brush or scraper that come included.
Popular with our pros, these washing machine cleaner powder packets claim to activate 20% faster than tablets, lifting away odor-causing residue and deposits for a clean, fresh smell. It's suitable for use in all types of washing machines, including both front and top loaders, and those from all major brands.
2. Inspect the hoses
Inspecting the hoses is another key maintenance tip for washing machines.
The hoses connected to your washing machine are crucial, yet they’re often overlooked.
Toner says, 'Cracked or loose hoses can lead to leaks, flooding, and costly damage. Regular checks prevent unexpected breakdowns. Simply inspect the hoses for cracks, bulges, or loose connections every few months. Even if they appear intact, replacing hoses every 3–5 years is wise to avoid any sudden bursts or leaks.'
Stainless steel braided hoses are a more durable replacement option compared to standard rubber hoses.
Cleaning pro Karina Toner recommends these 4-ft braided stainless steel hoses, which come in a pack of two – one for hot water, the other for cold. Coming with a 10-year guarantee, they easily connect to most normal household washing supply lines. She adds, 'I go for these as they're more durable and resistant to leaks than rubber hoses.'
3. Clean the filters
A well-maintained washing machine should have clean filters.
Lint and debris can clog the inlet filters, reducing water flow and impacting your machine's efficiency.
Davies explains, 'A dirty filter can stop water from draining properly, which can cause bad smells or even break your washer. Cleaning it keeps everything running smoothly. To do this, firstly find your filter (usually at the bottom front of the washer), open it, and pull out lint, hair, or anything stuck inside. Check it every month, especially if you wash pet bedding or heavy fabrics.'
Industry expert Nicola Davies recommends this 24-piece pack of lint traps and cable ties, designed to fit most washing machine discharge hoses. Made of high-quality stainless steel, these sturdy traps do not rust or tear, reliably preventing clogging. The traps slip easily on and off the end of the hose, with no tools needed.
4. Don't overdo detergent
To get the best from your washing machine, be careful not to use too much detergent.
Using more detergent than necessary won’t make clothes cleaner; in fact, it leads to soap buildup inside the drum and hoses. This can result in foul odors, inefficient rinsing, and extra strain on the machine’s components.
Steve Evans, owner of Memphis Maids, says, 'The first washing machine tip I offer clients is to use the right amount of soap. Excessive detergent can cause detergent build-up, which clogs your washing machine in time.'
Always measure detergent according to the load size and soil level.
Cleaning expert Steve Evans recommends this laundry detergent dispenser as a handy way to measure your laundry soap accurately. The pair of dispensers have a capacity of 60 ounces, and come with measuring cups with clear markings for accuracy, as well as stick-on labels. A wood-grain tray connects the two containers neatly.
5. Ventilate the machine
Leaving the door open between washes helps avoid mold buildup in your washing machine, extending its lifespan.
After each wash, it’s good practice to leave the door ajar.
Evans says, 'Last but not least, I suggest leaving the door open after each use. The drum of your washing machine is the perfect ground for mold and bacteria, especially when it’s closed, because it’s a dark and humid area. Keeping your door slightly open allows air circulation.'
This simple practice also keeps unpleasant odors at bay, ensuring the best washing machines can continue to smell fresh between loads.
Washer maintenance essentials
Steve Evans recommends this handy accessory for front-load washers. Once the super-strong magnetic base has attached to the surface, the flexible hose can be adjusted to your liking, ensuring the door stays open between washes for proper air circulation. Note that this is suitable for metal, front-load washers, but will not work on plastic, stainless steel or other non-magnetic types.
Cleaning pro Karina Toner recommends this mini, handheld crane scale with S-shape hook. It can measure in pounds and kilograms, and comes with AA batteries included. She adds, 'This is a simple but effective product which can reliably measure laundry weight to prevent overloading, ensuring your washing machine lasts.'
Another handy product for maintaining your washing machine, these sturdy foot pads come recommended by several of our industry experts to reduce the noisy vibrations of your washer, as well as the wear-and-tear caused by friction between floor and machine. The rubber material is so hard-wearing it will likely outlive your appliance.
Arm and Hammer's baking soda is a high-quality but affordable choice for laundry care. Made in Wyoming, it's manufactured with a focus on using locally-sourced ingredients, renewable electricity, and water from the Green River Basin. Plus, it has more than a hundred potential uses around the home.
For a reliable option, cleaning pro Karina Toner recommends these dryer balls, which are made from 100% wool and designed for long-term use. They're safe for use around children and also come in rainbow, puppy, or penguin designs for a bit of color and fun.
Both Steven Ip and Karina Toner recommend this trusted brand as their 'go-to' for cleaning vinegar, which combines well with baking soda for a deep washing machine clean. It's made from select, sun-ripened grain, diluted to a strength of 5% acidity.
Meet the experts
With extensive contributions in Homes & Gardens, Real Homes, The Spruce, and many more, professional cleaner Karina has extensive knowledge of both commercial and residential cleaning as operation manager at Spekless.
Nicola Davies is a seasoned entrepreneur and the founder of Tranquil Home, an award-winning, eco-friendly cleaning company in San Diego. With over a decade of experience in the cleaning industry, Nicola has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, non-toxic cleaning solutions to thousands of homes across Southern California.
With over a decade of experience in the house cleaning business, Steve Evans is the owner of Memphis Maids. The award-winning cleaning service – based in Memphis, Tennessee – prides itself on high standards, with only 2% of applicants successfully joining the team.
FAQs
What are the best natural products to use in a washing machine?
White vinegar is excellent for breaking down detergent residue and softening fabrics without leaving buildup. Baking soda helps neutralize odors and balance the pH of the wash, making it a great deodorizer. It's also handy to know how to use essential oils in laundry. For example, adding a few drops of essential oils to wool dryer balls can naturally scent your laundry without relying on artificial fragrances.
So there it is – five simple maintenance tips to extend the life of your washing machine. With just a little routine maintenance, you can significantly extend the life of your machine, improve its efficiency, and avoid costly repairs down the line.
Next, learn about the laundry product you're probably using wrong, the things to never put in a washing machine, and when it's right to add vinegar to laundry.
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