How to clean a washing machine NZ - wiping drum interior of front loader

How to Clean a Washing Machine in NZ (Front Loader and Top Loader)

Cleaning your washing machine regularly is one of the most effective things you can do to extend its life, keep your clothes smelling fresh, and prevent costly repairs. Most New Zealand households wash their clothes every week but never clean the machine itself. This guide covers how to clean a washing machine in NZ for both front loaders and top loaders – step by step.

How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?

A full drum clean should be done once a month for households that use their machine three or more times per week. For lighter use, once every six to eight weeks is sufficient. The door seal on a front loader should be wiped down after every wash – it takes under a minute and prevents mould from building up.

How to Clean a Front Load Washing Machine

Step 1: Clean the Door Seal

The rubber gasket around the front loader door is the most mould-prone part of the machine. Pull back the folds of the seal and wipe the entire inner surface with a cloth dampened in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. If you find black mould, use undiluted white vinegar and let it sit for five minutes before wiping. For stubborn mould, a small amount of bicarbonate of soda on the cloth provides gentle abrasion without damaging the rubber.

Step 2: Clean the Detergent Drawer

Remove the detergent drawer completely – most front loaders have a small tab you press while pulling the drawer out. Rinse it under hot running water and use an old toothbrush to clean the compartments. Residue left in the drawer breeds mould and can block the water inlet, causing washing problems.

Cleaning washing machine door seal rubber gasket NZ - preventing mould

Step 3: Run a Hot Drum Clean Cycle

Add two cups of white vinegar directly to the drum (not the detergent drawer). Run the hottest cycle available on your machine – typically a 90-degree cotton cycle or a dedicated drum clean programme if your machine has one. The hot water and vinegar breaks down detergent residue, limescale, and bacteria inside the drum and pipes.

For an extra boost, once the cycle finishes, run a second short hot cycle with half a cup of bicarbonate of soda in the drum. This neutralises any remaining vinegar smell and removes additional residue.

Step 4: Clean the Filter

Most front loaders have a small access panel at the bottom front of the machine that covers the pump filter. Unscrew the filter cap – have a towel ready as some water will drain out. Remove the filter, rinse it under running water, clean any fluff or debris, and screw it back in. A blocked filter is one of the most common causes of washing machine drainage problems in NZ.

How to Clean a Top Load Washing Machine

Step 1: Run a Hot Drum Clean

Fill the drum with the hottest water setting available. Add two cups of white vinegar and let the machine agitate for a few minutes, then pause the cycle and let the solution soak for an hour. Resume and complete the cycle. This breaks down detergent buildup and bacteria in the drum walls and agitator.

Step 2: Wipe the Drum and Lid

After the cycle, wipe the inside of the drum, the agitator or impeller, and the underside of the lid with a cloth dampened in the vinegar solution. Pay attention to the lip under the lid where water and detergent splash and accumulate.

Natural washing machine cleaning method NZ - vinegar and baking soda in drum

Step 3: Clean the Detergent and Fabric Softener Dispensers

Remove any removable dispenser cups and rinse under hot water. Built-in dispensers can be cleaned with a small brush. Residue left in dispensers causes the dispensing mechanism to block and can lead to detergent being deposited directly onto clothes.

What Causes Washing Machine Smell?

The most common cause of a smelly washing machine in NZ is washing mainly on cold or warm cycles. Modern front loaders are particularly prone to this because low-temperature washes do not kill the bacteria and mould that build up on the drum, seal, and pipes. A monthly hot drum clean eliminates this problem entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I clean my washing machine without commercial cleaner?

White vinegar and bicarbonate of soda are the most effective natural washing machine cleaners. Two cups of white vinegar in a hot drum cycle cleans the drum, pipes, and drum walls effectively. Follow up with half a cup of baking soda for a complete clean.

How often should I clean my washing machine in NZ?

Once a month for regular use. Wipe the door seal on a front loader after every wash to prevent mould. Run a hot cycle once a month to clean the drum and pipes.

Why does my washing machine still smell after cleaning?

The most likely cause is mould in the door seal folds that was not fully removed. Pull back all folds of the seal and inspect closely. Deep-set mould may require a stronger cleaning solution or, in severe cases, a seal replacement. If the smell persists after thorough cleaning, contact Used Appliances Auckland or a local technician.

Need Your Washing Machine Serviced or Replaced?

If your machine has ongoing issues that cleaning alone cannot fix, Used Appliances Auckland in Onehunga stocks serviced front loaders and top loaders at up to 70% off retail. Delivery across Auckland including North Shore, West Auckland, South Auckland, and East Auckland.

Contact us to check current stock.