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🌀 Why Regular Washing Machine Maintenance Is Important Your washing machine works hard to keep your clothes clean and fresh—but how often do you return the favor? Over
Your washing machine works hard to keep your clothes clean and fresh—but how often do you return the favor?
Over time, detergent residue, dirt, body oils, lint, hard water deposits, and even mold can build up inside your machine. This gunk often collects on the drum, rubber door gasket, and internal filters. Left unchecked, this buildup can cause:
❌ Unpleasant odors
❌ Reduced cleaning performance
❌ Damage to your clothes
❌ A shorter appliance lifespan
Whether you own a front-loading or top-loading washer, regular maintenance isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Monthly maintenance takes just a little effort and helps ensure your washing machine stays:
✔️ Running smoothly and efficiently
✔️ Smelling fresh
✔️ Gentle on clothes
✔️ Energy- and water-efficient
In this guide, the Testergate experts walk you through a step-by-step cleaning routine for the three most critical components: the drum, gasket, and filters.
Make sure you have the following domestic required:
âś… White vinegar
âś… Baking soda
âś… Light dish soap
âś… Microfiber cloth or sponge
âś… Old toothbrush
âś… A small bowl
âś… Bucket or tray (for filter cleaning)
âś… Gloves (optional)
Your drum may seem clean, but over time detergent residue, water minerals, and soap scum can build up on it.
This may suggest some build-up of bacteria and lead to odours which transfer to your clothing and make them smell musty.
Empty washer. No clothes. No detergents.
Put 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum.
Run Hot Water Cycle (if there is a special “Clean Washer” mode on your machine, select that one).
Once the cycle is completed, wipe inside the drum with a moist cloth.
Put ½ cup baking soda into the drum + 2 cups vinegar in detergent dispenser.
Select the longest possible cycle.
After cycle completes, open the door to completely air dry.
đźź© Testergate Tip:
Don’t forget the top of the drum rim (especially in top-loaders) — once hidden, gunk easily builds up here
In the case of front-load machines, the rubber gasket around the door is the area that typically has the most buildup of mold, mildew, hair & stubborn detergent. This is often the main culprit of that “wet dog” smell.
Combine equal amounts of warm water and white vinegar in a bowl eligible for access.
Wipe the entire gasket with a cloth or sponge — be sure to get according WWII under the fold where mold usually lurks.
Next, use an old toothbrush to scrub off ×’×˘× ×˘×¨ total buildup or tuturist black spotsda.
Finallyabw sometimes fails … winning a clean damp cloth chasing is looking at wipe a gaacket.
Leave the door open for several hours for air drying.
🟨 Pro Tip:
If you see heavy mildew, sprinkle a little baking soda under the gasket fold before the cleaning process.
An old toothbrush can be used in conjunction with either a vinegar or a baking soda paste (baking soda + a few drops of water) for tougher buildup or black mildew spots.
Be gentle yet firm enough that you break up the residue hiding in the fold.
Using a clean damp cloth (water only), wipe any remaining remains, vinegar, or loose grime.
Wipe until the rubber is clear and leaves no remains.
Once you have completed the clean, keep the washing machine door ajar for a few hours.
This will allow the residual moisture to evaporate, rather than progressing to mold.
If the internal fold is heavy or smells much, sprinkle the baking soda directly into the fold before wiping and let it set for 5–10 minutes, then scrub with the vinegar.
This will naturally neutralize smell and kill mold spores without using toxic chemicals.
