The words 'Does Your Laundry Smell Worse After Washing?' appear at the top of the image in a white box. Under the wording is a pile of laundry folded and a laundry basket with more folded laundry.
The words 'Make Your Washing Machine Smell Fresh Again' and 'top mom tips' are on an image of a washing machine that has two baskets in front full of washing.

When was the last time you cleaned your washing machine? Cleaning your machines that you use to clean is key to keeping them working at their best. This is why I am going to teach you how to clean your washing machine with The Pink Stuff paste.

Cleaning your washing machine matters, if you don’t it can quickly turn into a moldy, musty smelling machine that makes your clothes smell more when they come out than when they go in! No matter what your reasons are for cleaning your house, the most important thing to remember is that you deserve to live in a clean home.

An image of a washing machine on the left hand side and the words 'How to Clean Your Washing Machine with The Pink Stuff Paste' on the right.

We all have our routines for cleaning different areas of our homes, the areas that you can see, the appliances that do the hard work are often forgotten about so let’s put that right!

This instruction is specifically for a front loading washing machine.

So, let’s get that washing machine cleaned!

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Introducing The Pink Stuff Paste

If you haven’t met The Pink Stuff paste, then let me introduce you to something that is vegan friendly, it’s not tested on animals and it works.

It is non-toxic and slightly abrasive which is why it’s able to clean so well. It’s able to cut through grease and it’s a really great product to use to clean with.

You will want to keep this in your cleaning kit!

This article has 25 different ways to use the cleaning paste in your home.

The words 'Make Your Washing Machine Smell Fresh Again' and 'top mom tips' are on an image of a washing machine that has two baskets in front full of washing.

What You Will Need To Clean Your Washing Machine

Let’s put together a small list of items that we are going to need to make this cleaning task as easy as possible.

Your Step-By-Step Guide To Cleaning Your Washing Machine With The Pink Stuff Paste

Step 1: Cleaning The Detergent Drawer

Carefully remove the drawer from your washing machine and place in your sink. You are going to need to scrub this as often mold builds up inside and underneath the drawer.

I like to use the paste on my dish brush, I use the coconut one as it’s firmer and can get into the different angles of the drawer. On some areas, especially if mold has built up I will use my sonic scrubbing brush to get into those stubborn areas.

Step 2: Clean Inside the Detergent Compartment Slot

Once it is clean you will need to turn your attention to your machine and where the drawer came out from.

This tiny compartment is really hard to clean because it is very small, it is perfect for the ultra sonic cleaning brush and some of The Pink Stuff paste.

Keep wiping away the suds so you can see how clean it is, once clean wipe with a wet microfibre cloth to ensure you have removed all of the cleaning product.

Step 3: Cleaning The Filter

Most modern front loading washing machines have a filter on the front, some do have them on the inside, but this is less frequent. Use the knee pad to protect your knees when kneeling on the floor!

This is where it can get wet, very quickly, which is why you need a tray. When you undo the filter water will come out, and you might be surprised how much water comes out, so be prepared with a tray and towels in case of spillage.

Once you have the filter out, use your paste to clean the filter and to check inside the machine to make sure that there is nothing in there that could cause a problem.

Once clean put the filter back in and make sure you have tightened it properly.

Step 4: Cleaning The Door Seal Of Your Washing Machine

The seal on a washing machine can get moldy quickly and it isn’t going to do you any favours letting it get worse. Apply the paste to your brush and get to work on the seal, you want to pay particular attention to any space that is often hidden.

You will be surprised how much dirt and debris can get stuck in this part of the machine, use your microfibre cloth to wipe the product away and to check if you need to re-apply the paste and scrub again.

Step 5: Cleaning Inside The Drum

It is a great idea to check the inside of your drum and give it a quick clean, use your microfibre cloth and a small amount of The Pink Stuff paste and gently scrub the inside clean.

Wipe the drum with a clean cloth to remove any of the product residue.

Step 6: Cleaning The Exterior Of Your Washing Machine

Using a cloth, with a small amount of the paste clean the outside of your machine, paying attention to the areas where dirt and grim can get stuck.

Wipe off the product and buff the machine with a polishing cloth to buff up the outside and the glass of the door too.

Step 7: Run A Hot Wash Cycle

It’s important to clean the machine and the pipes and to do this well means running a hot wash cycle.

I like to use a product that is made for this purpose, I don’t use the same one each time, I see what is on sale when I need to replace my stored one. I always have one in and when I use it I buy a new one.

You can use baking soda and white vinegar to clean your washing machine, but don’t use products that are designed for other appliances as these could cause damage to your washing machine and could invalidate any warranty that you might have in place.

How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?

This will depend on personal preference, and the frequency of use of your machine. If you are using your washing machine a lot, then monthly cleaning is a must.

If you are using it less frequently, like a few times a week and not daily then you might be able to stretch the cleaning to once every other month.

But always between washes leave your door open and dry the seal after every use to try and prevent mold from growing in and around your door seal and in your detergent drawer.

Review Of How To Use The Pink Stuff Paste To Clean Your Washing Machine

Clean each part of the washing machine with small amounts of the paste and always remember to rinse the product away once you have finished cleaning.

Dry the door seal after every use to prevent mold from growing on and in the door seal.

Check the detergent drawer regularly, even if you don’t use it for detergent, it can still get moldy because of the damp environment.

The words 'Does Your Laundry Smell Worse After Washing?' appear at the top of the image in a white box. Under the wording is a pile of laundry folded and a laundry basket with more folded laundry.

Helpful Resources To Keep Your Home Clean

Keeping up with all the tasks that you need to do can be difficult, keeping a record or having a reminder of when you last cleaned different areas of your home can help.

Here are some more resources that you can use to help keep your home clean.

Daily Cleaning Checklist?

I’m a qualified organizer and I’ve kept a clean home for over 25 years. I worked in a bank for a few years and saw first-hand the importance of budgeting. Join me as I write about organizing and cleaning your home and life.