Washing Machine Care & Mildew Prevention: How to Keep Your Washer Fresh and Clean
- Expo Appliance
- Oct 11
- 3 min read
Your washing machine works hard to keep your clothes clean—but when was the last time you cleaned it? Over time, soap residue, fabric softener, dirt, and moisture can lead to mildew, foul odors, and even black flakes showing up in your wash water. Whether you own a top-load or front-load washer, proper maintenance and cleaning can extend its life, improve efficiency, and prevent mold growth.
Why Washing Machine Maintenance Matters
If you notice black flakes, slime, or residue inside the drum or floating in your wash water, that’s a sure sign of mildew buildup. This buildup typically occurs when detergent, fabric softener, and lint mix with moisture and are left to sit in hidden areas like the outer tub, gasket, or drain lines.
Beyond the unpleasant smell, mildew can:
Transfer onto your clothes
Cause musty odors in your laundry
Contribute to clogs and mechanical issues
Shorten the life of your appliance
Routine cleaning is the key to preventing these problems.
Common Causes of Mildew and Odor
Too much detergent: Modern washers use less water, so excess soap doesn’t rinse away completely.
Cold washes only: Low temperatures don’t dissolve residue as effectively.
Closed doors/lids: Trapped moisture breeds mold.
Using too much fabric softener: Softener leaves a sticky film that mildew loves.
Ignoring the rubber gasket (front-loaders): This area often traps hair, detergent, and lint.
How to Clean a Front-Load Washer
Front-load washers are efficient but notorious for mildew problems, especially around the door seal.
Monthly Cleaning Routine
Wipe down the gasket: The rubber door gasket (seal) is one of the most common places for mold and odor to develop. Pull it back gently and wipe underneath with a cloth soaked in a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and warm water to remove lint, residue, and trapped moisture.
For an even deeper clean, use a specialized cleaner like RMR-86 Mold & Mildew Stain Remover — it effectively removes black mildew and kills odor-causing bacteria without harsh scrubbing.
Clean the detergent drawer: Remove and rinse the drawer under hot water to clear out soap residue.
Run a cleaning cycle: Use one of these options:
Commercial cleaners like Affresh, Tide Washing Machine Cleaner, or OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner
Or a DIY alternative: Run a hot cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar in the detergent dispenser. Then run another cycle with ½ cup of baking soda directly in the drum to neutralize odors and remove buildup.
Dry thoroughly: Leave the door open after each use to let the inside dry out.
How to Clean a Top-Load Washer
Top-loaders are generally less prone to mildew, but they can still accumulate grime under the basket and agitator.
Monthly Cleaning Routine
Run a hot water cycle with vinegar: Fill the washer with hot water and add 4 cups of white vinegar. Let it agitate for a minute, then pause and let it soak for an hour before completing the cycle.
Follow with baking soda: After the vinegar cycle, run another hot cycle with 1 cup of baking soda to remove residue and freshen the interior.
Wipe down surfaces: Clean the lid, detergent tray, and rubber seals with a vinegar solution.
Leave the lid open: Always keep the lid open after use to allow the tub to dry completely.
For Heavy Mildew or Black Flakes
If you see black or gray flakes in the wash water, that’s a sign of severe mildew buildup between the inner and outer tubs—an area that regular cleaning cycles can’t reach. This requires a deep clean where the washer’s internal components are disassembled and scrubbed.
Products and Tools That Help
White Vinegar: A natural disinfectant that kills mildew and dissolves residue.
Baking Soda: Neutralizes odors and loosens grime.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Great for killing mold spores when diluted with water (1:1 ratio).
Commercial Cleaners:
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner
Tide Washing Machine Cleaner
OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner
Glisten Washer Magic
Always follow product directions and never mix vinegar and bleach—this can produce toxic fumes.
Preventative Tips for Both Washer Types
Use high-efficiency (HE) detergent in proper amounts.
Avoid liquid fabric softener or switch to dryer sheets or wool balls.
Wipe moisture off the drum, lid, and gasket after each use.
Run a hot cycle at least once a week to prevent bacteria growth.
Keep laundry room humidity low with ventilation or a dehumidifier.
Professional Washer Clean-Out Service
If you’re seeing persistent black flakes, slime, or odor even after cleaning, your washer likely needs a professional deep clean.
Expo Appliance Service offers a Top-Load Washer Clean-Out Service, where our expert technicians uninstall the basket and remove hidden mildew and residue from inside the machine. This process restores your washer’s performance, eliminates odor, and prevents future buildup.
Keep your washer running like new—call Expo Appliance Service today to schedule your clean-out or full washer inspection!
