HOW TO CLEAN YOUR WASHING MACHINE – THE COMPLETE GUIDE

While often overlooked, cleaning your washing machine achieves significant results: It ensures superior sanitation, well-maintained clothes, and keeps your machine running at peak performance — for longer.

But why not take it to the next level? AEG washing machines are equipped with the latest technologies that make your monthly deep cleaning easier.

Whether yours is a front-loader or a top-loader, here’s how to clean your washing machine, how to navigate each part, and tips on properly maintaining it.

Preparation

Cleaning will take about three hours, but this is mostly waiting time. Here are what you’ll need:

• Microfibre cloth
• Warm soapy water
• Small brush
• Spray bottle
• Washing machine cleaner

How to clean a front load washing machine

1. Clean the washing machine drum

Check for small items inside the drum to make sure it’s empty. Follow the instructions of your chosen cleaner. You may need to load it in the detergent dispenser or directly into the drum.

Best to use the dedicated cleaning programme of your machine to effectively wash off bacteria and stubborn residue. For models without this, running a normal cycle with hot water works just as well.

2. Clean the pump

Unplug your machine and empty the pump — a small panel on the machine’s lower front portion. Ensure you have a tray ready to contain the water, then slowly unscrew the dial. Standing water can collect here so it’s vital to drain this to avoid germs and mildew.

3. Clean the pump filter

A clogged pump filter can leave your clothes soaking wet and covered in lint after washing.  When the pump is completely drained, remove the filter from the housing, wipe off the debris, and run it under hot water. Depending on your machine model, the removal method may differ so it’s best to check your manual.

4. Clean the gasket and door

Since it seals in water, the gasket will typically collect soap residue over time, which can harbour mould and odours if not regularly cleaned. Gently pull back the rubber folds of the gasket, spray hot soapy water, then wipe clean. Include the door too.

5. Clean the detergent dispenser

Pull out the drawer and soak in warm soapy water. Scrub off stubborn detergent residue with a stiff nylon brush, thoroughly cleaning the softener compartment as this doesn’t easily come off. Rinse and dry. Don’t forget the drawer cavity — make sure it’s free of dirt or residue before returning the drawer.

6. Clean the Exterior

Conclude your deep cleaning with a good wipe-down of the exterior using a damp cloth.

How to clean a top loading washing machine

Clean the washing machine tub

Check for small items that you may have left inside. Either through the detergent drawer or the tub, load your chosen washing machine cleaner according to its instructions. Select the self-cleaning programme of your washing machine to get the best results. If yours doesn’t have one, set your machine on a normal cycle with hot water.

When it’s done, gunk at the bottom of the tub will have surfaced. Drain and wipe so no residue remains.

Clean the detergent dispenser

Look for a release mechanism in your detergent drawer so you can safely detach it from the housing. Separate all removable inserts, and soak them in warm soapy water. Scrub everything with a stiff nylon brush, paying attention to the softener container. Rinse and dry.

Before returning it, scrub the compartment with warm water too. If left uncleaned, any buildup inside can cause mould and blockages, which can affect the amount of laundry product dispensed.

Clean the door

Your top-loader door will generally have less grime since water drips down, but give it the same care. With a microfibre cloth dipped in warm soapy water, wipe the inside of the door and around the edge. If your washing machine has an agitator, include its top too. Rinse afterwards.

Clean the exterior

Your washing machine should be clean inside and out. Using a damp cloth, wipe its controls and the rest of the body to clean off dust and drips of laundry product. Don’t use harsh chemicals that can tarnish its finish.

Maintain these habits, maintain your machine

1. Ensure no items are left in the pockets of your clothes before doing your laundry. Shake off loose dirt from heavily soiled garments.
2. When your cycle is finished, don’t leave wet clothes inside to prevent mould — not even after a drying programme.
3. Make it a habit to wipe the inside of the rubber gasket after every wash. Avoid mould and odours by leaving the door and drawer ajar.
4. Hard water can cause limescale build up on your heater, reducing your machine's energy efficiency and shortening its lifespan. To prevent this, AEG models with SoftWater technology have a dedicated salt compartment so you can conveniently soften water for every use.
5. Incorrect dosage of detergent and softener can leave excess residue in your drum and damage your clothes. AEG washing machines with AutoDose correctly dispense the optimal amount of product based on the weight of your load. It does the measuring — so you don’t have to.

A new spin on how to clean your washing machine

Don’t wait for your monthly deep cleaning day. Using it properly in every use — measuring the right detergent dose or softening laundry water — can greatly advance machine cleaning by leaps and bounds.

Choose the right washing machines like AEG ones that make cleaning and maintenance a lot easier. Now that’s a game changer.