Your washing machine cleans your clothes every week, but how often do you clean the machine itself?

Over time, mould, detergent residue, grime, bacteria and unpleasant odours can build up inside your washing machine. The rubber seal, detergent drawer and hidden parts of the drum are especially prone to this kind of build-up, which is why a musty smell or dingy laundry can often be traced back to the machine, not the clothes.

The good news? Deep cleaning a washing machine doesn't have to be difficult.

In this guide, we'll show you how to clean a washing machine step by step, including how to clean the washing machine seal, remove mould and freshen the inside of the machine.

What Is the Best Way to Clean a Washing Machine?

The best way to deep clean a washing machine is to tackle both the areas you can see and the areas you can't. That means cleaning the visible parts — the seal, the drawer, the door — as well as running an internal cleaning cycle to deal with build-up hidden inside the drum and drainage system.

What You'll Need

Before you start, gather:

> A damp microfibre or cleaning cloth
> A crevice cleaning brush or old toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas
> Miracle Mould Removal Gel for mould and stubborn build-up
> Washing Machine Cleaning Tablets for deep internal cleaning
> Clean water for wiping and rinsing

For an easier two-step clean, the GLASSGUARD Washing Machine Tablet & Mould Remover Bundle combines both products in one system.

How to Deep Clean a Washing Machine: Step by Step

Step 1: Empty Your Washing Machine

Start by removing any clothes from the washing machine.

You want to run your cleaning cycle with an empty drum, so check that nothing has been left inside.

It's also a good idea to remove any loose items or debris you find around the door and seal.

Step 2: Clean the Washing Machine Seal

The rubber seal around the door is one of the most important areas to clean.

Moisture, lint, detergent residue and dirt can become trapped inside the folds of the seal. Over time, this can create the perfect environment for mould and unpleasant smells.

How to clean a washing machine seal:

1. Pull back the rubber seal gently.

2. Remove any hair, lint or visible debris.

3. Wipe away loose dirt with a damp cloth.

4. Check carefully inside the folds for mould or stubborn build-up.

5. Apply the Miracle Mould Removal Gel to the affected areas.

6. Leave the gel to work for 3–5 hours.

7. Wipe thoroughly with a damp cloth or rinse with water, following the product directions.

The thick gel clings to vertical surfaces, allowing it to stay in contact with mould rather than running straight off.

Tip: Don't forget to check underneath the seal. This is one of the easiest places for hidden build-up to go unnoticed.

Step 3: Clean the Detergent Drawer

Your detergent drawer can collect a surprising amount of residue.

Liquid detergent, powder, fabric softener and water can leave behind a sticky build-up that eventually becomes dirty or mouldy.

1. Remove the drawer, if your machine allows it.

2. Rinse it with warm water, using a small crevice cleaning brush or cloth on any remaining residue.

3. Wipe inside the compartment where the drawer sits, this area collects grime too.

4. Let the drawer dry fully before putting it back.

Step 4: Deep Clean the Washing Machine Drum

Now it's time to clean the inside of the machine. This is where a washing machine cleaning tablet can help.

The Washing Machine Cleaning Tablet is designed for internal maintenance, helping tackle the build-up that can accumulate inside the machine over time.

How to use a washing machine cleaning tablet:

1. Make sure the washing machine is completely empty.

2. Place 1 tablet directly into the drum.

3. Run a normal or "Clean Washer" cycle using hot water.

4. Once the cycle is finished, wipe around the door and seal with a clean, damp cloth.

5. Leave the washing machine door open so the inside can air dry.

For ongoing maintenance, use one tablet every fortnight.

The Washing Machine Cleaning Tablets come in a 24-pack, providing up to one year's supply when used fortnightly.

Step 5: Let Your Washing Machine Dry

Once you've finished cleaning, don't immediately close the door.

Leave the washing machine door open and allow the inside of the machine to dry completely.

Keeping the door slightly open between washes can also help reduce trapped moisture.

If your machine has a removable detergent drawer, leaving it open between washes can help it dry out too.

Step 6: Enjoy a Fresher Washing Machine

That's it.

You've cleaned the areas where mould and grime commonly build up, while also giving the inside of your washing machine a deeper clean.

For machines that have visible mould around the seal or other areas, the GLASSGUARD Washing Machine Tablet & Mould Remover Bundle makes the process simple:

Mould removal first. Internal cleaning second. Ongoing maintenance after that.

Shop the GLASSGUARD Washing Machine Tablet & Mould Remover Bundle