Deep Clean: Washer & Dryer
In a well-kept home, it’s often the unseen tasks that matter most. We launder linens, press shirts, and fold sweaters with care—yet the very machines that do this work quietly accumulate residue, dust, and lint. Cleaning your washer and dryer is not only a matter of efficiency, but of preservation and safety. Fortunately, this is a simple ritual that, when done seasonally, keeps your laundry room running beautifully.
Why It Matters
A washing machine that smells faintly musty or a dryer that takes longer to dry are both gentle warnings. Soap residue, fabric softener, mineral buildup, and lint can reduce performance over time. Regular cleaning extends the life of your appliances, protects your clothing, and ensures that “clean laundry” truly is clean.
How to Clean Your Washing Machine
What You’ll Need
White distilled vinegar
Baking soda
A soft cloth or microfiber towel
An old toothbrush or small cleaning brush
Step 1: Clean the Drum
Set your washer to its hottest, longest cycle. Add 2 cups of white vinegar directly to the drum (not the detergent drawer). Let the cycle run fully to dissolve buildup and eliminate odors.
Once finished, sprinkle ½ cup baking soda into the drum and run a second hot cycle. This neutralizes lingering odors and gently scrubs the interior.
Step 2: Wipe the Gasket and Door
For front-loading machines, gently pull back the rubber gasket. Wipe thoroughly—this area often traps moisture and lint. Use a toothbrush for crevices if needed.
Step 3: Clean the Detergent Drawer
Remove the drawer entirely and soak it in warm, soapy water. Scrub away residue, rinse well, and dry before replacing.
Step 4: Exterior Touch-Up
Wipe the machine’s exterior, controls, and lid with a damp cloth. These high-touch areas deserve the same care as the rest of your home.
How to Clean Your Dryer
Step 1: Empty and Wash the Lint Trap
Remove the lint screen and wash it with warm water and a drop of dish soap to remove fabric softener film. Let it dry completely before reinserting.
Step 2: Vacuum the Lint Compartment
With the lint screen removed, use a vacuum hose and attachement to gently clean inside the lint trap cavity.
Step 3: Clean the Dryer Drum
Dampen a cloth with warm water and mild soap and wipe the interior drum. This removes residue from dryer sheets and prevents transfer to clothing.
Step 4: Check the Vent
At least once a year, inspect the dryer vent hose behind the machine. Lint buildup here is a fire hazard. Vacuum if accessible, or schedule a professional cleaning if needed.
How Often Should You Do This?
Washing machine: Every 1–3 months, depending on use
Dryer lint screen: After every load
Dryer vent: Annually
Mark it on your seasonal homekeeping calendar—it’s a small task with outsized benefits.
A Final Thought
Caring for the tools that care for your home is a quiet form of stewardship. Clean machines work better, last longer, and support the rhythms of daily life with less effort. Like so many good habits, this one is simple, satisfying, and well worth keeping.