How to Clean a Washing Machine Drum

To clean a washing machine drum, empty it completely, add a washing-machine cleaner or cleaning tablet as directed, then run the machine’s Tub Clean, Drum Clean, or Eco Drum Clean cycle.

When it finishes, wipe the drum with a soft cloth and leave the door open until it dries.

Over time, the drum collects detergent residue, fabric softener, dirt, and odour. This guide covers only the inside wash drum, not the detergent drawer, drain filter, door seal, or exterior.

There are three methods on how to clean a washing machine drum: a drum-clean cycle, an empty hot wash, and a vinegar-and-baking-soda soak. If your machine’s manual says something different, follow the manual.

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Warnings Before You Start

Read these first. They protect both you and your machine.

a) Never clean the drum with laundry inside

Remove every piece of clothing, sock, coin, hair clip, and any other visible object. Cleaning cycles are designed to run with an empty drum, as LG’s cleaning instructions explain.

b) Do not use ordinary laundry detergent in a drum-clean cycle

Many dedicated drum-clean cycles are meant to run without normal detergent. Check your manual or the on-screen instructions before adding anything.

c) Do not mix cleaning products

Never combine vinegar with bleach or other chemical cleaners. Use one method at a time, and rinse thoroughly before trying another.

d) Avoid abrasive tools and harsh scrubbing

Steel wool, scouring pads, knives, and sharp objects can scratch the drum surface. Siemens specifically advises against abrasive tools on the drum.

e) Use vinegar cautiously

Use vinegar only if your manufacturer allows it. Avoid frequent or heavy use, especially around rubber parts.

f) Unplug before wiping or spot-cleaning

Switch off and unplug the machine before wiping the drum by hand. Never put your hands or tools into a moving drum.

Which Method Should You Use?

My advice is to start with your machine’s dedicated cleaning cycle if it has one.

It is the simplest option and the one the manufacturer designed for the job. Only move to a vinegar soak if there is no cleaning cycle and your manual allows it.

What You Need

• Soft microfibre cloth
• Warm water
• Washing-machine cleaner or drum-cleaning tablet
• Clean towel
• Optional: white vinegar and baking soda, only if your manufacturer approves

Method 1: Clean the Drum With a Drum-Clean Cycle

Best for: machines with a Tub Clean, Drum Clean, or Eco Drum Clean setting.

Step 1: Empty the drum. Remove all laundry and loose objects. The drum must be completely empty.

Step 2: Add the cleaner correctly.

• Powder cleaner: add it to the main-wash compartment.
• Liquid cleaner: add it to the liquid-cup insert or main-wash compartment.
• Cleaning tablet: place it directly into the empty drum.

Use only the quantity stated on the product label.

Step 3: Select and start the cycle. Press power, choose Tub Clean, Drum Clean, Eco Drum Clean, or the equivalent, and close the door or lid. Press start and let the full cycle finish.

Step 4: Wipe and dry. Wipe the inside of the drum with a clean, dry cloth. Leave the door or lid open until the drum is completely dry, as LG recommends.

Method 2: Clean the Drum With an Empty Hot Wash

Best for: machines without a dedicated drum-clean cycle.

Step 1: Empty the drum. Remove all laundry and objects.

Step 2: Add a suitable cleaner. Add a washing-machine cleaner according to its label. Do not add laundry unless the product specifically says to.

Step 3: Run the hottest suitable empty cycle. Select the hottest wash cycle your machine allows. Let the full wash, rinse, and spin finish without stopping it.

Step 4: Wipe and dry. Wipe the drum with a soft cloth and leave the door open to air-dry.

Method 3: Clean the Drum With Vinegar and Baking Soda

Use only if your manufacturer permits it and the machine has no dedicated cleaning cycle.

Step 1: Fill the drum with warm water. Use enough to cover the inside of the drum.

Step 2: Add vinegar and baking soda. Add 2 cups of white vinegar and ¼ cup of baking soda, then let it sit for about an hour.

Step 3: Run an empty normal cycle. Run a normal wash, rinse, and spin cycle with no laundry. Do not add laundry detergent.

Step 4: Wipe and dry. Wipe the drum with a soft cloth and leave the door open until it is dry.

Note: Because vinegar can affect rubber parts over time, treat this as an occasional method, not a routine one.

How to Remove Visible Residue From the Drum

If a cycle leaves a stubborn mark, spot-clean it instead of scrubbing the whole drum.

Spot-clean only the affected area. Dampen a microfibre cloth with warm water and wipe the mark gently. If needed, use a mild, non-abrasive, chlorine-free cleaner. Unplug the machine first.

Rinse and dry. Wipe again with a clean damp cloth to remove any cleaner residue, dry the drum with a towel, and leave the door open to finish air-drying.

How Often to Clean the Drum

Clean the drum about once a month with regular use, or sooner if you notice residue or odour.

Some manufacturers recommend a drum-clean cycle every 40 washes, according to LG’s owner’s manual.

Final Check After Cleaning

• The drum is empty.
• No cleaner tablet or packaging remains inside.
• The drum surface is wiped clean.
• The door or lid is left open until dry.
• No cleaning-product residue is visible.

If a smell lingers after the drum is clean, the cause may be elsewhere in the machine, such as the door seal or drain filter, so check your manual for how to clean those parts.”

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How to Clean a Washing Machine Drum FAQs