How to Clean a Washing Machine: A Simple Guide for Front-Load and Top-Load Washers

Your washing machine can look clean and still smell a little off. Detergent film, fabric softener, lint and minerals may collect around the door seal, dispenser, filter and other damp areas you rarely see.

The routine is simple: clean visible parts, run the approved cycle and air-dry the interior.

For a pre-measured option, KLEKPUE Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets – 12 Pack are designed for a separate washer-care cycle in front-load and top-load machines. The product directions are summarized below.

Why Does a Washing Machine Get Dirty?

A washer handles body oils, soil, lint, pet hair and laundry products every week. Most of that leaves with the wash water, but small amounts can remain and form a film that traps more residue.

Common causes include excess detergent, fabric softener, cool-water washing, hard-water minerals and damp laundry left in the drum. A closed front-load door can also trap moisture around the gasket.

A musty smell may come from the gasket, dispenser, filter or drain rather than the drum. If it quickly returns, follow the model-specific maintenance instructions in your manual.

Before You Start

Gather a microfiber cloth, soft brush, warm water and an approved washer cleaner. Keep a shallow bowl or towel near a user-accessible pump filter because water may be released.

Read the owner's manual before choosing a cycle or opening a filter. Do not mix cleaner tablets with bleach, vinegar, ammonia or another cleaner unless both labels explicitly approve the combination. Always run washer cleaner in an empty machine, not with clothing.

How to Use KLEKPUE Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets

KLEKPUE tablets go directly into the empty drum or basket—not the detergent drawer.

• Routine cleaning: The package recommends 1–2 tablets.
• First cleaning: The package recommends 4 tablets.
• Water and soak: It suggests warm water around 40°C (104°F) and a 2–3 hour soak.
• Frequency: The package recommends monthly cleaning.

Only pause or soak the machine if your washer's instructions allow it. If the model does not support that procedure, use its approved cleaning program instead. When the cycle ends, wipe away remaining residue and run an extra rinse if needed.

How to Clean a Front-Load Washing Machine

Front-load washers use a flexible door gasket that can hold moisture, lint and small items.

1. Empty the washer. Remove laundry and visible debris from the drum.
2. Inspect the gasket. Gently pull back the folds, remove trapped items and wipe with a damp cloth. Avoid abrasive tools that could damage the seal.
3. Rinse the dispenser. If the drawer is removable, take it out according to the manual, rinse it with warm water and wipe the cavity.
4. Check the filter. Clean a user-accessible pump filter only as directed by the manufacturer. Do not force open an unidentified panel.
5. Run the cleaning cycle. Use Clean Washer, Tub Clean or the equivalent program with the approved cleaner.
6. Wipe and dry. Remove loosened residue and leave the door ajar until the drum and gasket are dry.

How to Clean a Top-Load Washing Machine

Top-load washers often collect residue around the rim, lid, dispensers and agitator or impeller area.

1. Empty the basket. Remove laundry and check for visible debris.
2. Wipe the lid and rim. Clean accessible areas above the normal water line with a damp cloth.
3. Rinse removable dispensers. Follow the manual and use a soft brush for corners.
4. Run the approved cleaning cycle. Add the cleaner to the empty basket as directed on its label.
5. Check and dry. Wipe away residue and leave the lid open until the interior dries.

What a Cleaning Cycle May Miss

A cleaning cycle reaches areas touched by circulating water, but it does not replace hands-on care. Separately inspect the front-load gasket, detergent drawer, user-accessible filter and the lid or rim above a top-loader's water line.

Persistent leaks, poor drainage, extensive mold or recurring odor may require professional service instead of more cleaner.

How Often Should You Clean Your Washer?

Start with a monthly check unless your manual says otherwise. Inspect more often if you run several loads daily, wash pet bedding, use fabric softener frequently or have hard water.

Between cleaning cycles, remove wet laundry promptly, use the recommended amount of detergent and let the drum and dispenser dry when household safety allows.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the wrong compartment: KLEKPUE tablets go in the empty drum or basket.
• Cleaning only the drum: The gasket, drawer, rim and filter may need separate care.
• Adding clothes: Washer cleaner is for the appliance, not a laundry load.
• Mixing cleaners: Use one approved method at a time.
• Forcing a long soak: Some washers drain automatically or do not allow pausing.
• Closing a damp washer: Let the interior dry before closing it completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do washing machine cleaner tablets go?

Place KLEKPUE tablets directly in the empty drum or basket, not in the detergent, bleach or fabric-softener compartment.

Can I use cleaner tablets with clothes?

No. Use them in an empty washer during a separate cleaning cycle.

Do the tablets work in front-load and top-load washers?

The KLEKPUE package lists both types. Check your washer manual for cleaner compatibility, cycle selection and whether soaking is permitted.

Why does my washer still smell after cleaning?

The source may be the gasket, dispenser, filter, drain or standing water. Clean user-accessible areas according to the manual. Persistent odor, leaking or poor drainage may require service.

Can I mix the tablets with vinegar or bleach?

Do not combine cleaners unless the product label and washer manufacturer explicitly approve the mixture.

Keep the Routine Simple

Empty the washer, check the places where residue hides, run the correct cycle and let the interior dry. When you want a pre-measured cleaner for that routine, review the directions for the KLEKPUE 12-pack washing machine cleaner tablets before use.