How to Clean Washing Machine Drum - Tips and Methods

Regular cleaning keeps your washing machine drum free of mould, odour, and detergent build-up. Front loaders need a vinegar-baking soda wash; top loaders need a longer soak. Replacement drums start at Rs. 3,200 if yours is beyond repair.

• Front loaders: 2 cups vinegar plus half a cup baking soda, then run the hottest wash cycle.
• Top loaders: 4 cups vinegar plus 1 cup baking soda, soak for an hour, then run a full cycle.
• Clean the drum once a month to stop odour and mould from building up.
• Washing machines in India can range from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 58,980.

You can also buy a new washing machine on Easy EMIs at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities, including Reliance Digital, Croma, and Vijay Sales.

Knowing when your washing machine drum needs cleaning helps you avoid laundry problems and protect your machine. Watch out for these signs:

• Foul smell: Clothes smell musty or damp even after washing.
• Visible residue: You notice soap scum, lint, or black spots inside the drum.
• Slow drainage: The machine drains water slower than usual, which points to buildup.
• Increased noise: Strange sounds during spinning may mean debris is stuck in the drum.
• Poor cleaning performance: Clothes come out looking less clean than you expect.

If these problems continue even after cleaning, learning how to reset washing machines can help restore normal operation.

If you are looking to upgrade to a new washing machine, visit any of Bajaj Finance's 1.5 lakh partner stores — like Vijay Sales, Croma, Reliance Digital, and more — across 4,000 cities, including Tier 2 cities like Jaipur, Lucknow, Kochi, Bhopal, and more in India. Choose your preferred model, then use the Bajaj Finance Insta EMI Card or Bajaj Finance Easy EMI Loan to finance it. Convert the cost into Easy EMIs that suit your monthly budget and enjoy zero down payment on select models — take it home without any upfront payment. Check your loan eligibility online in minutes so you know exactly what you can get before you step into the store.

Cleaning your washing machine drum regularly improves its performance and keeps your clothes smelling fresh. Here's a step-by-step guide on how you can clean your washing machine drum:

Cleaning a front loader washing machine drum

• Remove debris: Wipe the rubber gasket around the door to clear out detergent and lint.
• Vinegar and baking soda: Pour two cups of white vinegar into the drum and half a cup of baking soda into the detergent drawer.
• Run a hot cycle: Select the hottest and longest wash cycle to dissolve the buildup.
• Wipe down: After the cycle, clean the drum and door with a dry cloth.

Cleaning a top loader washing machine drum

• Fill with hot water: Set the machine to the highest water level and hottest setting.
• Add cleaning agents: Use four cups of vinegar and one cup of baking soda.
• Soak and cycle: Let it soak for an hour, then run a full wash cycle.
• Scrub and rinse: After the cycle, scrub the drum and run a rinse cycle to clear out residue.

Keeping the drum clean all year round

• Clean monthly: Clean the drum once every month to prevent odour and buildup.
• Leave the door open: Let the drum dry after each wash to avoid mould.

For more tips on care, usage, and maintenance, check this washing machine drum guide to keep your appliance running well for longer.

Descaling clears out hard water deposits and improves how your machine performs. You will need white vinegar or a descaling solution, a clean cloth, and a sponge. Here is a simple guide to follow:

1. Empty the machine: Make sure there are no clothes inside the drum.
2. Add a descaling agent: Pour two cups of vinegar into the drum, or use a packaged descaler as per its instructions.
3. Run a hot cycle: Select the hottest and longest cycle.
4. Pause and soak: Pause the cycle midway and let it soak for an hour.
5. Resume the cycle: Let the cycle finish completely.
6. Wipe down: Clean the drum, gasket, and door with a soft cloth.
7. Run a rinse cycle: Rinse with plain water to clear out any leftover residue.

Looking for a washing machine with better descaling and self-clean features? Explore Bosch washing machines for durability, or Whirlpool washing machines for reliable everyday performance on Bajaj Mall.

Beyond monthly cleaning, a few extra habits can help your machine stay fresh for years. Here is a quick reference table you can follow alongside your regular wash routine.

Note: Natural cleaners like vinegar are gentler and cheaper, but they work slower than a commercial descaler and may need a second cycle for heavy buildup. If your drum has years of hard water scale, a packaged descaler will usually clear it faster.

Cleaning your washing machine drum is essential because dark, humid tub environments trap trapped lint and detergent residue, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and mold.

• Bacteria can multiply inside a damp washing machine tub within hours of the last wash cycle.
• Mold spores thrive on lingering soap scum, transferring directly onto clothing during future cycles and causing persistent sour odors.
• Buildup on the outer washing machine drum surface reduces rinse efficiency, leaving skin-irritating residues trapped in fabrics.
• Regular sanitization eliminates up to 99.9% of hidden microbes that standard detergent cycles fail to kill.

Keeping your machine sanitized ensures every laundry cycle delivers genuinely fresh clothes.

Distilled white vinegar, baking soda, and specialised commercial descalers are the three safest, most effective options for cleaning a washing machine drum.

Products to avoid:

• Pure bleach mixed with vinegar: Never combine vinegar and liquid chlorine bleach, as this chemical reaction releases toxic chlorine gas.
• Excessive chlorine bleach: Frequent use can corrode rubber drum seals and shorten component lifespan over time.
• Abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemical solvents: Avoid steel wool or heavy solvent cleaners, which permanently scratch stainless steel tubs.

Bajaj Finance offers two financing options at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities in India. Here is how they compare:

How to choose? Both options require you to be physically present at a partner store. The Insta EMI Card is ideal for shoppers who want to purchase across multiple categories over time. The Easy EMI Loan suits buyers looking to finance a higher-value purchase in a single transaction.

Also explore the latest offers. You may find a great deal on a model that matches your needs.

The process is simple and typically takes 10 to 15 minutes once you are at the store.

1. Browse models on Bajaj Mall: Compare options on Bajaj Mall before visiting a store.
2. Find a partner store near you: Use the Bajaj Finance store locator to find a nearby partner outlet such as Croma, Vijay Sales, or other authorised retailers.
3. Check the washing machine in person: Check the key features, specifications, size, and performance to choose the product that best suits your needs and budget.
4. Choose a suitable EMI option: At checkout, ask the store executive about the Bajaj Finance Insta EMI Card or Easy EMI Loan. Confirm available tenure options and whether your chosen model comes with a zero down payment offer.
5. Complete payment and schedule installation: The in-store process is quick, and most partner stores offer installation as part of the purchase.

You can also check your loan eligibility online in advance by entering your mobile number and OTP, helping you plan your purchase better before visiting the store.

Bajaj Finance’s Smart Savings Calculator helps you unlock maximum savings every time you shop at partner stores. It brings together all available brand, dealer, and scheme offers—so you can see your total savings instantly and shop smarter with Easy EMIs.

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