To descale a washing machine, run an empty wash on the hottest setting with a washing machine descaler or citric acid, then clean the detergent drawer, door seal and filter by hand. Do it roughly once a month in hard-water areas and every two to three months where the water is soft. It takes a few minutes of hands-on work and gets rid of musty smells, limescale and residue.
Why washing machines need descaling
Hard water leaves limescale on the drum, heating element and pipes. Detergent and fabric conditioner leave a soft, greasy residue, particularly when you use cool washes. Together they give mould and bacteria somewhere to grow, which is where the musty smell on “clean” laundry comes from. Scale on the heating element also makes it work harder.
Signs your machine needs descaling
- A musty or damp smell from the drum or on freshly washed clothes.
- White, chalky deposits around the drum, drawer or door.
- Black spots or slime in the rubber door seal.
- Grey residue or specks on dark clothes.
- Water draining slowly at the end of a cycle.
What you need
- A washing machine descaler or cleaner suitable for your model, or citric acid powder.
- Washing-up liquid and warm water.
- An old toothbrush and microfibre cloths.
- A shallow tray or towels for the filter.
- Rubber gloves.
How to descale a washing machine step by step
- Check the manual. Some manufacturers recommend specific products or have a dedicated drum-clean programme. Use it if yours does.
- Empty the drum. Make sure nothing is left inside, including in the door seal folds.
- Add the descaler. Follow the product instructions. If using citric acid, around 100–150g in the drum or main detergent compartment is a common starting point, but check your manual.
- Run the hottest cycle. Use the longest, hottest programme, usually 60°C or 90°C, with no clothes.
- Run a rinse. Follow with a rinse cycle to flush out any loosened scale.
- Wipe the drum. Once finished, wipe the inside of the drum and door glass with a dry cloth.
Clean the parts that trap residue
Detergent drawer
Pull the drawer out fully. Most have a release tab in the conditioner section. Soak it in warm soapy water, scrub the channels with a toothbrush and dry it. Also clean the drawer housing inside the machine, where mould often hides.
Door seal
Pull back the folds of the rubber seal and wipe out hair, fluff, coins and slime with warm soapy water. For mould spots, a mould remover suitable for rubber can help, but rinse it off afterwards and never use it alongside acid descalers. Dry the seal well.
Filter
The filter is usually behind a small panel at the bottom front. Put towels and a shallow tray down, as water will come out. Drain it using the small hose if there is one, then unscrew the filter slowly, remove fluff and debris, rinse it and screw it back tightly. Do this every one to two months.
Can you use vinegar to descale a washing machine?
Many people do, but a number of manufacturers advise against regular use because vinegar can wear rubber seals and hoses over time. Citric acid or a descaler made for washing machines is a safer choice. If you do use vinegar, do so occasionally and check your manual first.
Safety tips
- Never mix bleach-based products with acidic descalers, vinegar or citric acid. It releases harmful gas.
- Never mix bleach with ammonia-based cleaners.
- Wear gloves, keep the room ventilated and store products out of reach of children.
- Switch the machine off at the plug before opening the filter.
Keeping it fresh between descales
- Leave the door and detergent drawer ajar after each wash so moisture can escape.
- Use the right amount of detergent. Too much leaves residue.
- Run a hot wash every so often, especially if you mostly wash at 30°C.
- Remove wet laundry promptly.
- Wipe the door seal dry once a week.
Washing machine maintenance schedule
| Task | How often |
|---|---|
| Leave door and drawer ajar | After every wash |
| Wipe door seal | Weekly |
| Clean detergent drawer | Monthly |
| Descale or maintenance wash | Monthly (hard water), every 2–3 months (soft water) |
| Clean filter | Every 1–2 months |
FAQs
How often should I descale my washing machine?
About once a month in hard-water areas and every two to three months in soft-water areas. If you notice smells or scale, do it sooner.
Why does my washing machine smell?
Usually trapped moisture, detergent residue and mould in the door seal, drawer or filter. Clean those parts and run a hot maintenance wash.
Can I descale with clothes in the machine?
No. Always run descaling cycles empty.
Is washing machine cleaning included in a professional clean?
It can be added. Our appliance cleaning covers washing machines along with ovens, fridges and other appliances. Standalone appliance bookings with us averaged £150, from £118, based on real totals from our jobs in the last 12 months.
Moving out or catching up on a neglected kitchen? You can add appliance cleaning to an end of tenancy clean or a deep clean, with professional products and equipment included. See our prices, Get Free Quote for an itemised price, or Book Online.