Your washing machine is the unsung hero of your home — tirelessly cleaning your dirty clothes and saving you hours of work each week. But what happens when the machine that’s supposed to clean your clothes starts smelling bad or leaving your clothes less fresh? Over time, detergent residue, hard water minerals, and mildew can accumulate inside your washing machine. This buildup leads to unpleasant odors, poor performance, and even potential damage — a common problem faced by many homeowners across the UAE’s humid and mineral-rich environment.
Keeping your washing machine in top condition ensures it runs efficiently and lasts longer. Whether you own a washer-dryer, a top-load washing machine, or a front-load model, regular cleaning is essential. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to clean a washing machine in the UAE, so your appliance stays in perfect shape — whether it’s a brand-new or a used washing machine.
Why You Need to Clean Your Washing Machine Regularly
It’s easy to assume that your washing machine cleans itself since it’s constantly filled with soap and water. Unfortunately, that’s far from true. The damp, warm interior of a washing machine provides the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and mildew — especially in the UAE’s hot climate.
Here’s why you should clean your washing machine regularly:
Eliminate Odors: Persistent musty smells come from trapped moisture and detergent residue. Regular cleaning removes these odors.
Improve Cleaning Efficiency: Buildup inside the drum can reduce your machine’s effectiveness in washing clothes.
Prevent Damage: Hard water minerals common in washing machines in Dubai households can cause scaling, clogging, and wear on internal parts.
Extend Appliance Life: Proper maintenance ensures your investment lasts for years.
Protect Family Health: You don’t want mold and bacteria lurking in the place where you clean your clothes.
Whether you own the best washing machine model on the market or a second-hand washing machine, regular cleaning is key to maintaining its performance.
How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?
Experts recommend deep-cleaning your washing machine at least once a month. However, if you notice:
A sour or moldy smell after washing,
Stains or residue on clean clothes,
Hard water buildup, or
Frequent use for heavily soiled items,
…you may need to clean it more often.
In the UAE, where water hardness levels are high, monthly cleaning (plus descaling every 6–8 weeks) helps maintain performance and prevent costly repairs.
Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
You don’t need expensive chemicals to clean your washer. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:
White vinegar (natural disinfectant)
Baking soda (odor neutralizer)
Microfiber cloths
Small brush or old toothbrush
Mild detergent or soap
Spray bottle
Optional: Commercial washing machine cleaner
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Washing Machine
Different machines have slightly different cleaning requirements. Below are tailored cleaning methods for top-loading and front-loading washing machines, both of which are commonly found in the UAE washing machine market.
Cleaning a Top-Loading Washing Machine
Top-loaders are loved for their large capacity and durability — especially among families in Dubai and Sharjah. Follow these steps to deep clean your machine:
Step 1: Run a Hot Cycle with Vinegar
Set the washer to its largest load size, highest temperature, and longest cycle. As the tub fills with water, add 4 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum. Let it agitate for a few minutes, then pause the cycle and let the solution sit for an hour. This breaks down detergent residue, kills bacteria, and removes musty odors.
Step 2: Run a Second Cycle with Baking Soda
Add 1 cup of baking soda directly into the drum and run another hot cycle. Baking soda works as a natural deodorizer and helps scrub away loosened grime.
Step 3: Clean the Smaller Components
While the cycle runs, remove and clean the detergent drawer, bleach dispenser, and fabric softener tray using warm soapy water. Scrub any buildup with a toothbrush.
Wipe the machine’s exterior and control panel with a 50/50 vinegar-water solution using a microfiber cloth.
Step 4: Wipe Down the Drum
Once the second cycle finishes, use a clean cloth to wipe the drum thoroughly. Leave the lid open for several hours to let the interior dry completely. This step prevents future mold and mildew growth.
Cleaning a Front-Loading Washing Machine
Front-loaders are more energy-efficient and use less water, but they’re also prone to mold buildup around the rubber door seal. Here’s how to keep yours spotless.
Step 1: Clean the Rubber Gasket
The gasket (rubber seal around the door) collects lint, detergent, and moisture. Pull it back gently and inspect it for mold or trapped dirt. Spray the area with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a toothbrush. Wipe it dry thoroughly.
Step 2: Run a Cleaning Cycle
If your machine has a “Tub Clean” or “Sanitize” option, use it. Otherwise, pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser and sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drum. Run the hottest, longest cycle with no laundry inside. This combination removes buildup and neutralizes odors.
Step 3: Clean the Dispenser Drawer
Pull out the detergent drawer completely (press the release latch if needed). Soak it in hot, soapy water for 30 minutes, scrub away any residue, rinse, and let it dry before reinstalling.
Step 4: Wipe and Air Out
After the cleaning cycle, wipe the door and drum dry. Leave the door slightly open for a few hours to allow air circulation. This prevents mold growth and keeps your washing machine fresh.
Maintenance Tips for All Washing Machines
Whether you use a brand-new model, a washer-dryer, or a second-hand washing machine, these maintenance habits will keep it running efficiently:
Use the Right Detergent: For HE (high-efficiency) models, always use HE detergent. Regular detergents produce too many suds that leave residue.
Avoid Overloading: Excessive clothing reduces water circulation and causes extra wear on the drum and motor.
Remove Clothes Immediately: Don’t let wet laundry sit in the drum — it encourages the growth of mildew.
Air It Out: Keep the door or lid open after each wash to allow the item to dry.
Descale Regularly: The UAE’s hard water can lead to limescale buildup. Use a descaling agent or vinegar every 6–8 weeks.
Clean the Filter Monthly: Many machines have a drain filter at the bottom front. Remove lint, coins, or debris regularly.
Following these small habits can dramatically increase the life of your washing machine in the UAE.
Buying or Using a Second-Hand Washing Machine
Buying a used washing machine can be a smart and affordable option, especially for renters or new residents in Dubai. However, it’s essential to clean it thoroughly before use.
Here’s how to make sure your pre-owned appliance is ready:
Inspect for rust, leaks, or cracks.
Check hoses and seals for damage.
Run a test wash with vinegar and baking soda before the first use.
Clean the filter and detergent compartments thoroughly.
You can find high-quality pre-owned units at smnusedappliances, a trusted seller of used appliances in Dubai, featuring a range of essentials including washing machines, refrigerators, and more. Their second-hand washing machines are thoroughly tested for performance and reliability, providing you with great value without compromising on quality.
Dealing with Hard Water in the UAE
Hard water is one of the biggest challenges for maintaining the best washing machine performance in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. The minerals in hard water create limescale deposits that can clog pipes, reduce water flow, and damage heating elements.
Here’s how to minimize the effects:
Install a water softener or use anti-scale tablets.
Occasionally, add a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle.
Clean your drum and filter more frequently.
These steps ensure your washing machine unit remains efficient, even with regular use.
Signs Your Washing Machine Needs Immediate Cleaning or Repair
Even if you clean it regularly, watch for these warning signs:
Musty smell after washing.
Clothes feel sticky or look dull.
Visible mold around the gasket.
Strange noises or vibrations.
Slow drainage or error messages.
If these issues persist, it may be time to service your washer or consider a replacement. Sometimes, upgrading to a used washing machine in good condition in Dubai can be more cost-effective than repeatedly making repairs.
Conclusion
Cleaning your washing machine isn’t just about freshness — it’s about protecting your investment, ensuring better hygiene, and improving wash quality. By following this step-by-step guide to cleaning a washing machine in the UAE, you can easily remove buildup, odors, and limescale, while also extending the life of your machine.
Whether you own a washer-dryer, a high-end washing machine, or a reliable second-hand model, regular care ensures it continues to run efficiently.
And if you’re looking for affordable, quality appliances in Dubai, we offer a wide range of used washing machines that deliver excellent performance at unbeatable prices.
Keep your machine clean — and it will keep your clothes cleaner for years to come.
