How to clean a washing machine, plus how often to do it

If your washing machine is smelling worse than your post-workout shirt, it’s time to give it a good cleaning. Yes, even washing machines get dirty, so it's helpful to know when and how to give them a (metaphorical) good scrub.

Laundry soils, detergent and hard water minerals build up in areas you can't see and mold and mildew can thrive in the washer lid and the door, according to green cleaning coach Leslie Reichert.

So, how often should you clean your washing machine and how do you do it? We asked Reichert and Nelly Martinez, Whirlpool's senior brand manager, for their expert guidance.

“We recommend cleaning your washing machine about once a month or about every 30 cycles to prevent buildup and soils,” advises Martinez.

“Without cleaning your washing machine, you may experience buildup of detergent or soils that cause clothing to smell,” she adds. Nobody likes their clothes smelling funky!

"To best clean a washing machine, first remove all items inside and use a cleaning tablet...on the cleaning cycle to thoroughly clean the inside of the appliance," Martinez suggests.

If your washing machine has a detergent dispenser drawer, she recommends using a damp cloth or machine cleaning wipes to wipe down the drawer surfaces. If the drawer is removable, you can also soak it in hot water for an even deeper clean.

"Of course, always check your appliance’s care guide for specific cleaning instructions!" she emphasizes.

Pro tip: Prevent mildew and mold by leaving the lid or door open when not in use.

Aside from visibly seeing mildew build up, if your machine start to smell, it might be time to consider cleaning it. In other words, you'll probably be able to tell pretty easily if it's time, but you should still be preventative and do regular cleanings.

"It is generally safe to use baking soda or bleach in washing machines, but we always recommend running a rinse cycle before loading clothes back inside," explains Martinez.

Martinez says that bleach is a common (and effective) product used to clean washing machines, but suggests making sure to check your appliance’s care guide first before using it.

TODAY.com spoke to experts about the best practices for cleaning your washing machine. Based on the guidance they provided, we found affordable and fan-favorite products to help you get the job done.