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If you think about all the work your washer does and all that goes into it, it is no surprise that every now and again your washer needs a thorough cleaning. There are some commercial products sold for cleaning the inside of your washer, but you can get the job done with a few supplies usually found around the house and a little bit of work.
Step 1:

Vinegar. Add 1-2 cups of distilled white vinegar to your washer. Turn the setting as hot as it will go and make it so that it is the largest load possible. Run the washer through the wash cycle and the rinse cycle. This kills mold and mildew and helps to loosen grime and dirt that accumulate inside the barrel.

Step 2:

Lemon or lime juice. If you are having any rust problems then add 1 cup of lemon or lime juice and run it through a wash and rinse cycle as well. This should also be done on the largest load and hottest water options.

*If your washer is showing signs of rust it is a good idea to contact the manufacture or a repair person to find out the best course of action. Rust is a sign that the barrel of the washing machine is damaged. 

Step 3:

Baking soda. Finish up by running two cups of baking soda through a wash and rinse cycle with the water as hot as it will go and the setting for a large load of wash set. This will remove stains and finish taking out the build-up of detergents and fabric softeners. If your washer is really stained and you are not opposed to using bleach you can add two cups of bleach instead.

Step 4:

Rinse. Rinse the inside of the washer by running one final wash and rinse cycle with nothing added to it.

Step 5:

Remove any parts that will be removed and wash. Take your fabric softener dispenser, bleach dispenser, or lint trap of (if any of these parts remove) and wash them in hot soapy water (dish detergent is a good soap choice for this project).

Step 6:

Clean the hard-to-reach parts. It is a good idea to clean the underside of the washer where water may splash but doesn't normally get. Use a sponge with water and vinegar (add 1 cup of vinegar to a bucket of water and use that as your cleaning solution). Next clean the rim of the washer (where the door or lid rests). Wipe any dispensers that don't remove. Wash the underside of the lid and clean the agitator if there is any additional evidence of dirt.

*Cotton swabs and or old toothbrushes can help clean corners and other tight and hard-to-clean spots. 

Step 7:

Wipe down the outside. Using your damp sponge with water and vinegar cleaner on it, wipe down the front of the washer as well as any other exposed parts. Finish by wiping down the top of it.

Step 8:

Optional-Clean around the washer and dryer and check the hoses. It is a good idea to vacuum up lint and dust around the washer and dryer and now is a good time to do this. Check your hoses for wear and tear. Most manufactures suggest replacing these every five years and catching wear and tear ahead of time can save money and time by preventing leaks, water messes, and even hoses exploding under pressure.

Cleaning your washer is important, but not something you need to do every time you use it. For most people cleaning it once every three to four months is enough. Pay attention to excess dirt in the tub of the washer for signs that it needs to be done more often. If you wash cloth diapers, heavily soiled work clothes, or a lot of sports uniforms you may need to clean it more often.

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