The condition of your washer and dryer has a significant impact on the cleanliness of your laundry. Routine upkeep typically includes removing the lint after every load, as well as periodic checks and cleanings (at least every few months) of dryer vents. But some situations require more extensive cleaning to ensure that the laundry appliances are sanitary and safe to use. Some situations that should lead you to sanitize your washer and dryer include after washing the clothes of someone who is ill (some pathogens can survive normal washings), as well as after washing clothes contaminated with bodily fluids, poison oak or poison ivy, pesticides, or petroleum chemicals.

Learn How Often You Should Clean Your Home Appliances

What You’ll Need

Equipment / Tools

Rubber gloves

Scrub brush

Cleaning cloths

Old towels

Bucket or other container for mixing

Materials

Chlorine bleach, pine oil, phenolic disinfectant, or quaternary disinfectant

Water

Instructions

How to Sanitize a Washer With Chlorine Bleach

The buildup of contaminants, residual detergent, and fabric softener can trap bacteria and other debris in a washing machine. This can transfer back to your clothes, causing odor and potentially spreading disease. But you can get rid of it with a special cleaning using chlorine bleach.

Set the Washer Water Temperature
Set the water temperature for the washer to the hottest setting. Be sure the washer is empty.

Add Chlorine Bleach

Add 1 cup of chlorine bleach to the empty washer drum (both front-load and top-load models). Do not add any clothes.

Set the Washer Cycle

Set the washer to a full cycle with hot water rinse if available. Allow it to run through the entire cycle.