How to Clean Your Washing Machine in the UAE – Easy Steps

Washing machines are indispensable in UAE households, where the hot climate drives frequent laundry loads. However, the region’s hard water, dust, and high humidity can wreak havoc on your machine, leading to unpleasant odours, mould growth, and reduced efficiency. Regular cleaning isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential for keeping your washing machine in top condition.

A clean washing machine delivers fresher laundry, prevents mould and odours, extends the appliance’s lifespan, and even saves on electricity costs by maintaining optimal performance. Whether you own a top-loading or front-loading model, regular maintenance is key to tackling the unique challenges of the UAE environment.

Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for UAE residents to keep your washing machine sparkling clean inside and out.

Why Regular Cleaning Matters in the UAE

In the UAE, your washing machine faces unique challenges: hard water (rich in minerals), dust and sandstorms, and frequent laundry loads due to the scorching climate. Without proper care, these factors lead to:

• Foul odours from trapped moisture and bacteria
• Dull, less-fresh-smelling clothes despite washing
• Limescale buildup, reducing efficiency and increasing energy costs
• Premature wear and tear, shortening your machine’s lifespan

The Benefits of Regular Cleaning

• Eliminates Odours: Prevents musty smells caused by mould and detergent residue.
• Boosts Washing Performance: Ensures cleaner, fresher laundry every cycle.
• Fights Hard Water Damage: Reduces limescale buildup in pipes and drums.
• Saves Energy & Money: A clean machine runs more efficiently,, lowering water and electricity bills.
• Extends Appliance Life: Avoids costly repairs or replacements.

How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?

Due to the UAE’s environmental conditions, it’s wise to clean your washing machine every 2-4 weeks, depending on usage. For households with daily loads or families with young children, every 2 weeks is ideal.

How to Clean a Top-Loading Washing Machine

What You’ll Need:

• White vinegar (readily available in UAE supermarkets)
• Baking soda
• Microfiber cloth
• Old toothbrush (for scrubbing)

Step-by-Step Cleaning:

1. The Drum Detox:
   • Ensure your washing machine is empty.
   • Pour about two cups of white vinegar directly into the drum. Alternatively, you can use a commercial washing machine cleaner on Amazon.ae, Carrefour or the Lulu Hypermarket.
   • Set your washer to the largest load setting, fill it with hot water, and run a full cycle on the highest water level.
   • For an extra deep clean, pause the cycle midway and add 1 cup of baking soda or cleaner. Let it sit in the drum for about an hour before resuming.
2. Tackling the Detergent Dispenser:
   • Remove the detergent and fabric softener dispensers.
   • Wash them thoroughly under warm running water to remove any residue buildup. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away stubborn deposits.
   • Soak the dispensers in warm water and a little white vinegar for about 30 minutes for tough stains. Rinse and dry before reinserting.
3. Finish with a Rinse Cycle:
   • Run one more cycle with just water to rinse away any residue.
4. Wiping Down the Exterior:
   • Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of your washing machine, removing any dust or spills.
   • Pay attention to the lid and control panel.

1. Fill the Tub with Hot Water
   Set your washer on the largest load setting and fill it with hot water (no clothes).
2. Add Vinegar and Baking Soda
   Add 4 cups of white vinegar, let it agitate for a minute, and then add 1 cup of baking soda. Let the mixture sit for an hour, then complete the cycle.
3. Scrub the Drum & Lid
   Use a cloth or sponge dipped in vinegar to clean the inside of the lid and agitator.
4. Clean the Dispenser Trays
   Remove and scrub detergent and fabric softener trays just like with front-loaders.
5. Finish with a Rinse Cycle
   Run one more cycle with just water to rinse away any residue.

How to Clean a Front-Loading Washing Machine

Front-loaders require extra attention, especially because the rubber seals can trap moisture and lead to mould growth in our humid environment.

What You’ll Need:

• White vinegar or a commercial washing machine cleaner (available at Amazon.ae, Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket or Spinneys)
• Baking soda
• Soft/microfiber cloth or sponge
• Old toothbrush

Step-by-Step Cleaning:

1. The Drum Detox (Similar to Top-Loaders):
   • Ensure the machine is empty.
   • Pour 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum and run a hot wash cycle (without clothes). Then, sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda and run another short hot cycle. This removes hard water stains, detergent buildup, and odours.
2. Cleaning the Detergent Dispenser:

1. Remove the detergent drawer and soak it in warm vinegar for 10 minutes. Scrub with a toothbrush, rinse, and dry.
2. Focus on the Rubber Seals:
   • Inspect the Rubber Seal: Check the door’s rubber seal for mould or mildew, indicated by black or dark spots, which is common in humid regions like Sharjah.
   • Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water to create an effective, natural cleaning solution.
   • Clean the Gasket Interior: Gently pull back the door gasket and wipe the interior with a cloth soaked in the vinegar solution, targeting areas prone to mould buildup.
   • Scrub Thoroughly: Use an old toothbrush or a clean cloth dipped in the solution to scrub the seal, focusing on folds and crevices where mould can hide.
   • Dry Completely: Wipe the seal dry with a clean cloth to prevent moisture retention.
   • Address Stubborn Mould: For persistent mould, apply a diluted bleach solution (1:10 ratio), ensuring good ventilation and rinsing thoroughly afterwards.
3. Check the Drain Filter:
   • Unscrew the filter (usually located at the bottom front) and rinse out debris.

• Polish the Exterior:
  • Use a damp cloth with mild soap to clean the door, glass, and panels. Buff the glass with a dry cloth for a streak-free shine.

Additional Tips for UAE Households

Use HE Detergents: High-efficiency (HE) detergents produce less residue and are gentler on your washer.

Leave the door ajar after each use: This allows air to circulate and helps moisture evaporate, preventing mould and mildew growth, especially important for front-loaders.

Wipe down the rubber seals regularly: A quick wipe after each wash can prevent buildup.

Use Filtered or Softened Water: If possible, consider installing a water softener to reduce scale buildup.

Check and clean the drain filter: This filter catches lint, hair, and other debris. Refer to your machine’s manual for its location and cleaning instructions. A clogged filter can affect drainage and cleaning performance.

Use the right amount of detergent: Excessive detergent can leave residue buildup. Follow the detergent manufacturer’s recommendations.

Use Washing Machine Cleaners – Brands like Affresh or Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner are available locally.

Run a Maintenance Wash: Even without vinegar, a hot cycle every few weeks keeps things fresh.

Decluttering your home as part of regular maintenance? Don’t forget to check out our guide on where to donate used toys in the UAE—a great way to give back while keeping your space organised.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Washer Running Like New in the UAE

A clean washing machine means fresher clothes, better efficiency, and fewer repair costs. With the UAE’s hard water and dusty conditions, regular maintenance is key. Spend a few minutes every month, and your machine will thank you with years of reliable service!

Looking to upgrade your grooming routine, too? | Check out our list of the Best Electric Shavers in the UAE—perfect for staying fresh and well-groomed in the UAE’s hot climate.