Can you use bleach to clean your washing machine? Expert warn it'll do more harm than good, and what to use instead

So far as cleaning your appliances go, freshening up your washing machine is one of the easiest. Pop a cleaning solution in the drum, run a hot cycle, and it does most of the work for you. But what is the best cleaning solution to put in it, and can you use bleach to clean your washing machine?

While bleach might have a good reputation for killing germs and bacteria, it is a seriously astringent cleaning agent that can often do more harm than good, say cleaning experts. They recommend avoiding bleach in many places of the home – including your washing machine.

But why is it so bad to clean a washing machine with bleach? Our pros share their recommendations for what to do instead.

Can I use bleach to clean my washing machine?

Whether you are trying to do your monthly appliance refresh, or are cleaning a washing machine that smells, bleach should be the last thing you reach for.

Julie Edelman, cleaning guru and author of The Accidental Housewife (available at Amazon) explains, ‘While it's a powerful cleaner, I don't recommend bleach as your go-to solution. Yes, it kills bacteria and mold, but it's pretty harsh. It can damage your machine's seals over time, and if any residue stays behind, it could harm your clothes or cause skin irritation. Plus, those fumes aren't doing anyone any favors!’

Similarly, while you can use bleach in laundry, laundry pros generally suggest using white vinegar in laundry or opting for oxygen bleach such as OxiClean from Walmart, instead for a gentler clean and more controlled results.

What to use instead

If washing machines are one of the many items to never clean with bleach, what should you use instead?

Tim Conn, co-founder and president at Image One USA suggests, ‘For a more natural and gentle cleaning, clean with vinegar and baking soda instead.

‘Run a hot cycle with one to two cups of white vinegar in the drum, followed by a second cycle where you sprinkle half a cup of baking soda directly into the machine’s drum. Wipe down seals, dispensers, and other high-moisture areas that often harbor mold and grime using a damp cloth and mild detergent. This combination helps eliminate odors, dissolve detergent residue, and combat mineral buildup.

‘You can also use specifically designed store-bought washing machine cleaners to clean and deodorize without damaging the inside components,’ Tim adds. ‘While they may cost more, these are an excellent alternative to bleach for regular maintenance.'

Try a year's supply of washing machine tablets at Amazon and diary a monthly clean for an easy-to-stick-to maintenance schedule.

All prices correct at time of publication.

If you are concerned that your washing machine will still be dirty after cleaning with a non-bleach alternative, Taylor Southerland, cleaning expert and president at Charlie’s Soap suggests changing up how you do laundry to put your best washing machine’s health first.

He explains, ‘One reason your machine is never clean is you have hard water, and lime-scale is building up. Vinegar or a compound of sodium citrate will easily dissolve those mineral deposits. To prevent the problem, consider getting a whole-house water softener or adding a water softener to your detergent.

‘The most likely reason you're in this predicament, however, is your detergent is caking up in the drum, the agitator, and the dispenser. Shouldn't it be rinsing down the drain with the dirt from your clothes? The truth is that gunk isn't just in your washing machine, it's in your clothes, too! Not to be gross, but you're walking around all day in a funk of flower-flavored BO. Clean has no smell. If you just have to have scented laundry detergent, you may need to increase how often you clean a washing machine.’

To help keep your washing machine smelling fresh and make laundry smell better, Julie Edelman, cleaning guru adds, ‘Leave your washer door open between loads to prevent mold and mildew – a little air circulation goes a long way! Try to follow this cleaning routine once a month to keep everything running smoothly.’