Dad's doing laundry this summer? Make sure your washing machine drum is actually clean

Why a clean drum matters more than you think

Your washing machine's drum looks clean after a cycle, but what you can't see is the real problem. Detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, dead skin cells, and bacteria accumulate on the inner drum walls and beneath the rubber gasket. In Metro Vancouver's humid summer climate—especially in Langley where July and August humidity can linger—these conditions create the perfect environment for mould and odour-causing microbes to thrive.

If you've noticed that clothes smell musty even after washing, or if your machine has a faint sour odour when you open the door, a dirty drum is usually the culprit. This isn't a sign of failure; it's a sign your machine needs maintenance.

How to run a proper drum-cleaning cycle

Most washing machines manufactured in the last decade have a dedicated "Drum Clean," "Tub Clean," or "Self-Clean" cycle. Check your machine's manual or control panel for this setting. If yours doesn't have one, you can create the same effect manually.

Here's the process: Run a hot-water cycle on the longest setting with no clothes inside. Add either a commercial drum cleaner (follow the product instructions) or two cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser. Let the cycle run fully. For heavily soiled drums, repeat the cycle a second time.

Do this monthly during summer, and quarterly during cooler months. Before hosting Father's Day dinners or summer gatherings, run a cleaning cycle a day or two beforehand—fresh laundry will smell noticeably better.

Don't forget the gasket

The rubber gasket that seals the door is where moisture and debris pool. This is where mould grows fastest. After every few washes, wipe the gasket dry with a clean cloth. Once a week, run a damp cloth around the entire gasket fold to remove trapped lint and residue. If you spot black spots or visible mould, soak a cloth in white vinegar and wipe thoroughly, then leave the door open to air dry.

Why summer makes it urgent

Vancouver's summer humidity—even in Langley—means your washing machine drum stays damper longer between cycles. Bacteria and mould multiply faster in warm, moist environments. If you're doing extra laundry in summer (gym clothes, pool towels, bedding), your machine is working harder and accumulating more buildup. A regular cleaning cycle prevents the problem before it starts.

The payoff

A clean drum doesn't just smell better; it extends your machine's lifespan. Mould and bacterial growth can eventually damage seals and components. You'll also notice that clothes feel fresher and last longer because they're not being washed in a contaminated environment. It's one of the simplest, cheapest maintenance tasks you can do—and one of the most effective.