### Blog Post:
What is tub clean in a washing machine and why should every busy homeowner know how to use it? If laundry day has left you with musty-smelling clothes or your washer is starting to stink, you are definitely not alone. tub clean is the overlooked washer maintenance cycle that solves these issues fast—and, with the right know-how, you can fix odor and keep your washing machine running like new, without waiting for service calls.
Key Takeaways
- Tub clean is a built-in washer maintenance cycle designed to deep-clean your drum and eliminate mold, mildew, and musty odors regular washes can’t remove.
- Front-load and high-efficiency washers are especially at risk for odor buildup—a regular tub clean cycle prevents smells and protects cleaning performance.
- Run a tub clean every 1–3 months or whenever you notice any musty odor, detergent residue, or reduced washing results to keep your machine fresh and reliable.
- What is “tub clean” in a washing machine?
- How to run a tub clean cycle — simple step-by-step guide
- Advanced analysis & common pitfalls
- Conclusion: All you need to know about tub clean
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is “tub clean” in a washing machine?
Tub Clean is a self-cleaning cycle that washes your machine’s drum and outer tub instead of your clothes. It runs at high water volume and high spin speed with no laundry inside, flushing out detergent residue, limescale and the biofilm that causes musty odours. Most manufacturers recommend running it about once a month.
The tub clean feature—sometimes called “drum clean” or “machine clean”—is a special cleaning cycle built into most modern washing machines. Unlike a normal wash, this cycle uses extra-hot water, extended soak times, powerful agitation, and sometimes unique cleaning patterns to flush out mold, mildew, detergent residue, and grime that regular laundry cycles cannot address. This isn’t for clothes at all—it’s for the inside of your washer, restoring freshness and performance.
Why does this matter? Research shows the tub-clean program is designed to eliminate mold, mildew and residue buildup that regular detergent cycles simply can’t. Routine use extends the life of your appliance and ensures every wash leaves your clothes smelling fresh, not musty.
Who needs tub clean most? Owners of front-load and high-efficiency (HE) top-load washers are most affected since these energy-efficient machines use less water and have tightly sealed doors, making them more prone to stink and residue if tub clean cycles are skipped. In fact, about 13% of front-loader owners and 6% of HE top-loader owners report persistent odors or reduced cleaning linked directly to skipping tub clean, compared to just 3% for traditional agitator machines (see source).
How to run a tub clean cycle — simple step-by-step guide
Keeping your washer fresh doesn’t require an appliance tech. Here’s exactly how to use the washing machine tub clean cycle, no matter the brand:
- Empty the drum. Remove any clothes, towels, or laundry items.
- Take out any detergent or fabric softener trays, if possible. Wipe them clean and set them aside.
- Add cleaner: Use a manufacturer-recommended tub cleaner, or if approved in your manual, add one cup of bleach for traditional models, or one cup of white vinegar for low-temperature or eco models.
- Select the “Tub Clean,” “Drum Clean,” or “Maintenance” cycle—or the hottest, longest setting if your washer lacks a dedicated program.
- Start the cycle. Let it run to completion. Do not interrupt or open the door in mid-cycle.
- After the cycle finishes: Wipe the rubber door/gasket, inside glass, and the detergent drawer with a clean cloth to remove loosened grime.
- Leave the door open for at least one hour so the drum can air dry fully.
If you want an easy deep-clean for your whole laundry space, check out our spring cleaning tips: 12 amazing ways to deep clean your home (including the laundry area).
More advice: If your washing machine smells bad even after a tub clean, try running a second empty cycle with just hot water or repeat the tub clean with a different cleaner type (e.g. bleach if you first tried vinegar).
Don’t forget to check your filter or drain trap monthly, especially if your washer seems slow to spin or isn’t draining well. You’ll find more advice on fixing appliance issues fast in our dishwasher not cleaning dishes troubleshooting guide.
Advanced analysis & common pitfalls
Most users skip tub clean because:
- They think regular detergent cycles are enough
- They’re unaware of the dedicated wash feature
- They believe hot water washes alone will keep the drum clean
- They see tub clean as a waste of time or water
The reality? Skipping this maintenance invites hidden problems:
| Machine Type | % Owners Reporting Odor Issues (Skipping Tub Clean) | Typical Main Problems | Tub Clean Cycle Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front-load | 13% | Mold in gasket, detergent residue, musty smell | Yes |
| HE Top-load | 6% | Soap scum film, odors post-wash | Yes |
| Old-style agitator | 3% | Rare (uses more water, less prone) | Not always |
Source: Consumer Reports
Key mistakes that almost always cause washing machine smells bad:
- Under-dosing detergent (buildup, not full cleaning)
- Leaving the washer door fully closed between cycles (no ventilation for interior drying)
- Neglecting to clean gaskets and dispensers (moisture + residue = mold)
- Mixing bleach and vinegar (dangerous, always use only one cleaner)
- Overfilling the washer or ignoring overflow/vent/drain issues
Some users wrongly think that running an occasional hot cycle for clothes is enough, but this simply does not reach the hidden areas where grime and mold hide. Remember—tub clean runs at higher temperature, with a longer soak and special drum movements designed for scrubbing, and often a final extra rinse.
Neglecting this maintenance accelerates breakdowns and can require professional repair. Data shows washing machines account for 21.9% of appliance repair calls—a good share of these are preventable with simple tub clean and filter care.
Don’t skip these bonus preventative tips:
- Inspect and wipe the rubber gasket monthly (trapped debris grows quickest here)
- Clean the detergent drawer weekly—soapy buildup is a mold magnet
- Clean your filter and inspect drain hose every 1–3 months
- Keep the door slightly ajar after every load
Need a routine you can print out? See our handy spring cleaning checklist.
For more tips specific to deep cleaning kitchen appliances, see the kitchen cleaning deep clean checklist.
What to run in a tub clean cycle
The cycle supplies the water volume and agitation, but it still needs something to break down biofilm and detergent scum. Three options, roughly in the order manufacturers recommend them:
- Washer cleaning tablets. The default choice. Affresh is the category best seller, is EPA Safer Choice certified and is septic-safe. One tablet, empty drum, run the cycle. The 5-tablet pack covers five months; the 12-tablet pack works out cheaper per cycle if you run it monthly.
- White vinegar. Cheap and fine for light odour and scale, but it will not shift established biofilm. Whether it is safe for your machine depends on the brand — see below.
- Bleach. Effective but harsh. Never mix it with vinegar, and check your manual first. Warranties generally exclude damage caused by unsuitable cleaning products, and bleach spills are a commonly cited example — but manufacturers differ on bleach itself, so the manual is the only reliable answer for your machine.
Whichever you use, run it with the drum completely empty. Adding laundry defeats the purpose: the cycle is scrubbing the tub, not your clothes.
Vinegar: the manufacturers actually disagree
You will read everywhere that vinegar destroys washing machine seals. That advice is repeated far more confidently than the evidence supports, and the manufacturers themselves do not agree on it.
- Maytag advises against it, stating that the acidity can damage rubber seals, hoses and other components over time.
- Samsung, LG, Haier, Hoover and Miele recommend it for cleaning the machine or softening laundry. Haier says plainly not to worry about vinegar harming the machine.
The reason for the split is seal material, not vinegar itself. Prolonged exposure can weaken polyacrylate, fluorosilicone and Buna-N seals. It does not attack natural rubber, ethylene-propylene, silicone, fluorocarbon or butyl — which is what most modern door gaskets are made from.
What that means for you: if you own an LG or a Samsung, your manufacturer is comfortable with vinegar. If you own a Maytag or Whirlpool, it is not. Check your own manual rather than the general advice, because the general advice is averaging two opposite positions.
Where vinegar genuinely falls short is capability, not safety: it handles light odour and mineral scale, but it will not break down established biofilm. For that you need a cycle cleaner or bleach.
Conclusion: All you need to know about tub clean
Tub clean keeps your washer—and your laundry—truly clean, fresh, and reliable. It’s not optional. It’s mission critical! Whether you own a modern front-load or an HE top-loader, sticking to a simple washer maintenance cycle prevents bad smells and protects the performance you rely on. Don’t wait until your washing machine smells bad or your clothes come out stinky: run the cycle every 1–3 months, wipe seals after each wash, and ventilate. Now you know what is tub clean in a washing machine—it’s the easiest way to skip the hassle (and cost) of appliance repairs.
Take action: Schedule your next tub clean cycle today and print our maintenance checklist below for fridge, kitchen, and laundry upkeep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bleach for tub clean?
Yes—for most washers, a cup of liquid bleach is highly effective. Always follow your manufacturer’s manual, and never mix bleach with other chemicals like vinegar, as this is hazardous. Vinegar is suitable for low-temperature eco models. Use only one cleaner at a time.
How often should I run the tub clean cycle?
Run washing machine tub clean cycle every 1–3 months, or after every 20–30 loads. Run immediately after any notably smelly, muddy, or heavy-soil loads (gym wear, swim gear, pet bedding, cloth diapers).
Does tub clean use more water or energy?
The tub clean program uses more water and a higher temperature than a normal cycle to maximize cleaning power. This is by design. Skipping it risks repair costs and performance loss that outweigh any resource savings.
Can skipping tub clean void my warranty?
Lack of proper maintenance can affect warranty claims for components damaged by neglect. Always keep records of your washer maintenance cycle. Check your warranty terms for specifics—some brands include tub clean in regular required care. See your user manual for guidance.
What’s the fastest way to get rid of a musty washing machine smell?
Run a tub clean cycle with bleach (or vinegar for low-temp models) as soon as you notice an odor. Wipe the door seal, clean the detergent drawer, and leave the door open to dry. If the smell lingers, check the filter and drain hose, and repeat the process.
