How to clean a washing machine drum

What is a washing machine drum?

The washing machine drum is the large, cylindrical container inside your washing machine that holds your clothes during the wash cycle. It's the part of your washing machine that cleans your clothes. During the wash cycle, the drum rotates and mixes your clothes with water and detergent, removing dirt and stains.

Where is the washing machine drum?

The washing machine drum is located inside your washing machine and can be accessed by opening the door of the machine.

Why should you clean a washing machine drum?

Over time, the washing machine drum can accumulate dirt, grime, and soap from repeated washes. This build-up can cause odours, affect the cleanliness of your clothes, and even damage your machine. By regularly cleaning your washing machine’s drum, you can prevent these issues, helping your machine to work at maximum efficiency for as long as possible.

How long does it take to clean a washing machine drum?

How long it takes to clean your washing machine drum depends on how often you give it a wipe-down.

If you keep it shiny on a regular basis, you can refresh it in as little as 15 to 20 minutes. But if it hasn’t been cleaned in a while and it has accumulated dirt, mildew, and grime, it can take you up to two or three hours to get it back to tip-top condition.

How often should you clean a washing machine drum?

We recommend cleaning your washing machine drum every 3-6 months. However, depending on how often you use your machine and how heavily soiled your clothes typically are, you may need to clean your appliance more frequently particularly if low temperature programmes are often used.

1. Empty the washing machine drum. Make sure there are no clothes or other items left inside the machine.
2. Use a suitable cleaning solution. If you have a suitable cleaning agent, use this washing machine drum cleaner with the drum cleaning program or Cottons 90 programme. Do not add any detergent while running a program to clean.
3. Run a hot water cycle. Set your washing machine to the hottest temperature and the longest cycle, for example, Cottons 90.
4. Look out for self-cleaning programmes. Some Beko washing machines have a drum cleaning programme. If this is the case for your model, run this programme while the machine is empty.
5. Wipe down the drum. After the cycle is complete, use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe down the inside of the drum, removing any remaining build-up or residue.
6. Repeat if necessary. If the drum is particularly dirty, you may need to repeat this process a few times to get it fully clean.

If you are experiencing issues with your washing machine, we recommend seeking assistance from a professional. At Beko, we're committed to providing high-quality appliances and exceptional customer service. If you have any additional queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at 0333 207 9710 or visit our repairs page. For more information on how to clean your washing machine, please read our dedicated article here.

For more cleaning tips and tricks, check out our washing machine hacks.