ARTICLE
Washing machines maintenance 101: essential tips 2026
Published Feb 6, 2024 • Updated Sep 29, 2026 - 5 min read
Wiping the seal after every wash, running a monthly drum clean and clearing the drain filter every three months can help your washing machine last well over a decade. Here is how to care for front and top loaders, fix common problems and decide when to repair or upgrade.
Key takeaways from this article
Wipe the seal or rim after each wash and run a hot drum clean cycle once a month.
Clear the drain filter every three months and check hoses before blaming the pump.
Repair machines under five years old with minor faults, but upgrade after repeated repairs.
Peter Simic (The Good Guys Buyer, Laundry) recommends 15-20cm of space behind the machine.
A well-maintained washing machine can last well over a decade, while a neglected one can start playing up within a few years. The good news is that keeping yours in top shape takes only a few simple habits: a quick wipe after each wash, a monthly cleaning cycle and knowing what to check if something goes wrong. Here is everything you need for 2026, whether you have a front loader or a top loader.
Why washing machine maintenance matters
Regular maintenance protects two things: performance and lifespan. A build-up of detergent residue, fabric softener and fibres in the drum, seal and detergent drawer is the main cause of musty smells, dull washing results and, over time, drainage problems.
Maintenance also protects your investment. A mid-range washing machine is generally expected to last around eight to ten years, but that figure assumes some basic care along the way. Skipping cleaning and overloading the drum are the two habits most likely to shorten a machine's life and bring on costly repairs sooner than expected.
Front load vs top load washing machine care differences
Front loaders and top loaders wash differently, so they need slightly different care. Front load washing machines use a horizontal drum and a rubber door seal, so moisture and residue tend to collect in the folds of that seal after every wash. Top load washing machines use a vertical drum with an agitator or impeller and no door seal, so they are less prone to seal mould but can still collect residue around the rim and lid.
Front loaders: wipe the door seal dry after every wash and leave the door ajar between washes.
Front loaders: run a monthly drum clean cycle, since the tumbling wash action uses less water and can leave more residue behind.
Top loaders: wipe the rim, lid and agitator or impeller regularly and leave the lid open to air out.
Top loaders: use the self-clean or tub-clean cycle if fitted, or a hot vinegar wash if not.
Troubleshooting common issues: odours, drainage and noise
Most everyday washing machine problems come down to residue, blockages or an unbalanced load rather than a major fault.
Musty smell: usually detergent or fabric softener residue in the seal, drawer or drum. Run a hot clean cycle and leave the door or lid open between washes.
Slow draining or water left in the drum: check the drain filter and outlet hose for lint, coins or other blockages before assuming a pump fault.
Excess noise or vibration: check that the machine is level and that all transit bolts were removed at installation, since an unbalanced load or an unlevel machine is often the cause.
Detergent residue on clothes: try using less detergent, since modern machines use less water and too much product does not always rinse out fully.
If a problem persists after these checks, it is worth getting it looked at rather than continuing to run the machine, since ignoring drainage or motor issues can lead to a bigger repair bill.
Your 2026 washing machine maintenance checklist
Wipe the seal, rim or lid after every wash.
Leave the door or lid open between washes to air out the drum.
Clean the detergent drawer every one to two weeks.
Run a full drum clean cycle, or a hot vinegar wash, once a month.
Check and clear the drain filter every three months.
Inspect inlet and outlet hoses for wear once a year.
Avoid overloading the drum and use less detergent than you think you need.
For a more in-depth guide, check out our step-by-step list for cleaning your washing machine.
When to repair vs upgrade your washing machine
A repair usually makes sense if your machine is under five years old, the fault is minor, such as a worn seal or a blocked filter, and the quote comes in well under the cost of a new model.
An upgrade starts to make more sense once your machine is older, has needed more than one repair in a short period, or is clearly less efficient than current models on the market, since energy and water savings can offset the upfront cost over time.
If you are weighing up your options, our washing machine buying guide and best washing machines in Australia guide both walk through what to look for, or you can explore the full washing machine range to compare current models.
Installation tips for Washing Machines
Installing your washing machine correctly is integral to ensuring it not only works well and helps you avoid annoying leaks, but also (and most importantly) extends the life of your machine.
“We always recommend leaving about 15-20cm of space behind your washing machine to ensure it’s properly vented and there’s enough space for your hose connections,” says Peter Simic, The Good Guys Buyer – Laundry.
If your new washing machine is replacing an old one and you already have the necessary plumbing and connections in place, then installation is easy. If you’re confident, you can even do it yourself – just screw/plug in the water connection and outlet hose (tight), ensure the machine is level, plug it in and away you go.
Prefer a pro to do it? No problem. The Good Guys Home Services can send a trusted tradie out to your home to do the install for you.
FAQs
Most washing machines last around eight to ten years with regular care, though some premium models can last well beyond that. Keeping the drum, seal and filter clean, and avoiding overloading, are the biggest factors in reaching or beating that average.
Front loaders use a horizontal drum and door seal, are generally more water and energy efficient, and are gentler on fabrics. Top loaders use a vertical drum with no door seal, usually have shorter cycles and let you add items mid-wash, but tend to use more water per load.
Clean the drum, seal, filter and detergent drawer regularly, avoid overloading the machine, use only as much detergent as needed, and leave the door or lid open between washes so it can dry out fully.
As a rough guide, 6 to 7kg suits one to two people, 7.5 to 8.5kg suits three to four people, and 9kg or more suits larger households or anyone regularly washing bulky items like doonas.
Looking for a new washing machine? You'll find it at The Good Guys.
