How to Clean a Portable Washing Machine Inside and Out
To clean a portable washing machine, unplug it, wipe the exterior, and clean the tub and any removable filter using the steps in its manual. Rinse away residue, then leave the lid open until the interior is dry.
On this page (7 sections)
- What should you do before cleaning a portable washer?
- How do you clean a portable washing machine step by step?
- How do you clean the inside of a portable washer?
- How do you clean a twin-tub portable washer?
- How do you keep a portable washing machine from smelling?
- What should you avoid when cleaning a portable washer?
- How often should you clean a portable washing machine?
To clean a portable washing machine, unplug it, wipe the outside, clean the tub and filter as directed, then leave the lid open to dry. Check your washer’s manual before using a cleaner or running a cleaning cycle, since care instructions vary by model.
Regular cleaning helps remove detergent residue, lint, and damp smells before they build up. You don’t need special products for every machine; a soft cloth and the steps in the manual are a good starting point.
What should you do before cleaning a portable washer?
Unplug the washer and remove any laundry before cleaning. If it has just finished a cycle, wait for the tub and water to cool, then drain the machine as its manual directs.
Move the washer only if you can do so safely. Keep its plug and outlet dry, and don’t pull it by a hose or power cord.
Gather a soft cloth and check the manual for approved cleaners, filter locations, and tub-clean instructions. Avoid mixing cleaning products or pouring cleaner into the washer unless the manual says to do so.
How do you clean a portable washing machine step by step?
Wipe the outside, clean the tub, rinse away residue, and dry the machine. Use the washer’s manual for any model-specific steps, such as a tub-clean cycle or removable filter.
- Unplug the washer and empty the tub.
- Wipe the lid, outer panels, and accessible edges with a damp cloth.
- Clean the tub using the manual’s instructions.
- Remove and clean a filter only if the manual explains how.
- Rinse away loosened residue, then drain the washer as directed.
- Dry surfaces with a clean cloth and leave the lid open.
Use a lightly damp cloth around the controls. Don’t pour water over the panel or spray cleaner into openings.
The BLACK+DECKER washer has a built-in lint filter that doesn’t need replacement and is designed to be cleaned about once a month. The BLACK+DECKER 1.7 cu ft Portable Washer may suit you if you want that filter-care routine alongside six cycle selections.
How do you clean the inside of a portable washer?
Use the tub-clean method in your manual, then rinse and dry the interior. If your washer has a tub-clean function, follow its instructions for when to run it and whether to add a cleaner.
The ROVSUN 25 lb Fully Automatic Portable Washer has a self-cleaning function for its stainless steel inner tub. That can help if you want a washer with a built-in tub-clean feature, though you should still follow its care instructions.
After cleaning, wipe around the rim and underside of the lid where moisture or lint can remain. Leave the lid open until the inside is dry, while keeping children and pets away from the open machine.
Don’t scrub the tub with a rough pad or use bleach, vinegar, or another cleaner unless the manual permits it. A cleaner that works on one machine may not be suitable for another.
How do you clean a twin-tub portable washer?
Clean each tub and its removable filter according to the washer’s manual. A twin-tub machine has a wash tub and a separate spinner, so check both areas for lint or leftover water.
The Giantex 20 lb Twin Tub Portable Washer has a filter net on the side of the washing barrel that can be pulled off for cleaning. The manual also says to put the cover plate over clothes in the spin tub during use to help prevent shaking.
Don’t assume a part is removable just because it looks like a filter or cover. If you’re unsure how to take it out, check the manual first.
How do you keep a portable washing machine from smelling?
Let the tub and lid dry between loads. After a wash, drain the washer as directed, wipe up standing water you can reach, and leave the lid open until the interior is dry.
Avoid leaving wet laundry in the tub for long periods. Clean up detergent residue around the rim and lid, since damp residue can hold lint and odors.
If the smell remains after cleaning, check the manual for its recommended tub-clean steps and inspect accessible filters. For other laundry care, see our guide to cleaning a portable dryer lint filter.
What should you avoid when cleaning a portable washer?
Avoid actions that can damage the machine or expose electrical parts to water. Don’t spray the controls, immerse electrical components, force a filter, or use abrasive tools on the tub or finish.
Don’t mix cleaning products. Keep cleaner away from the plug and outlet, and stop if you find a damaged cord, leaking hose, or water near electrical parts.
If you see water around the washer after cleaning, check hose connections and follow the steps in our guide to why a portable washer leaks. For broader setup and use advice, read our portable washer and dryer guide.
How often should you clean a portable washing machine?
Check the manual for a schedule and clean the washer when you notice residue, lint, or odor. The BLACK+DECKER built-in lint filter is designed for monthly cleaning, but that schedule doesn’t apply to every model.
A simple routine is to wipe the rim after messy loads, clean any removable filter as directed, and let the tub dry after use. Use a tub-clean cycle only as the manufacturer instructs.
If you’re still comparing machine styles, our guide to whether portable washing machines are any good explains what to consider before choosing one. For day-to-day care, follow your washer’s manual and keep its tub dry between loads.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you clean a portable washing machine?
Clean a portable washer when you notice residue or odor, and follow the care schedule in its manual. Check removable filters regularly; the BLACK+DECKER washer’s built-in lint filter is designed to be cleaned about once a month.
Leave the lid open after a wash so the tub can dry.
Can you use vinegar to clean a portable washer?
Use vinegar only if your washer’s manual allows it and explains how much to use. Cleaning products and methods can vary by machine, so don’t assume a home remedy is safe for the tub, hoses, seals, or finish.
Should a portable washer be unplugged before cleaning?
Yes. Unplug the washer before wiping it or cleaning removable parts, and keep water away from the plug, outlet, and controls.
Don’t spray cleaner directly onto the machine; use a damp cloth and follow the manual’s instructions.
