How to Hire a Pro to Clean Your Washing Machine

A clean washer means cleaner laundry

Man holding a basket is doing laundry at home
Photo: Mystockimages / E+ / Getty Images
Man holding a basket is doing laundry at home
Photo: Mystockimages / E+ / Getty Images
Deirdre Sullivan
Written by Deirdre Sullivan
Contributing Writer
Updated October 16, 2024
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Does your laundry come out of the wash with a filmy residue or less-than-fresh odors? Or is your washing machine starting to smell a little moldy? If either is the case, you might wonder, "Can I hire someone to clean my washing machine?" The simple answer is yes. We share who you can hire for this job and the related benefits.

Benefits of Hiring a Household Cleaning Service

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Hiring a professional offers several benefits if you’re seeking a comprehensive cleaning without the hassle of doing it yourself. A professional cleaning helps keep your washing machine in top shape, reducing wear and tear, extending its life span, and improving overall performance for more effective laundry results.

Many local household cleaning services offer appliance cleaning, including washing machines. These businesses also offer eco-friendly cleaning methods. Their work goes beyond the self-cleaning function to remove limescale buildup and odor-causing bacteria. You can expect a house cleaner to deep clean the detergent dispenser drawer and scrub the drum and rubber gasket by hand.

Can I Hire an Appliance Repair Service?

Appliance repair service pros bring specialized skills, commercial-grade tools, and cleaning solutions to reach hard-to-access areas where dirt, mold, and detergent residue collect. 

Their knowledge of the machine’s mechanics also ensures a safe cleaning process, avoiding accidental damage that could void your warranty. Additionally, they can typically remove parts to deep clean, like popping the drum out to scrub the tub. Lastly, a local appliance repair specialist can identify possible mechanical issues impacting cleaning performance.

Tips for Hiring a Pro

Person wearing gloves cleaning washing machine door gasket
Photo: brizmaker / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Knowing who to hire to clean your washer is the first step. Here’s how to ensure you hire the right company or person for your project.

1. Plan Your Project 

Planning your project starts with research. You can use Angi to get matched with professionals in your area and easily read reviews and ask for quotes.

2. Check Your Pro’s Qualifications and References

When hiring a professional to clean your washer, it’s a good idea to confirm they are licensed and insured to operate in your area. While it may be tempting to skip this step, it will protect you from potential damage or accidents. 

Carefully read reviews to assess the reputation of the person or company you want to work with. If reviews are unavailable, ask for references to verify their work quality and reliability.

3. Interview Pros and Get Multiple Quotes

Getting multiple quotes in writing from different companies will help you find the appropriate professional for your budget while also providing you with a clear understanding of the services offered. It also allows you to get to know different pros, making it easier to find someone you’re comfortable working with.

4. Get a Contract and Arrange Payments 

A contract to clean a washing machine should be pretty straightforward. Its purpose is to protect you from any potential misunderstandings. The document should include: 

  • Scope of work

  • Outline of responsibilities for you and the pro

  • Pricing and when to pay for services

  • Number of hours to complete the project

Questions to Ask a Pro

Ask these key questions before entrusting your washer to a house cleaner or appliance repair person. This step is essential to ensure the safety of your appliance and the quality of the service:

  1. Are you licensed and insured? Remember, both protect your washer and home from potential damage or accidents.

  2. What experience do you have with cleaning washing machines? You want to confirm their familiarity with washer-specific cleaning and the make and model of your machine.

  3. What does the cleaning service include? Your goal is to understand what parts of the washer the pro will clean.

  4. How long will the cleaning take? The information will help you plan for the service and set expectations for the time required.

  5. Can you provide references or reviews? Remember, you want to verify their track record with previous clients.

  6. What is the total cost, and are there any additional fees? Asking this question helps avoid unexpected charges later.

  7. Do you identify and repair minor issues during cleaning? While a household cleaning service may not cover this, an appliance repair specialist will.

Choosing the Right Pro for Your Project

Selecting the correct type of pro to clean your washing machine often depends on a few things. A house cleaner may be best for routine cleaning newer machines, keeping them in good working condition and ensuring their life span.

An appliance repair service is the best option for older machines or those emitting foul odors and experiencing reduced cleaning efficiency. They can address these issues and restore the machine's performance, including replacing parts that cleaning can't fix.

What to Do After Your Washing Machine Is Cleaned

The first step is running a load in the machine. Typically, a professional will do this before wrapping up the job to ensure the washer is clean and working correctly. The final payment is made once the homeowner is satisfied with the work. Remember to get a receipt for your records and ask for tips on how to keep your washer clean. Lastly, leaving a positive review online is a great way to reward a pro for a well-done job.

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Learn more about our contributor
Deirdre Sullivan
Written by Deirdre Sullivan
Contributing Writer
Deirdre is a seasoned DIYer and home improvement writer. She believes in the transformative powers of deep cleaning and painting to revitalize any space. Her articles have appeared in HomeLight, The Spruce, Realtor, and more.
Deirdre is a seasoned DIYer and home improvement writer. She believes in the transformative powers of deep cleaning and painting to revitalize any space. Her articles have appeared in HomeLight, The Spruce, Realtor, and more.
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