Quick Answer
Deep clean your laundry room in 8 steps: Clear and organize, clean washer with vinegar cycle, wipe dryer interior, clean dryer vent (critical for safety), scrub the utility sink, wipe cabinets and shelves, clean walls and baseboards, and finish by mopping floors. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
Safety Alert: Dryer Vents
Clogged dryer vents cause an estimated 2,900 home fires annually. If your dryer takes longer than usual to dry clothes, runs hot, or you notice a burning smell, stop using it and clean the vent immediately.
Your laundry room works hard—processing loads of clothes, towels, and linens week after week. But when was the last time you gave it a proper deep clean? A neglected laundry room not only looks and smells worse over time, but can actually become a safety hazard and reduce your appliance efficiency.
This guide walks you through a complete laundry room deep clean, with special attention to the maintenance tasks that extend appliance life and keep your family safe.
Laundry Room Deep Cleaning Process
Clear and Organize
Remove everything from surfaces, shelves, and the floor. Sort laundry supplies and discard expired or unused products. This gives you full access to all surfaces.
Clean the Washing Machine
Run an empty hot cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar or washing machine cleaner. Wipe the drum, door gasket (especially for front-loaders), and detergent dispenser. Clean the exterior and control panel.
Clean the Dryer
Empty the lint trap and vacuum the lint trap housing. Wipe down the drum interior with a damp cloth. Clean the exterior, door seal, and control panel. Don't forget the top of the dryer where dust accumulates.
Clean Dryer Vent and Exhaust
Disconnect the dryer from the vent. Use a vent brush to remove lint from the hose and wall duct. Check the exterior vent flap. Reconnect and confirm airflow.
Clean Sink and Counters
If you have a utility sink, scrub it with an all-purpose cleaner. Remove any laundry detergent residue from counters. Clean faucets and handles.
Wipe Cabinets and Shelves
Dust and wipe down all storage areas. Clean cabinet fronts of any detergent drips or dust. Organize products by type—detergents, stain removers, fabric softeners.
Clean Walls and Baseboards
Wipe down walls to remove dust and any detergent splatters. Laundry rooms accumulate more dust than most rooms. Clean baseboards and any floor vents.
Mop the Floor
Sweep or vacuum first to remove lint and debris. Mop with appropriate cleaner for your floor type. Clean behind and under appliances if accessible.
San Diego Laundry Room Tips
Hard Water Buildup
San Diego has some of the hardest water in California. Run a monthly cleaning cycle with white vinegar to dissolve mineral deposits. Consider a water softener if buildup is severe.
Dry Climate Advantage
Our low humidity helps prevent washer mold, but you should still leave the washer door open between loads. Front-loaders are especially prone to gasket mold if sealed wet.
Beach Laundry Tips
Shake out sandy items before washing to protect your machine's pump. Rinse swimwear separately first—chlorine and salt can damage other fabrics over time.
Maintenance Schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I deep clean my laundry room?
Deep clean your laundry room every 3-4 months. However, clean your dryer lint trap after every load and run a washer cleaning cycle monthly. San Diego's hard water makes monthly washer cleaning especially important to prevent mineral buildup.
Why does my washing machine smell bad?
Front-loading washers are prone to mold and mildew in the door gasket due to trapped moisture. Always leave the door ajar between loads, wipe the gasket dry after use, and run monthly cleaning cycles with washing machine cleaner or white vinegar.
How do I clean my dryer vent?
Disconnect the dryer, remove the vent hose, and use a vent brush to remove lint buildup. Clean the exterior vent flap too. Do this annually minimum—more often with heavy use. Clogged vents are a leading cause of house fires.
Can hard water damage my washing machine?
Yes. San Diego's hard water causes mineral deposits that reduce efficiency and shorten appliance lifespan. Use a water softener or add white vinegar to rinse cycles. Clean your washer monthly to dissolve buildup.
Art Machekin is the founder of Metla House Cleaning. Before starting the company, Art worked as a professional cleaner — hands-on experience that gives him a deep understanding of the techniques and details that matter most in delivering a spotless home.
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