How to Deep Clean a Laundry Room — Easy Guide | Simply Maid

If your laundry room has become that room you rush in and out of — tossing clothes into the machine, grabbing detergent, and closing the door behind you — you're not alone. It's one of the hardest-working rooms in the house, yet somehow the last one to get a proper clean.

**Quick Answer:** To deep clean your laundry room, work from top to bottom: dust all surfaces, clean behind and under your washer and dryer, scrub countertops and the sink, wipe out cabinets, and finish by mopping the floor. Allow roughly 60–80 minutes, or tackle it in two shorter sessions.

Why Your Laundry Room Needs a Deep Clean

The laundry is more than a room that gets dusty. It's a warm, damp space where mould, lint, and bacteria quietly build up.

[NSW Health warns](https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/mould.aspx) that inhaling mould spores can cause runny nose, eye irritation, wheezing, and can trigger asthma attacks — especially concerning if young children are in the home. Mould spores are microscopic, so by the time you see visible growth, the problem has been developing for a while.

Then there's lint. According to [QBE Insurance Australia](https://www.qbe.com/newsroom/news/australians-engaging-in-risky-fire), more than 60 per cent of Australians admit to not emptying the lint filter in their tumble dryers. Lint buildup is a serious fire risk — dryers cause the majority of appliance-related house fires, and "failure to clean" is cited as a factor in roughly a third of those incidents.

A regular deep clean tackles both problems. Here's how to do it, step by step.

What You'll Need

Microfibre cloths (3–4)
Spray bottle
White vinegar
Liquid dish soap
Multipurpose cleaner
Scrubbing brush or sponge
Vacuum with crevice attachment
Mop and bucket
Old towels or rags
P2/N95 mask (if you spot mould)
Rubber gloves

Most of these are available at Bunnings, Coles, or Woolworths for just a few dollars.

How to Deep Clean Your Laundry Room

Step 1: Declutter First (5 Minutes)

Before you clean anything, clear the decks. Remove everything from countertops, shelves, and the tops of your machines. Check expiry dates on detergents and stain removers — toss anything old or empty.

This is also a good time to round up stray socks, misplaced pegs, and that collection of coins from trouser pockets.

Step 2: Dust From Top to Bottom (10 Minutes)

Laundry rooms collect more dust than you'd expect. Fine fibres shed from clothing and towels during washing and drying, mixing with regular household dust to coat every surface.

Start at the ceiling and work down:

Ceiling and ceiling corners
Exhaust fan (if fitted)
Cabinet tops and shelves
Light fittings
Washer and dryer exteriors
Countertops
Window frames and sills
Skirting boards

A microfibre duster with an extendable handle makes this faster. One pass usually picks up everything.

Step 3: Clean Behind and Under Your Appliances (10 Minutes)

This is the step most people skip — and the one that makes the biggest difference. Pull your washer and dryer forward as far as the hoses allow.

You'll likely find clumps of lint, dust, lost items, and possibly [mould growing on the wall or machine backs](/cleaning-101/bathroom/a-comprehensive-guide-to-mould-removal).

**⚠️ Safety note:** If you find mould covering an area larger than roughly 1 square metre, wear a P2 mask (the Australian equivalent of an N95) and rubber gloves. For larger areas, [NSW Health recommends](https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/mould.aspx) calling in a professional. — NSW Health

Absorb any dampness with old towels.
Vacuum the walls, backs of appliances, floor, and corners using the crevice attachment.
Wipe all surfaces with a damp cloth and multipurpose cleaner.
Let the area dry fully before pushing machines back.

Step 4: Deep Clean Your Washing Machine (5 Minutes Active + Cycle Time)

Your machine can harbour mould in the rubber door seal, detergent drawer, and drum — and that musty smell transfers directly to your clothes.

[Ashley Iredale, former Head of Whitegoods at CHOICE Australia](https://www.choice.com.au/home-and-living/laundry-and-cleaning/washing-machines/articles/things-our-laundry-expert-would-never-do), advises: "Leave the door or lid of your washing machine open so it can air out after a wash. Closing the door traps moisture in the seals and can lead to mould and mildew forming."

**To clean your machine:**

Pull out the detergent drawer and soak it in warm water with a squirt of dish soap.
Wipe the rubber door seal with a damp cloth — check the folds where moisture hides.
Run an empty hot cycle with two cups of white vinegar in the drum. (Check your machine's manual first — some manufacturers advise against vinegar.)
Wipe down the exterior.

Step 5: Clean Your Dryer and Lint System (10 Minutes)

Start with the lint filter — pull it out, remove the lint, and wash the filter screen in warm soapy water. A clogged filter forces your dryer to work harder and increases the risk of overheating.

Then check the exhaust vent hose. Disconnect it from the back of the dryer and vacuum out any lint buildup inside. This is the step that matters most for fire safety — the filter catches surface lint, but finer particles accumulate in the vent over time.

Wipe down the drum interior with a damp cloth and clean the exterior.

Step 6: Scrub Countertops and Surfaces (10 Minutes)

Detergent drips harden on countertops and attract dust and grime. The longer they sit, the tougher they are to remove.

Make a cleaning spray: mix two parts warm water, one part white vinegar, and a few drops of liquid dish soap in a spray bottle. Shake well. Spray countertops generously and let it sit for two minutes, then scrub with a sponge and wipe clean with a damp cloth.

**Note:** Vinegar is a good all-purpose cleaner for most hard surfaces, but it is not a registered disinfectant. [Research published in BMC Microbiology](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7447605/) found that household vinegar at standard concentration has some antibacterial effect but does not meet clinical disinfection standards. If you need proper disinfection, use a product specifically labelled for that purpose.

Step 7: Clean Inside Cabinets (10 Minutes)

Laundry room cabinets are easy to forget. You wipe the fronts but rarely open them up for a proper clean.

In a room that generates heat and humidity, enclosed cabinets are prime spots for mould growth. [MouldMen Australia](https://www.mouldmen.com/mould-prevention-tips-homeowners/) notes that mould remains dormant below 60% humidity but enters the growth zone between 60 and 70%.

Remove everything from each cabinet.
Discard expired products and empty containers.
Wipe interiors with multipurpose cleaner.
Replace shelf liners if they're stained or peeling.
Return items neatly — leave some space for airflow.

Step 8: Tackle the Sink and Taps (5 Minutes)

If your laundry has a sink, it's probably seen its share of soaking, rinsing, and pre-treating. Spray the basin with your vinegar cleaning spray or multipurpose cleaner, let it sit for a minute, then scrub with a sponge and rinse.

Don't forget the taps and any other fittings — a quick wipe with soapy water and a soft cloth keeps them looking fresh.

Step 9: Wash the Windows (5 Minutes)

If your laundry room has a window, start by vacuuming the tracks to remove built-up dust and debris. Then clean the glass with your preferred glass cleaner or a simple mix of equal parts water and vinegar.

Wipe the handles and frame as well. Clean windows let in more light and make the whole room feel brighter.

Step 10: Vacuum and Mop the Floor (10 Minutes)

The final step. By now, dust and debris have settled on the floor from all the cleaning above.

[Vacuum thoroughly](/cleaning-101/uncategorized/tips-get-vacuum-cleaner), paying close attention to corners and behind baskets or trolleys.
Spot-treat any stubborn stains with warm water and floor cleaner. Warm water helps break down dried spills more effectively than cold. (Avoid very hot water on vinyl or laminate — it can cause warping.)
Mop the entire floor and open a window or turn on the exhaust fan to help it dry quickly.

Short on Time? Try the 5-Minute Reset

Some days, 80 minutes just isn't happening. If you only have a few minutes, focus on these three things:

**Clear the lint filter** — takes 30 seconds and reduces fire risk.
**Wipe countertops and the machine tops** — removes detergent residue before it hardens.
**Leave the washing machine door open** — lets air circulate and prevents mould.

Even this small reset makes a noticeable difference. You can tackle the deeper jobs when time allows — or leave the full deep clean to the professionals.

How to Keep Your Laundry Room Fresh Between Deep Cleans

A few simple habits prevent the worst buildup:

**Run the exhaust fan** for 15–20 minutes after each wash or dry cycle. This drops humidity below the 60% threshold where mould begins to grow.
**Wipe the rubber door seal** after each wash. Moisture trapped in the folds is the number one cause of washing machine mould.
**Empty the lint filter** after every dryer load. No exceptions.
**Keep cabinet doors slightly ajar** to allow airflow, especially in winter when rooms are less ventilated.
**Store opened detergent bottles upright** on a small tray to catch drips before they harden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should you deep clean a laundry room?

A light clean — wiping surfaces, emptying lint — should happen weekly. A full deep clean including behind appliances, inside cabinets, and floors is best done every one to two months, or more often if your laundry room lacks good ventilation.

Q: Can mould in the laundry room make my family sick?

Yes. [NSW Health confirms](https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/mould.aspx) that mould exposure can cause respiratory symptoms including runny nose, wheezing, and eye irritation. People with asthma or allergies are especially sensitive. Children and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.

Q: Can dryer lint actually start a fire?

Yes — and it's more common than most people realise. Lint is highly flammable, and buildup in the exhaust vent restricts airflow, causing the dryer to overheat. Clean both the filter after every load and the vent hose every few months.

Q: Can I use vinegar to clean everything in my laundry room?

Vinegar works well as a general cleaner on most non-porous surfaces, but it's not a true disinfectant. Avoid using it on natural stone (it can etch marble and granite), and check your washing machine manual — some manufacturers advise against it. For heavy mould or bacteria, use a product specifically labelled as a disinfectant.

Q: Is it worth deep cleaning my laundry room if I'm going to hire a professional cleaner?

A professional deep clean covers the laundry room as part of a whole-home service — including behind appliances and inside cabinets. If keeping on top of every room feels overwhelming, having a professional handle the deep clean means one less thing on your plate.

Sources & References

**NSW Health** — [Mould and Your Health](https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/mould.aspx). Referenced for health risks of mould spore inhalation, symptoms in children and asthmatics, and PPE recommendations for mould remediation.
**Ashley Iredale**, former Head of Whitegoods at CHOICE Australia — [Things Our Laundry Expert Would Never Do](https://www.choice.com.au/home-and-living/laundry-and-cleaning/washing-machines/articles/things-our-laundry-expert-would-never-do). Cited for washing machine maintenance advice and mould prevention through ventilation.
**QBE Insurance Australia** — [Australians Engaging in Risky Fire Behaviour](https://www.qbe.com/newsroom/news/australians-engaging-in-risky-fire). Referenced for Australian dryer lint fire risk statistics and household cleaning habits data.
**Zinn & Bockmuhl (2020)**, BMC Microbiology — [Antimicrobial Efficacy of Household Cleaning Agents](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7447605/). Cited for vinegar's limitations as a disinfectant and proper concentration guidance for antibacterial cleaning.
**MouldMen Australia** — [Mould Prevention Tips for Homeowners](https://www.mouldmen.com/mould-prevention-tips-homeowners/). Referenced for humidity thresholds that trigger mould growth and moisture management advice for Australian homes.

*Our professional cleaners use this exact method. If you'd rather they handle it, we'll take care of everything.*

*Care for your home. Respect for the people behind every clean.*

How to Deep Clean Your Laundry Room (Step-by-Step Checklist)