It's easy to put off the task of cleaning appliances for a long time, until the buildup of dried cheese in the microwave or expired food in the refrigerator forces you to take action. When the appliance is specifically designed to wash or clean, you're even more likely to neglect it.

The interior of washing machines are frequently bathed in sudsy water, but they still need to be cleaned periodically. Timothy Dahl, writing for Popular Mechanics, says dirt and grime will build up on the machine as it is used. The moisture can also promote the growth of mildew and mold, which will produce unpleasant odors.

There are certain steps you can take after each cycle to help keep the washing machine cleaner. Daniel DiClerico, writing for Consumer Reports, says you can wipe down the door and its rubber gasket with a cloth every time you move a load of laundry over to the dryer. Leaving the lid of the washing machine open will improve air circulation, helping to prevent the formation of mold and mildew. You can also leave the detergent dispenser open when it is not in use to keep soap scum from building up.

Every once in awhile, you should run the washing machine with the intention of sanitizing it instead of cleaning your clothes. Regina Yunghans, writing for the home design site Apartment Therapy, says you simply need to run a cycle with vinegar or bleach.

Set the washer to the largest load size, hottest water temperature, and longest wash period. Instead of adding detergent to the tub, put in a quart of bleach or vinegar. After the cycle has gone for about a minute, add a cup of baking soda as well. Once the cycle has concluded, you should rub down the interior with diluted vinegar to remove any residue.

Different machines will have different recommendations for cleaning solutions. Marianne Lipanovich, writing for the home design site Houzz, says the manufacturer may advise using bleach, a commercial cleaner, or vinegar. Check your owner's manual to see which one they recommend, and never mix any of these three cleaners together.

Some washing machines will have a setting to wash out the tub using cleaning tablets. Dahl says doing this cleaning about once a month will help keep your washer in good shape.

You should also take the time to scrub down parts of the washer that won't be sanitized by a cleaning cycle. Mold can easily form behind the rubber seal of a front-loading machine due to the collection of dirt and moisture. Pull back the seal as much as possible and wash it with the vinegar and baking soda solution.

Use a toothbrush to scrub the cleaning solution over any areas where dirt and dust may have built up. Yunghans says some parts, such as the detergent dispenser, might be removable and can be cleaned separately. Clean away any grime that has developed underneath these parts or in the crevices near the lid.

This solution can also be used to wipe down the exterior of the washing machine. This process can remove any stains and give the machine a nice shine.

Your machine might have a filter to collect lint and debris that is drained during a wash. John Riha, writing for the National Association of Realtors' home improvement site HouseLogic, says the owner's manual will let you know if your machine has this filter and how to clean it.

One way to keep soap scum from building up in the washer is to use an appropriate amount of detergent. DiClerico says you should check the lines on the detergent cap to determine how much detergent you should use for the load size you are running.