``Recently, the clothes I've been drying in the drum-type washing machine are kind of disgusting...'' ``I feel like they take longer to dry than before.'' Have you ever experienced that?
Actually, the cause may be mold and dust that has accumulated on the back side of the washing tub or the heat pump part. In many cases, dirt is stuck in areas that commercially available laundry tank cleaners cannot reach, and cannot be removed without disassembly cleaning.
But there are many things that you don't understand, such as, ``How much does it cost to disassemble and clean?'' ``Can I do it myself?'' ``Who should I ask?'' In this article, we will explain everything from the price market as of February 2026, how to choose a contractor, and the scope of self-maintenance that you can do yourself.
What exactly does disassembly and cleaning do? Differences from ordinary tank cleaning
First, let's understand the difference between "disassembly cleaning" and "tank cleaning".
For ordinary tank cleaning, simply add a commercially available cleaner (chlorine-based/oxygen-based) and run the washing machine. Although it is easy to do, the drawback is that it only cleans the surface of the washing tub.
On the other hand, in disassembly cleaning, a professional removes the panel and drum of the washing machine and directly cleans the parts that are normally invisible, such as the back of the washing tub, drainage path, drying duct, heat pump unit, etc. According to Osouji Honpo's official website, the drum-type cleaning takes about 3 to 4 hours.
Roughly speaking, tank cleaning is like "brushing your teeth," and disassembly cleaning is like "cleaning at the dentist." Ideally, you should do both.
If these symptoms occur, it's a sign that it's time to disassemble and clean! Checklist
If any of the following symptoms apply to you, it's time to consider disassembling and cleaning.
- Drying time is longer than before——Dust buildup in the drying duct or heat pump reduces drying efficiency
- The clothes smell moldy or half-dried after drying——Panasonic official FAQAccording to the official Panasonic FAQ, mold and bacteria may be growing on the back side of the washing tub
- Brown or black stains (seaweed-like stains) on clothes——This is a lump of mold that has fallen off from the back of the washing tub
- Even if you clean the drain filter, dirt accumulates quickly——This is a sign that a large amount of dust has accumulated inside
- Has not been disassembled and cleaned in the three years since purchase——According to professionals posted on Kurashi no Market, disassembly and cleaning is recommended once every two to three years
By the way, Sharp Trouble Diagnosis Navi says that if you smell a "burning smell," there is a possibility that there is a problem with the main unit, so you should contact the manufacturer for repair rather than cleaning it. Keep in mind that the treatment will vary depending on the type of odor.
How much does disassembly and cleaning cost? [As of February 2026]
The cost of disassembling and cleaning a drum-type washing machine is generally higher than that of a vertical-type washing machine. This is because the structure is complex and requires specialized knowledge to disassemble and assemble.
We have summarized the approximate market prices as of February 2026.
| Request destination | Estimated price | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Major companies (Osouji Honpo, etc.) | About 30,000 to 40,000 yen | Nationwide availability, unified manual, and peace of mind |
| Individual businesses listed on the Living Market | Approx. 20,000 to 35,000 yen | Choose based on word of mouth/There is a wide range of prices |
| Manufacturer official cleaning (Sharp, etc.) | Approx. 35,000 to 50,000 yen | Genuine support and warranty for peace of mind |
According to Mitsmore's research, the average cost of cleaning a drum-type washing machine is approximately 28,000 yen. However, additional charges may apply depending on the manufacturer and model. It is especially important to check models with complicated structures such as Hitachi's Beat Wash.
In other words, it is OK as long as you think of a rough estimate of 20,000 to 40,000 yen.
How to choose a contractor—5 points to avoid failure
If you choose a place that is cheap, you may regret it. Check out the five points below.
1. Is it compatible with drum-type disassembly and cleaning
It's surprisingly easy to overlook, but many companies don't support drum-type disassembly and cleaning. If you request a company that only supports vertical formats, you may be refused, so be sure to check before making a reservation.
2. Is it compatible with my model
It may not be possible depending on the manufacturer or model year. It is best to tell us the model number when making a reservation.
3. Check reviews and track record
On platforms such as Kurashino Market, you can see the number of reviews and ratings, which can be helpful. Reviews with photos will give you peace of mind.
4. Check the range included in the price
Even if it is called "disassembly and cleaning," it depends on the company whether it includes the drying duct or not. Check in advance to see if there are any additional fees or if travel expenses are included.
5. Do you have liability insurance?
It is important to check whether the contractor has liability insurance in case of any breakdown or water leakage. Major companies are basically members, but if you are an individual company, it is a good idea to check.
How much can you do on your own? How to do self-maintenance
For those who say, ``I don't want to hire a professional, but I still want to do daily maintenance,'' we will introduce maintenance that you can do yourself.
What you should do once a month: Tank cleaning course
Perform the "tank cleaning" program installed in your washing machine at least once a month. It is common to use a chlorine-based laundry tank cleaner. Genuine manufacturer's products are safe, but commercially available products are also OK.
What you should do every time: Cleaning the drain filter
After using the dryer, remove the dust that has accumulated in the drainage filter (lint filter). If you skip this, the drying efficiency will drop drastically.
What you should do every time: Cleaning the drying filter
It is also recommended to clean the dry filter every time. Accumulation of dust not only prolongs drying time but also causes malfunction.
What to do once a week: Wipe and clean the door gasket
The drum-type rubber gasket is prone to water accumulation and mold growth. Simply wiping the water with a dry cloth will also help.
What not to do: disassembling it yourself
According to the Mitsmore article, drum-type washing machines are much more complex than vertical ones, and it is not recommended to disassemble them yourself. There is a high risk of failure due to incorrect installation of parts or disconnection of wiring, and in the worst case, repair costs (from tens of thousands of yen to replacement) will be required.
In short, the correct answer is to clean the filter and tank yourself, but have a professional disassemble it.
FAQ
How often should I have my drum-type washing machine disassembled for cleaning?
Professional recommendation is once every 2-3 years. A good guideline is every two years for households that use the drying function every day, and every three years for households that use it infrequently. If you notice that the drying time is taking longer or you start to notice a smell, please contact us as soon as possible.
Is there a risk that my washing machine will break if I ask it to be disassembled and cleaned?
If you ask a reliable professional, there is almost no risk. However, washing machines that have been manufactured for more than 10 years may be damaged when disassembled due to deterioration of parts, so consult with the manufacturer in advance. You can feel safe by choosing a company that has liability insurance.
Can't you remove mold with tank cleaning cleaner alone?
Although it is effective against superficial mold and bacteria, it cannot reach the stubborn dirt behind the washing tub or inside the heat pump/drying duct. The cleaner is only used for preventive maintenance, and it is necessary to disassemble and clean the accumulated dirt.
Can I ask for disassembly and cleaning even in a rented house?
If it is a washing machine that you purchased, there is no problem. If you are using a built-in washing machine, it is good manners to check with your landlord or management company in advance. A space of approximately 1m x 2m is required in front of the washing machine as a work space.
References
- Washing machine cleaning | Osouji Honpo — Osouji Honpo official website
- Compare washing machine (washing tub) cleaning / drum type by price and reviews — Living Market
- If you are concerned about the smell | Washing machines in general — Panasonic official FAQ
- I'm concerned about the smell | Drum type washer/dryer trouble diagnosis navigation — Sharp
- How much does washing machine cleaning cost? Compare the market price of drum type and vertical type disassembly and cleaning — Mitumoa
- Can you disassemble and clean your washing machine yourself? — Mitumore
