How to Clean a Top-Load Washing Machine

How to Clean a Top-Load Washing Machine

1. Empty the Washer

   Check to make sure that the washer drum is completely empty of clothes. The dispensers should also be empty with no detergent or fabric softener in the reservoirs.

2. Select the Water Temperature and Cycle Settings

   Set the water temperature to the hottest water setting. Select the largest load setting and the longest wash cycle available.

3. Fill the Washer With Water

   Allow the washer drum to fill with hot water but stop the cycle before it begins to agitate.

4. Add the Chlorine Bleach

   Add 1 quart (4 cups) of liquid chlorine bleach to the washer drum.

   Warning

   Do not add the distilled white vinegar with the chlorine bleach. The combination of products can produce toxic chlorine gas, which is dangerous in even small amounts. If you are sensitive to the odor of chlorine bleach, open windows to ensure good ventilation or turn on an exhaust fan in your laundry area if you have one.

5. Run the Complete Washer Cycle

   Allow the washer to run through its longest wash, rinse, and spin cycle. It is important that the chlorine bleach is completely removed before the next step.

6. Clean Detergent and Fabric Softener Dispensers

   If your dispensers are not removable, heat 1 cup of distilled white vinegar in a microwaveable cup or in a small pan on the stovetop. It should be very warm but does not need to be boiling. Pour the heated vinegar into the dispensers, and allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes to loosen any residue.

   If the dispensers are removable, they can be submerged in a sink or large bucket filled with hot water. Add 1 cup of heated distilled white vinegar, and allow them to soak for 15 minutes.

   After 15 minutes of soaking, use an old toothbrush or small bottle brush to remove any remaining residue that you see in the dispensers.

   Replace removable dispensers in the washer before moving to the next step.

7. Fill the Washer Again With Hot Water

   With the freshly cleaned dispensers in place, fill the drum of the washer again with hot water. Be sure the settings are still on large load and the longest wash cycle. Stop the cycle before the washer begins to agitate.

8. Add Distilled White Vinegar

   Add 1 quart (4 cups) of distilled white vinegar to the hot water in the drum.

9. Complete the Wash and Spin Cycle

   Allow the washer to complete the wash, spin, and drain cycle.

10. Clean the Outer Housing of the Washer

    Now that the interior of your washer is fresh and clean, take the time to wipe down the outer housing. Mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution, and wring out most of the water.

    Wipe away dust, grime, and laundry product drips from the top and sides of the washer. Pay extra attention to knobs and electronic panels.

    Open the lid and dip an old toothbrush into the cleaning solution to get into corners and tight places on the lid.

Tips to Keep Your Top Load Washer Clean Longer

• Overuse of detergent and fabric softener is one of the key culprits for dirty machines, as the excess product coats the inner workings of the machine, causing build up. Ditch the measuring cup from the manufacturer for a shot glass—1 shot per load is all you really need.
• If you live in a humid area, leave the lid open after each load to allow the drum and seals to dry out and reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth.
• Never place laundry products on top of the washer at any time. Spills can damage electronic controls.
• Use a flashlight to check your washer basket carefully for chips that can leave rust spots on clothes. Repair kits are available to repaint the porcelain coating. Follow the directions carefully to extend the life of the washer