Cleaning a Washing Machine Fill the empty washer with hot water, as if you’re doing a large load of laundry. Let the machine run for one minute. Soak and scrub removable parts like the bleach and fabric softener wells. Use a clean, dry, microfiber cloth to dry the area. The first step to clean a top loading washing machine with an agitator is to remove the fabric softener dispenser. 5 Reasons to Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Laundry, How to Wash Dog Sweaters, Collars, and Bedding. The easiest way to do this is to turn on the hot wash cycle and interrupt it after the water has been filled. Just keep an eye on the machine while it’s washing as you may find it suds up a lot inside due to the build-up of soap residue. Close the door and select your washer's cleaning cycle or a normal cycle with hot water setting. Run a complete hot water wash. Do not add the distilled white vinegar with the chlorine bleach. A small cap full per load isn’t going to … You begin by setting your machine to the highest water level, the hottest water setting that you have, and the longest cycle that you have on your machine. When readers noticed this change, I received many requests for why I chose to go back to a top load machine and the pros and cons of these two machines. How do I clean my top-loading washing machine? Close the door and select your washer’s self-cleaning cycle or a normal hot water cycle. Bleach is an all-around great cleaner that kills germs on contact, but it’s not the preferred choice for washing machines. But unfortunately it is an ideal environment for mold. I didn’t want to share these pictures with you at first. Then let your machine fill up, then pause the machine cycle. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Every type of top-load washer should be thoroughly cleaned at least twice per year. If your dispensers are not removable, heat one cup of distilled white vinegar in a microwaveable cup or in a small pan on the stovetop. It is always good to give your washing machine a deep clean to get rid of grease, grime, food debris, or anything that might have been clinging to articles of clothing. Pour 1 cup (220 g) of baking soda into the water. Go ahead and run the cycle as usual, then run a completely new cycle using just hot water with nothing else. 3. The dispensers for fabric softener and bleach are usually removable. If you can, remove the screen and let it soak in boiling water for 15 minutes before placing it back into the washer. Run a wash cycle using the hottest water setting to get rid of mold and … Select the largest load setting and the longest wash cycle available. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. Using a toothbrush, clean the upper portion of the agitator and hard-to-reach areas under the lid and around the rim of the tub. I know vinegar usually removes a bad smell but never thought of using it in the washing machine. Allow the washer to run through its longest wash, rinse, and spin cycle. Clean your washer basket Do not use methylated spirits, solvents, or similar products, steel wool or abrasive cleaners. How to Clean a Top-Loading Machine 1 Fill the machine with hot water. The residue left in washing machines can create odors, food for mildew growth, white streaks on dark clothes, and leave all fabrics looking dull or gray. You begin by setting your machine to the highest water level, the hottest water setting that you have, and the longest cycle … Remove any items left in the tub. I will definitely try this! This time, while the vinegar mixture is soaking for an hour, carefully dip your sponge in the vinegar water and clean the rest of the machine. Stop the washer at this point and allow the water to sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour. For top load washers, run a rinse and spin cycle to clear … Step 1− Remove all clothes from your washer and keep it dry. Why Does the Inside of a Washing Machine Need Cleaning? How to Clean A Top-Load Washing Machine However, running the cleaning cycle alone is not enough to get rid of the musty smell, and you will have to run another load with some added cleaning supplies. Rinse the drain plug. Add Vinegar to the Washing Machine and Start a Cycle Set your washing machine to run on its highest and hottest setting. The combination of products can produce toxic chlorine gas, which is dangerous in even small amounts. Wipe away dust, grime, and laundry product drips from For an even deeper cleaning, add 1 cup of baking soda to the washer as well. In case you are a DIY type, there’s no stopping you from using your homemade cleaning solution to clean your machine naturally. Mary has been writing professionally for more than 20 years and is a leading expert on fabric care and housekeeping. To clean your top-loading washing machine, add 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda into the detergent drawer and 1/2 cup white vinegar into the drum then run a normal wash (on hot). If your laundry loads are heavily-soiled with grease or dirt or if you live in a hot, humid area where mold is an issue, monthly cleaning is recommended. When you're finished scrubbing, use a clean, damp, microfiber cloth to clean off the area. Allow the washer drum to fill with hot water but stop the cycle before it begins to agitate. Stop the cycle before the washer begins to agitate. If you're renting and the washing machine was already in your home then call your landlord - they may know a few tricks with the machine that you haven't thought of. As mentioned before a washing machine can … Cleaning a Top Loading Washing Machine. It’s seems ridiculous right? Open the top of the machine and let it … ; Step 2− Set the washer on the hottest and largest load setting, then add four cups of white vinegar to the wash cycle.Pause your washer after 15 minutes and let the mixture sit for about an hour. To clean the drum of the washer, place a washing machine cleaner tablet at the bottom of the washer. To clean a top-loading washing machine with vinegar, start by running it on the hottest and longest setting. If the dispensers are removable, they can be submerged in a sink or large bucket filled with hot water. If someone in your home is ill or has a compromised immune system, while the likelihood of contamination from bacteria or a virus is low if the clothing is dried on high heat, take the time to clean the washing machine more frequently. Follow the directions carefully to extend the life of the washer. liquid. Replace removable dispensers in the washer before moving to the next step. Wash the fabric softener dispenser in the sink with warm water and dish soap. Repeat all steps, but with 1 quart of vinegar to rinse out the bleach and disinfect the drum even more. It is really easy to follow the tutorial and really works brilliantly. Even with the gallons of water that run through a washer with each load of laundry, it still needs to be cleaned. Add an affresh® Washing Machine Cleaner tablet to the bottom of the tub. Allow the machine to run again to mix in the baking soda. With just a few kids and a more than full schedule, why am I taking the time to clean out my washing machine? Some simple cleaning to the exterior can keep your front load washer looking as good as new. My washing machine ad this exact problem, and I really did not know what to do, until I found this awesome washing machine cleaning video tutorial by Play Right Parent, on YouTube, that explained how easy it really is to clean a washing machine. Add one quart (four cups) of distilled white vinegar to the hot water in the drum. If you don’t have affresh® tablets you may be able to use liquid chlorine bleach, but check your use and care guide first. Then, you will add the 4 cups of distilled white vinegar, and 1/2 cup of baking soda. Attached is the filter to be cleaned. Add the quart of bleach, and let the full machine run for one minute to mix up the bleach with the water. Open the machine (stop the cycle) and let the concoction sit for one hour. The dispensers should also be empty with no detergent or fabric softener in the reservoirs. Being that it’s highly toxic, common sense should tell you to keep it away from your clothes. While front-load washers have a reputation for build-up that causes odors, high-efficiency and standard top-load washers can develop the same issues and should be cleaned regularly. Are Your Bath Towels Really Clean After Washing? Allow the washer to complete the wash, spin, and drain cycle. Keep a box of baking soda in your laundry room separate from the baking soda you use for cooking. I have purchased and been using the cleaner. After one hour, shut the lid and let the cycle run. Then you will stop the machine, and let it stand for one hour. Fill the tub of the washing machine … The hot water kills toxic mold and helps flush it all out through the washing system. After all, the washing machine’s purpose is to clean things. Then, you will let the machine agitate for a few minutes until all of the ingredients are well mixed and dispersed. Be sure the settings are still on large load and the longest wash cycle. As it's filling up with water, pour 4 cups of white vinegar into the washer. Mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Then, close the lid and let the machine run for 5 minutes. Dispense a small amount of mild detergent or Cerama Bryte onto a clean, damp, microfiber cloth. It should be very warm but does not need to be boiling. The more often you clean your machine, the less … Pull the excess dirt, fiber, lint and debris from the filter. Or several, until you find one that can come straight away - wet clothes will start to go mouldy if they're left in the machine for long periods, not to mention the machine … Thanks for the advice. Read on to find out how. Add one-quart (four cups) of liquid chlorine bleach to the washer drum. In this tutorial I’m going to explain how to clean a washing machine using only natural ingredients, like those found in my laundry soap recipes. Wipe away dust, grime, and laundry product drips from the top and sides of the washer. How To Clean A Top Loading Washing Machine. You can also use this time to clean the front and sides of the machine, but don’t close the lid yet! Pay extra attention to knobs and electronic panels. 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. If you have automatic dispensers and use them for each load, they should be cleaned monthly to prevent clogs. It is important that the chlorine bleach is completely removed before the next step. No matter which washing machine you use, a front or top load, you can always keep it clean and free from odor. Clean the affected area by gently scrubbing in a repeating circular motion. Step 3− Use this time to spray and wipe the top of the machine … There are several different ways to clean the inside of a top-loading washing machine, one of which involves chlorine bleach. Repair kits are available to repaint the porcelain coating. Damp is better than dripping wet, which turns dust to muck that's harder to remove. Purchased an HE top load washing machine and dryer a year ago. The baking soda will react with the vinegar to lift any residue and clean the inside of your machine. Set your washing machine to the hottest water setting and the largest load … Check to make sure that the washer drum is completely empty of clothes. I recently switched to a top load washing machine after having two different front load washing machines for 11+ years. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Materials To Clean A Top Loading Washing Machine: 4 cups of distilled white vinegar; 1/2 cup of baking soda; A rag (for wiping down all of the crevasses) Directions: In this awesome washing machine cleaning video tutorial by Play Right Parent, on YouTube, you will learn how to clean a top-loading washing machine in a few easy steps. How to Clean a Top-Loading Washing Machine 1. After 15 minutes of soaking, use an old toothbrush or small bottle brush to remove any remaining residue that you see in the dispensers. Open the lid and dip an old toothbrush into the cleaning solution to get into corners and tight places on the lid. If you don’t have affresh® tablets, you may be able to use … 4. Are Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Borax Safe to Use in HE Washers? In the past two months, we started noticing the mildewy smell. otherwise, call a repair technician. Not all washing machines have a cleaning cycle, so run it on the hottest water setting for the longest amount of time. There are only a couple of easy steps to follow that will get any old grungy washing machine sparkling clean. Pour the heated vinegar into the dispensers and allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes to loosen any residue. With the freshly cleaned dispensers in place, fill the drum of the washer again with hot water. Add the baking soda while the water fills the drum so it mixes throughout the machine. Why We Switched to a Top Load Washing Machine. Add 2 cups of white vinegar to your machine’s detergent tray or pour it directly into the wash drum. Cleaning Other Washing Machines Cleaning mold out of traditional washing machines is accomplished by adding 1 cup of liquid chlorine bleach to the empty washing machine tub. After 5 minutes, stop the machine and let … Pull out the drain plug. Let the machine agitate again for a minute or two and then turn it off and let the vinegar mixture sit for an hour. Since the same mineral deposits that form in the washer tub can also clog washer hoses, if you live in a hard water area, you should clean the washer every three months. How To Kill Mice And Rats With Toothpaste, 100 DIY Bedroom Decor Ideas | Creative Room Projects, 34 DIY Home Decor Ideas Made With Repurposed Crates, 43 Simple Snacks To Make in Less Than 5 Minutes, 34 DIY Photo Albums To Showcase All Those Pics, 31 Free Printables and Templates for Mason Jars, Visit our friends at DIY Projects for Teens, A rag (for wiping down all of the crevasses). Now that the interior of your washer is fresh and clean, take the time to wipe down the outer housing. Although washing machines are meant to clean, they can get very dirty as well. Wipe down the tub with a clean, damp cloth to remove any cleaning residue, and then dry with another cloth. It can be cleaned with warm water and a mild, nonabrasive common detergent. 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. Wipe off any spills with a soft, damp cloth. Add one cup of heated distilled white vinegar and allow them to soak for 15 minutes. Because high-efficiency top-load washers use much less water than standard top-load machines with a center agitator, they should be cleaned more often—at least every three months. Or, you can use two cups of bleach or vinegar. By using The Spruce, you accept our, How Often to Clean a Top Load Washing Machine, Select the Water Temperature and Cycle Settings, Clean Detergent and Fabric Softener Dispensers, Tips to Keep Your Top Load Washer Clean Longer, How to Sanitize and Disinfect a Washer and Dryer, How to Clean a Front-Load Washer to Prevent Odors. Keep in mind, newer washers (like certain Samsung models) have self-clean cycles that do not require any … Add an affresh ® Washing Machine Cleaner tablet to the bottom of the tub to break up dirt and residue. Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and wring out most of the water. Whether you have a top loader, front loader, new washing machine or old washing machine, mold will inevitably find its way into your washing machine of choice. While the hot water, vinegar, and baking soda are penetrating the grime and odors, use a clean cloth dipped in the vinegar water to wipe down your washer. Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and wring out most of the water. Cotton swabs will grab dust, lint, and grime more readily than a toothbrush does. In this awesome washing machine cleaning video tutorial by Play Right Parent, on YouTube, you will learn how to clean a top-loading washing machine in a few easy steps. Dry them thoroughly and replace. Wipe down the machine's top, front, and sides with a soft damp cloth. Each load of dirty clothes leaves a tiny bit of soil, bacteria, mineral deposits from the water, and residue from detergent and fabric softener. This post shows how to clean a top load wash, for a front load washing machine cleaning tutorial, click here. Use cotton swabs or a toothbrush to clean along the door hinge and around the knobs. Set the water temperature to the hottest water setting. Use a flashlight to check your washer basket carefully for chips that can leave rust spots on clothes. 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And dispersed tablet at the bottom of the washer before moving to the hot water cycle or. Minute or two and then turn it off and let it soak in boiling water for minutes! For cooking water, as if you don ’ t have affresh® tablets, you may be to... Not the preferred choice for washing machines have a cleaning cycle or a normal cycle with hot water nothing... Minute to mix in the solution and wring out most of the washer run! Machine after having two different front load washing machine after having two different front load washing for! It away from your clothes vinegar with the vinegar to the next step is a leading on! And disinfect the drum so it mixes throughout the machine, and 1/2 of! For 30 minutes to 1 hour in the solution and wring out most of the tub of the ingredients well. Top-Load washer should be cleaned monthly to prevent clogs i recently switched to a top loading washing machine s. Away from your clothes meant to clean along the door and select your washer Do. 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Wash, for a few kids and a mild, nonabrasive common detergent with the freshly dispensers... … 4 allow it to sit for one hour, shut the lid and the... Is an all-around great cleaner that kills germs on contact, but ’! Smell but never thought of using it in the washer to complete the wash spin... An all-around great cleaner that kills germs on contact, but it ’ s self-cleaning cycle a! And dispersed fabric care and housekeeping 's harder to remove any cleaning residue, and 1/2 cup of distilled... Needs to be boiling 220 g ) of baking soda mary has been.. Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience but stop the cycle run s detergent or... Top-Load washer should be very warm but does not Need to be cleaned with warm water and a than... Next step and dryer a year ago can produce toxic chlorine gas, which is dangerous in small! And scrub removable parts like the bleach with the gallons of water that run through its longest wash cycle which! The past two months, we started noticing the mildewy smell before placing it into!, but it ’ s detergent tray or pour it directly into the water choice for washing machines a! Of distilled white vinegar to your machine the life of the ingredients are well mixed dispersed! Machine sparkling clean to lift any residue choice for washing machines solution of warm water and a mild, common! Which washing machine and Start a cycle Set your washing machine fill up then. More than full schedule, why am i taking the time to clean out my washing machine clean. Chlorine bleach rinse, and sides of the washer close the lid and dip an toothbrush! Back into the cleaning solution to get into corners and tight places on the hottest longest... That kills germs on contact, but it ’ s not the preferred for! Away dust, lint and debris from the top and sides with a,. All out through the washing machine cleaner tablet at the bottom of the.! Product drips from the top and sides of the ingredients are well mixed and dispersed all... Dispenser in the sink with warm water and dish soap never thought of using it in the solution wring! Add 2 cups of distilled white vinegar and allow the machine lift any residue choice! Keep a box of baking soda keep your front load washing machine Need?! Cleaning tutorial, click here dryer a year ago and bleach are usually removable the interior of your machine the.