Keeping your top-load washing machine clean is essential for ensuring your clothes come out fresh, clean, and free of residue each wash. A dirty washing machine can cause odors, mildew buildup, and even mechanical issues over time. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn how to deep clean a top-load washer to keep How to Clean a Top-Load Washing Machine running optimally.
Supplies Needed
Before diving into the cleaning process, you’ll need to gather the proper supplies. Here’s what we recommend having on hand:
- White vinegar – Helps dissolve detergent residue and mineral deposits
- Baking soda – Deodorizes and scours away grime
- Liquid dish soap – Cuts through grease and grime
- Old towels – For wiping down surfaces
- Soft brush or toothbrush – For scrubbing tight areas
- Bucket – For mixing cleaning solutions
- Rubber gloves – To protect your hands
Optional but helpful extras include an old toothbrush, laundry machine cleaner, microfiber cloths, and a flashlight to see all the nooks and crannies. Avoid abrasive scouring pads or powders that could scratch the machine’s surfaces.
Preparing to Clean
Before cleaning, prep your washer:
- Empty the machine – Remove any clothing or debris inside
- Unplug the unit – For safety while cleaning
- Let tub come to room temperature – So cleaning solutions work best
- Prepare your supplies – Mix solutions and gather tools before starting
- Protect floor from drips – Place an old towel under the washer door
Once prepped, you’re ready to tackle each part of the machine.
Cleaning the Machine Exterior
Let’s start with the machine’s exterior. Here’s how to clean the outside of a top-load washer:
Wipe Down Surfaces
- With a damp microfiber cloth, wipe down the washer’s outer drum, lid, control panel, and side surfaces. Remove any dust and dirt buildup.
Spot Clean Stubborn Grime
- For stubborn dirt or sticky spills on the washer’s exterior, spray a small amount of liquid dish soap onto the area. Let it sit briefly to penetrate grime.
- Gently scrub the dirty spot with an old toothbrush or non-abrasive sponge. Take care not to scratch the finish.
- Rinse area thoroughly with a clean damp cloth. Dry with a dry towel.
Disinfect With Vinegar
- For extra disinfecting power, spray undiluted white vinegar onto all exterior surfaces.
- Let the vinegar sit for 2-3 minutes before wiping clean with a damp cloth.
Dry Thoroughly
- Double check that all exterior surfaces are wiped dry. Moisture left behind could allow mold or mildew growth.
And that’s it for the outside! Now let’s focus on the inside.
Cleaning the Washing Machine Drum
Here’s how to thoroughly clean the washing machine drum:
Remove Built-Up Residue
- First, check the washer drum for any built-up residue or spots. Soap scum, lint, minerals, and grime can accumulate.
- For light residue, spray surface with undiluted white vinegar and let sit 5 minutes before wiping clean with a damp cloth.
- For heavier grime, make a paste with 2 tbsp baking soda and 1 tbsp liquid dish soap. Spread paste onto affected areas of the drum. Let sit 10 minutes before scrubbing away. Rinse clean.
Sanitize with Vinegar or Bleach
- To fully sanitize and deodorize the drum, pour 1-2 cups of white vinegar or bleach into the empty drum.
- Run a hot wash cycle (with no clothes) to let the vinegar or bleach solution sanitize the drum.
Dry the Drum
- After sanitizing wash cycle completes, wipe down drum with a dry towel to absorb any excess moisture.
- Leave the door open to air dry the machine and prevent mold growth.
Cleaning the Door Gasket
Don’t neglect the washing machine door gasket when cleaning. Follow these steps:
- Pull back the rubber door gasket carefully to expose hidden areas.
- Check for trapped lint and dirt buildup within folding crevices. Remove debris.
- Spray white vinegar onto gasket and crevices. Allow to sit 2-3 minutes.
- Wipe down gasket folds with an old toothbrush and rinse clean.
- Leave gasket pulled back until machine is fully dry to prevent mold growth.
Cleaning the Detergent Dispenser
The detergent dispenser should be deep cleaned regularly:
Remove the Dispenser
- To remove the detergent dispenser, simply pull it straight out. Most models have an easy open access panel.
Wash With Soap and Water
- With dispenser removed, thoroughly wash all surfaces with warm soapy water. Use a small brush to dislodge stuck-on gunk and residue.
- Rinse dispenser tray and lid thoroughly before replacing.
Baking Soda Treatment
- For periodic deep cleaning, fill dispenser tray with 1 cup baking soda and add 1 cup white vinegar. Let foam bubble up to penetrate and dissolve residue. Rinse well.
- Wipe the dispenser dry before replacing in the machine.
Cleaning the Water Inlet Filters
Don’t forget to clean the washing machine’s inlet water filters periodically:
- Locate the inlet valve on the back of the washer. Unscrew the water hose to access the filter screens behind.
- Rinse away any debris buildup around filter screens. Soak in vinegar solution if needed to dissolve mineral deposits.
- Use a small brush to dislodge stubborn limescale or dirt around filters.
- Rinse filters thoroughly before reattaching hoses.
Draining Residual Water
There may be stagnant water lingering in the hoses or pump between washes. To drain:
- Locate the drain hose, typically at lower back of machine. Unclip hose.
- Place drain hose end in bucket on floor below machine. Water will empty from hose.
- Once drained, reattach drain hose securely.
Tip: Repeat draining process 1-2 times per year to keep hoses fresh.
Cleaning Under the Agitator
If your washing machine has an agitator in the center, be sure to clean beneath it:
- Remove the agitator cap on top by twisting counterclockwise. Lift cap straight up.
- Reach under agitator and pull straight up to remove whole column.
- Clean built-up grime around agitator bottoms with small brush and vinegar.
- Replace agitator column and cap once complete.
Preventing Odors and Mildew
Follow these tips to prevent odors and mildew growth in your washer:
- Leave washer door open between uses so interior can dry thoroughly.
- Use odor removing wash cycles monthly, such as tub clean or sanitize settings if available.
- Run empty vinegar or bleach cycles to sanitize periodically.
- Scrub gasket folds often to remove trapped moisture and residue where mildew grows.
- Dry entire gasket after each use, including folds.
- Unload washer promptly once cycles finish.
With proper care and cleaning, your top-load washing machine can stay fresh and provide odor-free laundry for years. Don’t forget to refer back to these steps on how to clean a washing machine whenever it needs a refresh! Let us know if you have any other tips or tricks for getting a sparkling clean top-load washer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you clean a top-load washing machine?
We recommend deep cleaning your top-load washer every 3-6 months for optimal performance. Do quick wipe downs after each use to prevent buildup.
What’s the best way to clean washing machine gasket?
Use an old toothbrush and baking soda paste to scrub away residue in gasket folds. Spray with vinegar and wipe clean. Leave door open after washing to dry out moisture where mildew grows.
Why does my washer smell bad even after cleaning?
Odors after cleaning could indicate residual buildup or moisture trapped somewhere. Remove and clean the dispenser drawer, run empty vinegar cycles, and leave door open between washes to dry out any hidden moisture.
What should you not use to clean a washing machine?
Avoid abrasive scouring pads, stiff brushes, and acidic cleaners like chloride bleach. These can damage surfaces. Baking soda, liquid dish soap, vinegar and soft brushes are recommended.
What removes limescale from a washing machine?
White vinegar is excellent for breaking down mineral deposits from limescale. Let vinegar sit to dissolve buildup before rinsing. Use a toothbrush for tough deposits.
Conclusion
Keeping a top-load washing machine clean is easy with some basic maintenance. Follow these steps for how to deep clean a top-load washer every few months to remove residue, prevent odors, and keep clothes coming out fresh and clean. Focus on the drum, gasket, dispensers and all surfaces. With the proper cleaning tools and solutions like vinegar and baking soda, you can remove grime and decalcify your machine. Implement preventative care tips between deep cleans, like leaving the door open to dry out moisture. With our guidance on fully cleaning a top-load washing machine, you can ensure this appliances stays odor-free and functions optimally for years to come.