You open the lid expecting the scent of fresh laundry, but a wave of mildew hits you instead. It is ironic, isn’t it? The machine designed to clean your clothes needs a bath itself. If you ignore it, that funk transfers to your favorite outfits.
Thankfully, you can fix this easily. Making deep cleaning a part of your routine prevents odors and extends the life of your appliance. Here is how to clean a top load washer the right way.
Key Takeaways
- Deep clean your top load washer every 3 months, or monthly if you live in a humid climate.
- Run a hot cycle with bleach to sanitize, followed by a separate hot cycle with vinegar to descale buildup.
- Safety First: Never mix bleach and vinegar directly, as this creates dangerous chlorine gas.
- Leave the lid open between loads to prevent mold growth and keep the drum dry.
How Often Should I Clean My Top Load Washer?
You should clean your top load washing machine at least twice a year. However, most experts recommend a deep clean every three months. This schedule prevents detergent buildup and odors.
Do you have hard water? You might need to clean it more often. Hard water leaves mineral deposits that clog hoses and coat the drum. Aim for a quarterly cleaning schedule to combat this.
High efficiency (HE) machines also require more attention. These models use less water, so they do not flush away residue as effectively as older models. If you own an HE washer, stick to a strict three-month cleaning cycle.
Finally, consider your climate. Humidity encourages mold and mildew growth. If you live in a humid area, clean your washer once a month to keep fungus at bay.
How to Clean Top Loading Washing Machine
This two-step process is the gold standard for top loaders. First, you will use bleach to kill bacteria and mold. Second, you will use vinegar to dissolve soap scum and mineral deposits.
Safety Warning: Perform these as two separate cycles. Never mix bleach and vinegar. Combining them creates lethal chlorine gas.
- Time: 2-4 hours (includes soaking time)
- Difficulty: Beginner
What You’ll Need
Gather these supplies before you start.
- Microfiber cloths
- Liquid chlorine bleach
- Distilled white vinegar
- Dish soap
- Old toothbrush
- Small bucket or bowl
- Measuring cup
- Spray bottle
Step 1: The Bleach Cycle
Bleach is your sanitizer. It penetrates the tiny holes in the drum to kill the bacteria causing the smell.
1. Empty the Washer
Check the drum carefully. Remove any clothes, wet towels, or that one missing sock hiding at the bottom. Check the dispenser drawers and remove any leftover detergent or softener.
2. Select Your Settings
If your machine has a specific “Self-Clean” cycle, select it now. If not, manually set your washer to the hottest water temperature, the largest load size, and the longest wash duration available. Start the cycle and let the drum fill with water.
3. Add Bleach and Soak
Once the water fills up, but before the agitation starts, pour 4 cups of liquid bleach directly into the water. Close the lid and let the machine agitate for about 1 minute to mix the solution.
Open the lid (or press pause) to stop the cycle. Let the bleach water sit in the drum for 1 hour. This soaking period is critical for killing mold. If your machine drains automatically after a few minutes of pausing, you may need to skip the soak, but the clean will be less effective.
Warning
Do not add vinegar yet. Ensure the bleach cycle is 100% complete and the drum is drained before moving to the next step.
4. Finish the Cycle
After the hour is up, close the lid and let the machine run through the rest of the wash, rinse, and spin cycles. This flushes the bleach out of the system.
Step 2: The Vinegar Cycle
Now you will deep clean the washing machine with vinegar. This acidic step tackles hard water deposits and soap scum.
1. Scrub the Dispensers
While the machine is empty, tackle the removable parts. Heat 1 cup of vinegar in the microwave until it is hot but not boiling.
Remove the detergent and fabric softener dispensers. Soak them in a bucket of hot water mixed with the hot vinegar for 15 minutes. If they are not removable, simply pour the hot vinegar into the dispenser and let it sit.
Use an old toothbrush to scrub away the sticky gunk. Rinse them well and replace them.
2. Start the Hot Cycle
Set your washer again: hottest water, largest load, longest cycle. Let the drum fill with hot water.
3. Add Vinegar
Pour 4 cups of white vinegar into the water. If you want extra scrubbing power, you can add ½ cup of baking soda, but do so carefully as it will fizz.
Close the lid and let it agitate for 1 minute. Pause the machine (or open the lid) and let this mixture soak for 1 hour.
4. Rinse It Out
Close the lid and let the cycle finish. The vinegar will rinse away, taking the loosened mineral deposits with it.
Step 3: Exterior and Details
The inside is clean, but the nooks and crannies harbor dust and grime.
1. Mix Your Cleaner
Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. You don’t need heavy chemicals here; mild soap works best for the enamel and plastic parts.
2. Wipe the Exterior
Dip a microfiber cloth into the soapy water. Wipe down the front, sides, and top of the machine. Pay special attention to the knobs, buttons, and the control panel. These high-touch areas collect oils from your hands.
3. Clean the Lid and Rim
Open the lid. Dirt often collects in the gap between the metal drum and the plastic top rim. Dip your toothbrush in the soapy water and scrub this crevice. Wipe down the inside of the lid as well.
4. Tackle the Agitator
The agitator cap often traps lint and fabric softener. If your model allows, pop the cap off the top of the agitator. Clean the underside and the inside of the post with your toothbrush. Rinse and replace it.
5. Dry Everything
Use a fresh, dry microfiber cloth to wipe the drum and exterior. Leaving it dry prevents immediate moisture buildup.
Tips To Keep Your Washer Clean
Maintenance is easier than deep cleaning. Follow these habits to prevent buildup.
- Air it out: Always leave the lid open after a load. This allows moisture to evaporate, preventing mold growth.
- Use hot water occasionally: If you strictly wash with cold water, run a hot cycle once a month to flush out grease and detergent residue.
- Dose correctly: Using too much detergent creates excess suds that trap dirt in the machine. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Clean the trap: Clean your washing machine’s lint filter regularly. A clogged filter recirculates dirty water.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Grey Sludge on Clothes
If you see grey, greasy marks on your laundry, your machine has “scrud.” This is a waxy buildup of fabric softener and detergent. To fix this, stop using fabric softener for a few weeks and run the vinegar cleaning cycle described above.
Persistent Mold
If bleach doesn’t kill the mold smell, the mold might be hiding behind the drum or in the drain pump. You may need to remove the top panel to access these areas (consult your manual) or hire a professional. Bleach kills surface mold, but deep-rooted colonies require physical scrubbing.
FAQs
Why Does My Top Load Washer Stink?
Your top load washer usually develops a musty smell due to trapped moisture and residue. Detergent and fabric softener build up in the drum, creating a food source for bacteria and mold.
Can Vinegar Damage Your Washing Machine?
Frequent use of vinegar can damage rubber seals and hoses over time due to its acidity. However, using it diluted for a cleaning cycle once every few months is generally safe for most machines.
Can Bleach Damage Your Washing Machine?
Bleach is safe if used correctly. However, it is corrosive in high concentrations. Always dilute it with water and never use more than one cup per gallon of water. Check your user manual for specific warnings.
Where is the Washing Machine Filter On a Top Loader?
Locations vary by model. It is often located inside the center agitator (under the cap), along the top rim of the drum, or behind a small door on the front exterior of the machine.
Can I Use Regular OxiClean to Clean My Washing Machine?
Yes, OxiClean is an effective cleaner. Add one scoop of the powder to the drum and run a hot cycle. It helps break down organic matter and odor-causing bacteria without the harsh fumes of bleach.
Why Does My House Smell Like Rotten Eggs When I Do Laundry?
A rotten egg smell usually indicates a sewer gas issue. The drain trap may have dried out, or the vent pipe is blocked. This allows sewer gas to back up into the laundry room.
Can I Use Dishwasher Tablets to Clean My Washing Machine?
It is not recommended. Dishwasher tablets are formulated for high heat and specific food grease, which creates different sudsing action than laundry detergent. Using them in a washer may cause overflow or pump issues. Stick to washing machine cleaner tablets or the bleach/vinegar method.
How to Clean Washing Machine Top Loader
A clean washer equals clean clothes. By running a bleach cycle followed by a vinegar cycle, you strip away the grime that soap leaves behind. Add this easy routine to your calendar every few months, and you will never have to hold your breath when opening the lid again.
