How to Clean a Top-Load Washing Machine The Right Way?

by Radost P. PUBLISHED Jul 10, 2023

Advertising

In This Article

How to Clean a Top-Load Washing Machine Properly? Here Are Expert Tips!

How to effectively remove residue buildup in your top-load washing machine? How to ensure that your clothes are always fresh and smell nice? How often to clean a top-load washing machine?

How to Clean a Top-Load Washing Machine Properly? Here Are Expert Tips!

While washing your clothes at a low temperature is beneficial for the environment and your bills, this has other negative effects on your washing machine. For example, more bacteria and residue might get stuck there. So, what to do in this situation?

Ensure That Your Washer is Empty

Advertising

The very first thing to do is to make sure that the washer drum is not filled with clothes. In addition, check out whether there is a detergent or fabric softeners in the dispensers – there should not be. Afterward, prepare the following three things – distilled white vinegar, chlorine bleach, and a dishwashing liquid.

Select Cycle Settings

The next thing is to choose the longest wash cycle and hottest water temperature. Some of the materials and tools that you will need are the following – a small bowl, microfiber cloth, a toothbrush, measuring cup, and a stove top.

Filling The Machine With Hot Water

What you have to do now is to let the washer drum be filled with hot water, yet do not forget to stop the cycle before it starts to agitate.

You Need Liquid Chlorine Bleach

Put around 4–5 cups of chlorine bleach into the washer drum. The important thing to keep in mind is not to mix white vinegar with bleach, as the combo can produce dangerous chlorine gas. Even though you are using just chlorine bleach, it is good to open the windows.

Re-Set the Washer Settings

Before you move on to the next step of cleaning a top-load washing machine, ensure that the liquid bleach solution is removed. Leave the washer turned on while running through the longest wash-and-rinse cycle.

Take Care of The Dispensers

Unless the dispensers of your washer are removable, you will have to do something else in order to properly clean them. Heat a cup of white vinegar on a stove top until it is warm enough. Pour this solution in the fabric softener dispensers and leave it like that for about 20 minutes. In case the dispensers are removable, leave them in a sink with hot water and add 1 cup of vinegar. If there is still any residue, use a toothbrush to remove it.

Fill the Drum of Your Machine With Hot Water

When the dispensers are freshly cleaned and in their place, you should fill the washer drum with hot water again. The machine’s settings must be the longest wash cycle and largest load. Again, the experts recommend stopping the cycle before the washer starts to agitate.

Clean a Top-Load Washing Machine With Vinegar

Now is the moment to add about 4 cups of distilled white vinegar into the hot water in the washer drum. Then, leave the machine to fully complete the wash-and-drain cycle.

Wipe Down The Exterior

Just like you are taking care of the interior of your washing machine, it is also important to clean the exterior part. You need a mix of several drops of dishwashing liquid and warm water. Dip a cloth into this solution and wipe away the grime and dust that have accumulated throughout the past few months. Use an old toothbrush for hard-to-reach and tight corners.

How Often Should I Clean My Top-Load Washing Machine – What The Experts Say?

Experts in this field suggest cleaning your washing machine at least two-three times per year. Except for this, make sure that you do not use way too much detergent or fabric softener, as these may cause unnecessary buildup of residue. To prevent causing damage to electronic buttons and controls, avoid placing laundry or cleaning products onto the top of your washing machine.

Should I Leave My Washer Running While I’m Away From Home?

No matter for which home appliance we are talking about (washing machine included), you should absolutely not leave it turned on while you are not at home! You never know when a malfunction will happen that could lead to a flood or fire.