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Do you own a top loading washing machine? Do you know how to clean it? Have no fear, because we will share with you the best way to clean your top-loading washing machine.
It’s easy and doesn’t take too much time! Just keep on reading because we have some great tips for how to clean your washing machine top loader!
How to Clean a Washing Machine With Bleach
Before we take the step-by-step process, let check if you have the material needed for this cleaning.
What You Will Need:
- Chlorine bleach
- Distilled white vinegar
- Dishwashing liquid
- Microfiber cloth
- Old toothbrush or small scrub brush
- Measuring cup
- Small bowl
- Microwave or stovetop
- Sink or bucket
- Small saucepan
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1. Check if the washer is empty
Verify that all clothes are emptied from the washer’s drum. Also, the dispensers should not contain any detergent or fabric softener.
Step 2. Set water temperature and cycle settings
The hottest water setting should be selected. Also, make sure you select the largest load setting and the longest wash cycle.
Step 3. Fill with hot water
Start the washing machine cycle with hot water but stop it before the drum begins to agitate.
Step 4. Mix the chlorine bleach
A quart of liquid chlorine bleach (4 cups) should be added to the washer drum.
Warning!
The distilled white vinegar should not be added to the chlorine bleach. Combining the products results in a toxic chlorine gas that is dangerous even in small amounts. Open windows to ensure good ventilation, or if you have a laundry exhaust fan, turn it on if you are sensitive to chlorine bleach’ odor.
Step 5. Let the washer run its complete cycle
You should let the washing machine run through its longest wash, rinse, and spin cycle. Be sure to remove the chlorine bleach completely before continuing.
Step 6. Clean the dispensers (detergent and fabric softener)
Dispensers that are removable can be submerged in a bucket or sink full of hot water. Let them soak for 15 minutes in one cup of heated distilled white vinegar.
If your dispensers cannot be removed, heat one cup of distilled white vinegar in a microwaveable cup or on a stovetop. It does not have to be boiling, it just needs to be very warm. Allow the heated vinegar to sit in the dispensers for at least 15 minutes to loosen any residue.
After soaking for 15 minutes, you can brush out any remaining residue with an old toothbrush or small bottle brush. Before moving on to the next step, put the dispensers back in the washer.
Step 7. Fill up the washer with hot water again
After cleaning the dispensers, fill the washer drum once again with hot water. Ensure that the washer’s settings remain large load and long wash cycle. Before the washer starts agitating, stop the cycle.
Step 8. Mix distilled white vinegar
To the hot water in the drum, add one quart (4 cups) of distilled white vinegar.
Step 9. Allow the washer to complete the cycle
Let the washing machine finishes the cycle of washing, spinning, and draining.
Step 10. Clean the outer part of the washer
After you have cleaned the interior of your washer, you should clean the outer housing as well.
Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to warm water. Take a microfiber cloth and dip it in the solution, then wring it out to remove as much water.
Wipe the top and sides of the washer to remove dust, grime, and laundry product drips. Be sure to wipe the knobs and electronic panels as well.
For tight corners and places on the lid, use an old toothbrush dipped in the cleaning solution.
Clean a Washing Machine Top Load With Baking Soda and Vinegar [Video]
Just in case you don’t have chlorine bleach in your house, then you can use baking soda and vinegar to clean your washing machine.
Watch this!
How Often to Clean a Top Load Washing Machine
It is recommended to clean every top-load washer twice a year. In order to prevent clogs, you should clean the automatic dispensers that you use for each load on a monthly basis.
If you live in an area with hard water, mineral deposits can clog the washer hoses, as well as the washer tub. You should clean the washer at least once every three months.
Unlike standard top-load washers with a center agitator, high-efficiency top-loaders use less water. Therefore, they should be cleaned more often – at least every three months.
Tips to Keep Your Washer Clean
Here are a few tips on how to keep clean your washing machine.
- Putting laundry products on top of a washer is never a good idea. The electronic controls may get damaged if spills occur.
- When you use too much detergent, it will leave a residue and harden on your washing machine. Pods make it easy, but if you are using a liquid, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Only use the right amount of detergent.
- Keep the drum and seals dry after each load if you live in a humid area to prevent mold and mildew growth.
- Leave the door open after use so it can dry and prevent smells.
- As soon as your laundry is done, transfer it to the dryer. Mold and mildew can grow on wet clothing left in the washer.
FAQs
The use of malt vinegar for cleaning is not recommended. Compared to white vinegar, malt (or brown) vinegar has a much stronger smell, which makes it less suitable for cleaning
While the instructions show 4 cups of vinegar, many have been using only 2 cups or less. We preferred 4 cups because it increases the effectiveness, but you can also use 2 cups if your washer is not so dirty.
A bleach solution kills bacteria, mold, and mildew, and a vinegar solution dissolves soap scum and mineral deposits. So both are useful in cleaning your washing machine.
Conclusion
We hope these steps helped you keep your washer clean and fresh. If you want your washing to last longer, then you need to clean it regularly.
Drop some comments below if this article helped at all! If not, let us know what we can do to improve our blog posts in the future.
