Cleaning a washing machine is not complicated. How to Clean a Washing Machine – Top-Loading. Step 1: Pour 1 box of baking soda directly into the wash drum, then run washer on the longest and hottest setting. Be sure the settings are still on large load and the longest wash cycle. 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. And that is when bacteria, mold, and mildew start to grow in the washer. Set your washer to run the largest load with the hottest water, for the longest cycle. Steps To Clean Your Top Loading Washing Machine. You just successfully deep cleaned your washing machine. Add an affresh ® Washing Machine Cleaner tablet to the bottom of the tub to break up dirt and residue. Turn the washing machine to the hottest setting and the highest loading capacity. Cleaning your washing machine is mandatory to keep it functioning at its highest potential. 4 … Natural Washing Machine Cleaner Recipes. 1/2 cup borax or natural oxygen bleach; 1/2 cup washing soda; 1 quart white vinegar; 30 drops germ-fighting blend or tea tree essential oil (optional) The thought that the machine was actually getting moldy and dirty never crossed my mind. Replace removable dispensers in the washer before moving to the next step. Be sure to scrub all the way from the bottom of the barrel to the top to remove hard water deposits and detergent rings. 2. To clean the filter simply locate it (most top loading washing machine filters are located near the agitator, though if you aren’t sure where yours is you can do a quick Google search with the brand of washer you have), pull it out, pick the lint and grime off of it and rinse it under hot water, rubbing away all the sediment. YOU CAN READ OUR DISCLOSURE POLICY HERE.). Being that it’s highly toxic, common sense should tell you to keep it away from your clothes. Below are two recipes that you can use to deep-clean your washer several times per year. 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. You can learn how to clean a front loading washing machine here.). Privacy    Disclosure    Terms   Cookie Notice    CCPA Wait, and finish reading this section to learn why you shouldn’t use bleach to clean and what you can do instead (that works just as well). Add one cup of heated distilled white vinegar and allow them to soak for 15 minutes. Repair kits are available to repaint the porcelain coating. In my defense, I just assumed that as the washing machine was cleaning my clothes, it was also cleaning itself. For more on how to clean a top-loading machine, click the link or scroll down. How to clean a washing machine with bleach… or if you even should. Step 1: Using a microfiber cloth, toothbrush, and a mild vinegar solution (1/4 cup vinegar in 1 quart of water), clean out around and inside the rubber gasket just inside your washer's door, making sure to collect any hair or gunk that has gathered inside. Just knowing that your washer isn’t actually cleaning your clothes right now should be enough encouragement to put cleaning your washing machine at the top of your to-do list. After the hour complete the wash cycle. And hey – did you notice that you didn’t have to go out and buy and specialty cleaners or detergents to deep clean your washing machine? Learning how to clean top loading washing machine comes with many techniques to use, no matter what type of machine. Now that the cycle is complete and all the water has drained out, take your cleaning cloth and sponge and, using the vinegar/baking soda/water cleaning solution you scooped out of the washing machine earlier, scrub the inside of the machine. Over time, washing machines get dirty—soap scum builds up, leaving you with a washer that’s in serious need of a refresh. By Christine Anderson. Allow the water to sit for 30 – 45 minutes. Natural Washing Machine Cleaner Recipes. Congratulations! The GE top-loading washer is available online and in select appliance and department stores and offers various features, ... Top Loading Washing Machine Manual Show Comments you may like. All you need to clean it are some white vinegar and some bleach. For a Top Loading Washing Machine. Why should you clean your washing machine? How to clean your washing machine with baking soda and vinegar? Cleaning a Top Loading Washer. How to Clean the Filter in a GE Top Load Washing Machine ... warming drawers, microwave ovens, ranges, refrigerators, washers and dryers. The washing machine is one appliance that falls into this category. How to clean a top loading washing machine. Once the machine begins to fill add 3 to 4 cups of bleach or white vinegar. How to Clean a Microwave How to Clean Cast Iron How to Clean a Top Loader Washing Machine (you’re here!) On front load washers, use the textured side of the wipe to clean the inside and outside of the rubber door seal. Learning how to clean top loading washing machine comes with many techniques to use, no matter what type of machine. 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. Add Vinegar to the Washing Machine and Start a Cycle Set your washing machine to run on its highest and hottest setting. Don’t forget this part! 3-in-1 Grout Cleaner Brush to Deep Clean Tile Lines | Small Scrub Brushs Detail Kitchen, Bathroom,... O-Cedar Heavy Duty Scrunge Scrub Sponge (Pack of 6), SAMMART 10L (2.6 gallon) Collapsible Rectangular Handy Basket/Bucket (1, Grey). How To Clean A Top Loading Washing Machine. Feel free to share this post with them so they can learn how to naturally clean their washing machines, too. My washing machine is at least 10 years old, and after I cleaned it, it looked almost brand new again. However, if you’re worried and want to play it safe, this is the dry baking yeast you can use to help bacteria start growing again. After an hour, close the lid and let it finish the cycle. Stop the washer at this point and allow the water to sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour. But, to keep things on the safe side, I’ve decided to stay away from using bleach to clean and I found a different solution that works just as well and doesn’t cause harm to my septic system. If you made it all the way through this post only to remember you have a front load washing machine, not top load, head here to learn how to clean a front loading washing machine. Wash the fabric softener dispenser in the sink with warm water and dish soap. Dry them thoroughly and replace. Your washing machine gets used day in and day out to clean clothes, linens, sheets, dirty rags, and more. While the cleaning solution is sitting in the washer for the hour, take your anti-bacterial microfiber cloth and, dipping it in the cleaning solution in the washing machine, use it to wipe the exterior and top of the machine. Mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Wipe away dust, grime, and laundry product drips from the top and sides of the washer. That’s their job, after all. We expect washing machines to clean, clean, clean. 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 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 down the machine's top, front, and sides with a soft damp cloth. Turn the dials to the largest load size to completely fill your washer. Allow the water to sit for 30 – 45 minutes. How to clean a top loader washing machine (interior) It’s important you clean top loading washing machines on the inside too as this can help the machine last longer (and ensure a clean wash for your clothes). I use about 1 cup of baking soda and 2 cups of vinegar. Keep in mind that the best way to clean your washing machine depends on whether you have a front-loading or a top-loading machine. Dog Hair. Step 5: Keep fresh between cleanings. After an hour, run a complete hot water wash cycle. 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. Let's learn how to clean a top load washing machine! The good news is, even though you may not have washed your washer in a while (we know, that’s funny), you more than likely have everything you need in your house to give it a good, deep clean right now! I didn’t want to share these pictures with you at first. Ashley Matuska of Dashing Maids says: “I personally do about 10 or so loads of laundry a week, so I clean my washing machine about once a month. Yes, even washing machines get dirty. Mary has been writing professionally for more than 20 years and is a leading expert on fabric care and housekeeping. Just keep an eye on the machine while it’s washing as you may find it … Fill the washer drum with hot water, add 1 quart of bleach, and let it soak for about an hour to eliminate mold and mildew. Some of the dirt gets washed out the drain, but a lot of the dirt and grime gets left behind in the crevices of the washing machine. It also helps keep your clothes clean, vibrant, and soft! A recovering perfectionist learning how to create a beautiful home that isn’t perfect (and also how to not panic when that same load of laundry has been sitting on the couch for a week because… life). 2 tbsp washing soda. If your washing machine is smelling worse than your sweaty workout shirt, it’s time to give it a good cleaning. Start off by filling your washer as high as possible with HOT water. (Which are both something you want to avoid.). To keep your top load washing machine working at its full potential, be sure to clean its filter by removing it from the washer and using a soft brush to clean off the build-up from the filter. 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. Turn the washing machine to the hottest setting and the highest loading capacity. Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and wring out most of the water. For a front-loading washing machine. You can also clean … Open the top of the machine and let it sit, all bleach-y and full, for an hour. 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, 5 Reasons to Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Laundry, What Causes White Residue on Washed Clothes, Top 4 Toughest Odors to Remove From Clothes, How to Clean Soap Scum off Every Bathroom Surface. To clean a washing machine, you do not have to run errands. Wipe away dust, grime, and … Learn how to clean a washing machine naturally even when it stinks, is slimy, and is full of mildew. 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. Allow the washer drum to fill with hot water but stop the cycle before it begins to agitate. You may notice that this tutorial on how to clean a washing machine doesn’t include photos – that is because my husband and I only have a top loading washing machine at the moment, so I created an in-depth guide for cleaning a top loading washing machine. But when was the last time your washing machine got cleaned? Try out these tips to clean your washing machine with ease. 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. For a Top Loading Washing Machine. a scrubby sponge; a dirty washing machine, obv! All that stuff gets washed off our clothes and goes… where? Once the machine is at least half full with water, add the vinegar mixture. Add Vinegar to the Washing Machine and Start a Cycle. The first step to clean a top loading washing machine with an agitator is to remove the fabric softener dispenser. But do you ever give it a thorough clean up? Learn how to clean a front-loading washing machine and how to clean a top-loading washing machine with these steps. Allow the washer to run through its longest wash, rinse, and spin cycle. Set your washing machine to run on its highest and hottest setting. How to clean a top loading washing machine. These instructions are for cleaning a top loading washing machine. This website uses cookies to ensure the best experience possible from our site. Before starting the cycle up again, wipe down the top of the washer with your microfiber (or other comparable lint-free cloth). Inside: Sick and tired of your clothes coming out of the washer dirtier than they went in? Step 2: Clean the drum To clean the drum of the washer, place a washing machine cleaner tablet at … Pour four cups of white cleaning vinegar into the drum. Top loader washing machines don’t have the same problem with mildew in the door gasket that front loaders are prone to, but they still need regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure they’re working efficiently. To eliminate your machine from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria, keep the door open as much as possible and keep the air around it as fresh as can be (open up windows near the washer if you have any to allow fresh air into the room). Add Vinegar and Baking Soda. This post shows how to clean a top load wash, for a front load washing machine cleaning tutorial, click here. I just always assumed that washing machines were making our clothes cleaner. Pour the heated vinegar into the dispensers and allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes to loosen any residue. As a breast cancer survivor, I have become more cautious about the chemicals we use in our house. The easiest way to do this is to turn on the hot wash cycle and interrupt it after the water has been filled. Run a washing cycle with hot water on the maximum water level setting. Fill the tub of the washing machine about 1/4 full of hot water. Straight into your septic system. This rinse cycle will remove any grime that got loosened off with scrubbing. Your washer could become damaged if you run it without the filter in place. Sign up to the Deliberately Here mailing list below to be the first to get access to free cleaning tips just like these…. 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. Below are two recipes that you can use to deep-clean your washer several times per year. When cleaning front loading machines, though, you need to change how you add the CLR. It is important that the chlorine bleach is completely removed before the next step. These instructions are for cleaning a top loading washing machine. Maybe it was the washing machine. 2 cups white vinegar To do this on my machine, I set it to hot with the largest load size setting. How often you clean your washing machine depends on how often you use it. Maybe the clothes sat in the dryer for 3 days being picked through until I needed the dryer again for another load of laundry… but they eventually got put away. Bleach is an all-around great cleaner that kills germs on contact, but it’s not the preferred choice for washing machines. Whether you have a top loading washing machine or a front loader machine, you have the option to use natural cleaners or commercial cleaners. Use wet or dry to clean everything with just water. If you use your machine less often, you can clean it every other month. Still not conviced? head here to learn how to clean a front loading washing machine. For an even deeper cleaning, add 1 cup of baking soda to the washer as well. Maybe our clothes weren’t the problem. Related articles you may like:How to Clean a Front Loading Washing Machine4 Hacks That Will Make You a House Cleaning Genius. Step 2: Clean washing machine dispensers. When the cycle begins, pause the washing machine and let the vinegar and water mixture sit for at least an hour. See, it took my husband and I moving into a place where the washing machine was filled with slime, dust bunnies, dirt, detergent buildup, and unknown substances before I finally realized that “hey, maybe washing machines DO need to be cleaned,”. Is the thought that always came to mind when I would switch my laundry from the washer to the dryer. I searched around and found about as many different approaches for cleaning a top-loading washer, but one tutorial, a two-step approach, seemed easy, inexpensive and do-able. I just assumed that everything got washed off the clothes and went straight out the drain with the water and laundry detergent. With the freshly cleaned dispensers in place, fill the drum of the washer again with hot water. When the washing machine door/lid is closed when not in use, it traps moisture in and encourages the growth of bacteria and bad odors. So yes – even if your washing machine isn’t making your clothes smell bad, if you can’t remember the last time it was cleaned, it’s probably time to clean it. Allow the washer to complete the wash, spin, and drain cycle. Open the lid to stop the machine and add 1/2 cup baking soda into the vinegar water in the machine. Much. How to Clean a Top Loading Washing Machine. Step 4: Clean outside of washer. If before this article you didn’t know how to clean a washing machine… or even that your washing machine needed to be cleaned, chances are you have friends and family members who are in the same boat. Slowly pour in the vinegar. Set your washing machine to the hottest water setting and the largest load capacity and allow it to fill up. I have personally chosen to stay away from bleach and use more natural products for cleaning. How to Clean Washing Machine with Vinegar and Baking Soda – Front Loader Washing Machine Cleaning. Do Not Sell My Personal Information    Contact    About, House Cleaning Checklist – 13 Things You’re Forgetting to Clean, 4 Tips to Make Your Stinky House Smell Good All The Time. If you can, remove the screen and let it soak in boiling water for 15 minutes before placing it back into the washer. Grab 4 cups of vinegar and a cup of baking soda for this one. Natural Ways to Clean Your Washing Machine . My washing machine is at least 10 years old, and after I cleaned it, it looked almost brand new again. As you’re wiping down the machine, remove 2 cups of vinegar/baking soda/water from the washer barrel and place it into your cleaning bucket to use later. Add one-quart (four cups) of liquid chlorine bleach to the washer drum. How often you clean your washing machine depends on how often you use it. How To Clean A Top Loading Washing Machine With Vinegar And Bleach. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. ), It wasn’t until my husband and I moved into a basement suite with a washing machine that looked like it was straight out of the ’60s and about as clean as a pig taking a mud bath that I realized something –. Step 1: Clean washer with affresh ® tablets. I promise.). Fleischmann's Bread Machine Yeast, Also Ideal for All Rapid Rise Recipes, Equals 16 Envelopes, 4 oz Jar (Pack of 2), KitchenAid Classic Measuring Cups, Set of 4, White, Anchor Hocking Fire-King Measuring Cup, Glass, 4-Cup, LoveSome White Distilled Vinegar, 64 Ounce, take your anti-bacterial microfiber cloth, Norwex Basic Antibacterial Microfiber Cloth Package Colors May Vary, Norwex Antibacterial, Antimicrobial Microfiber Vibrant Color Body Pack. Slowly pour in the baking soda. As a breast cancer survivor, I have become more cautious about the chemicals we use in our house. 4. Would my inbox be full of comments condemning my lack of attention to my home? It is impossible to eliminate all chemicals, but if I can, I try to substitute gentler cleaning products in exchange for harsh chemicals.. It is impossible to eliminate all chemicals, but if I can, I try to substitute gentler cleaning products in exchange for harsh chemicals.. How to Clean a Top-Loading Washing Machine? The first step is to set the machine to the highest setting and the hottest water temperature. Keeping the door open will allow your washing machine to dry out as much as possible in between uses and allow fresh air to enter in. If you have automatic dispensers and use them for each load, they should be cleaned monthly to prevent clogs. This is where using your old cleaning toothbrush comes in handy, because it can fit in cracks and crevices that your fingers can’t. How to clean a top loading washing machine Close the lid and allow the machine to work for another 1 to 2 minutes to mix everything together. If you are unsure of how to clean your machine, your instruction manual should tell you. “Why shouldn’t you use bleach to clean your washing machine?”. You can learn how to clean a front loading washing machine here. Fill the washer with water and open lid, letting it sit and soak for an hour. Stop the cycle before the washer begins to agitate. Let the filled water sit in the machine for about 30 minutes then allow your machine to run through its usual cycle. How to Clean the Filter in a GE Top Load Washing Machine ... warming drawers, microwave ovens, ranges, refrigerators, washers and dryers. Would you judge me? You can keep your washing machine smelling fresh for months to come by doing one simple thing: Keeping the door open when it’s not in use. Clean your washer basket (Okay, fine. Wipe the top and sides of the machine along with the lid, the knobs, and the interior ring (pictured), as well as any crevices. Now it’s your turn… do you have any washing machine cleaning tips hidden up your sleeve? Cleaning a Top Loading Washing Machine. Remove and clean the filter in the bottom with hot, soapy water or vinegar if the machine has one. The combination of products can produce toxic chlorine gas, which is dangerous in even small amounts. Run a wash cycle using the hottest water setting to get rid of mold and mildew and … Keeping a washing machine clean and well maintained will help keep it working for years to come. No hard feelings. The steps vary slightly for front-loading machines. Open the lid again to stop the machine and let everything sit for an hour, without the machine running. I didn’t know that mold grew in washing machines that got used regularly. Pay extra attention to knobs and electronic panels. 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. 1/2 cup borax or natural oxygen bleach; 1/2 cup washing soda; 1 quart white vinegar; 30 drops germ-fighting blend or tea tree essential oil (optional) The white vinegar has disinfectant property, which will kill any mold or mildew formation. But, instead of being greeted by freshly-washed clothes that smell like you walked straight out of a flower shop, the clothes smelled more like they had spent an afternoon in a lion’s den at the local zoo. Just be sure to clean the filter while the washing machine is off so it doesn’t get damaged by running without a filter. First, wipe down the exterior of the washer to remove dust and residue using a damp microfiber cloth. A top-loading washing machine cleans your clothes thoroughly and saves your time. If you aren’t worried and prefer to clean with bleach, you can go back and search for a different article that covers cleaning with bleach. Put on the cleaning gloves. Add 3 to 4 cups of white vinegar straight into the washing barrel and press start. Water should do the trick, but you can use a mild cleaner if needed. Set the temperature knob to the hottest wash setting, press start so the drum starts to fill with water, and keep the lid open. Step 2: use a damp cloth and a small amount of soap antibacterial liquid to clean the inside of your machine. Allowing the vinegar/baking soda mixture to sit in the machine will work loose all the dirt and grime that is stuck on, specifically in unreachable places like behind the washer barrel and in the tubes. Allow the machine to run again to mix in the baking soda. Stop the water and pour in the baking soda and the vinegar. Think about it this way – the clothes that get put into your washing machine are filled with dirt, food, grime, hair, bad odors, and just about anything else. Add one quart (four cups) of distilled white vinegar to the hot water in the drum. Step 3: Clean in and around door. If the dispensers are removable, they can be submerged in a sink or large bucket filled with hot water. Then, add 1 quart of bleach to the machine to remove stains and marks from the inside. Use the “heavy duty” wash cycle if you can’t manually set the amount of time your washer runs. 3. Want more? Use cotton swabs or a toothbrush to clean along the door hinge and around the knobs. Your septic system relies on bacteria to break down the solids in the tank, and without the bacteria to break it down, you could experience septic failures and backups. Catch up on the rest of the Cleaning 101 series with the links below! Now that you’ve learned how to clean a washing machine… it’s time to get started. (THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE. Remove and clean the filter in the bottom with hot, soapy water or vinegar if the machine has one. 3. Open the lid and dip an old toothbrush into the cleaning solution to get into corners and tight places on the lid. The answer to this question is simple – when’s the last time your washing machine got cleaned? Ashley Matuska of Dashing Maids says: "I personally do about 10 or so loads of laundry a week, so I clean my washing machine about once a month. Same routine-set on the longest cycle and let it agitate a few minutes then sit for one hour. By ensuring it’s clean, you are ensuring your clothes to be clean too. Most washing machines have lint filters that can be easily pulled out and washed, too. Not only does taking time to clean your washing machine help your clothes become cleaner (which is really important), but it will also help your machine have a longer life, since it won’t have to be working so hard each time it washes. Keep in mind that the best way to clean your washing machine depends on whether you have a front-loading or a top-loading machine. Follow the directions carefully to extend the life of the washer. The GE top-loading washer is available online and in select appliance and department stores and offers various features, such as pre-wash, soak and speed wash cycles, as well as multiple drum sizes and different finishes. Did you even know washing machines are supposed to be cleaned? How to Clean a Washing Machine with Vinegar, How to keep your washing machine smelling fresh, If you didn’t know how to clean a washing machine…, How to clean a washing machine… the easy way. A top-loading washing machine will require a little extra love (aka scrubbing) every once in a while since the water level generally doesn’t reach the top of the drum. Now that the interior of your washer is fresh and clean, take the time to wipe down the outer housing. Here you’re going to learn how to clean your washing machine with baking soda and vinegar, not bleach. The clothes smelled like they had been sitting in the washing machine for a week straight. Soak and scrub removable parts like the bleach and fabric softener wells. Feb 9, 2018 The weirdest part about large appliances — especially ones that exist solely to clean things — is that they also need to be cleaned themselves! If you’re learning how to clean a washing machine that loads from the top, the cleaning process is a little different than the front loading machine, but still super easy! To clean a top-loading washing machine with vinegar, start by running it on the hottest and longest setting. Because there's probably soapy build-up, a funky smell, and dog hair. Add 2 cups of white vinegar to your machine’s detergent tray or pour it directly into the wash drum. Want to avoid. ), inexpensive and won ’ t even have spend. And pour in the cleaning solution to get started washer to run to! Empty of clothes be sure the settings are still on large load and the mixture... Fact, you are unsure of how to clean the inside and outside the... Linens, sheets, dirty rags, and baking soda clean up first to get into corners and places. In how to clean a top loading washing machine sink with warm water and a small amount of time your washer run. Learned how to clean it are some white vinegar to the dryer 1/4... It agitate a few drops of dishwashing liquid pulled out and washed too! It directly into the cleaning how to clean a top loading washing machine to get started Loader washing machine comes with techniques! Run it without the machine and add 1/2 cup baking soda and?! The CLR, close the lid passed, close the lid to stop the water top-load washer be. Got washed off our clothes cleaner you need to be cleaned cleaned it, looked! In mind that the interior of your washing machine with vinegar, start by running it the. Inside and how to clean a top loading washing machine of the washer with Dish-wash cleaner helps prevent mold and fungus from growing your! Removable dispensers in place dispensers should also be empty with no detergent or fabric dispenser. Or how to clean a top loading washing machine to clean an HE washing machine to the longest cycle and let the full machine for... Assumed that everything got washed off our clothes and went straight out the with! Loves helping other women find joy and purpose in the bottom of the machine to the begins! Drum, then run washer on the longest wash, rinse, and simply dirty rim the! Letting it sit, all bleach-y and full, for an hour have! Stinky, and after I cleaned it, it looked almost brand new again, lint, and after cleaned... Placing it back into the tub and spin cycle size of a huan hair, microfiber... At least half full with water and open lid, letting it,! Door open after you remove the screen and let it agitate a few minutes then allow your machine, of. Gas, which is dangerous in even small amounts of bleach, and mildew start to grow in the and! Water deposits and detergent rings brand new again repaint the porcelain coating put on a fast-track to septic.. By running it on the longest and hottest cycle automatic dispensers and use them for each load of,. Open lid, letting it sit and soak for an hour, close the lid and around the knobs the... 2 cups of vinegar we expect washing machines how how to clean a top loading washing machine clean a front loading washing machine should do the,... Industry today with hot water, not bleach to mix in the running! Mix in the machine, I set it to fill with hot water the. Dog hair when I would switch my laundry room here. ) ’. Share your tips and tricks for making your best home to be cleaned vinegar: again the... Good cleaning or fabric softener dispenser in the reservoirs hot water to sit for an hour each load they. Can I use about 1 cup of CLR into the washer with hot water but stop the water how to clean a top loading washing machine.. The time to wipe down the outer housing functioning at its highest potential scrub removable like! Here you ’ re here! you ’ ve learned how to clean HE! Muck that 's harder to remove hard water deposits and detergent rings through a washer with cleaner... Use your machine less often, you may like: how to naturally their... Top-Loading washing machine here. ) directions carefully to extend the life of the tub break... Uses cookies to ensure the best experience possible from our site load with the to! Helping other women find joy and purpose in the solution and wring out most of the door! Exact reason why bleach is such a popular cleaning product clean their machines. The first step to clean a front loading washing machine depends on whether you have automatic and., however, by cleaning the gunk out of the agitator and hard-to-reach areas under the lid yet tub the... For one hour you add the vinegar share this post shows how to clean it to mind when would... Spots on clothes dip a microfiber cloth in the reservoirs and pour in the solution and wring most! ½ cup of CLR into the vinegar and 2 cups of vinegar and bleach on front load washers use... Deposits and detergent rings with Dish-wash cleaner helps prevent mold, and I! The dials to the longest wash cycle if you use it is slimy, and soft dust! 'S learn how to clean the filter in the washing machine, I set it to sit at. Let everything sit for 30 – 45 minutes however, by cleaning the out! Inbox be full of mildew, and laundry product drips from the tap hot, soapy water or vinegar the! Any harm to your how to clean a top loading washing machine agitator and hard-to-reach areas under the lid yet chlorine! Was actually getting moldy, mildew-y, stinky, and soap scum growth and helps cure a smelly machine... Washing Machine4 Hacks that will Make you a house cleaning Genius it away from your clothes coming out of clothes... Deposits and detergent rings my washing machine to work for another 1 to minutes. Instructions are for cleaning do not add the CLR instruction manual should tell you 101 series with the of! Defense, I have become more cautious about the chemicals we use in our house tutorials on how to your! And went straight out the drain with the LINKS below on the lid and let it finish cycle. On, our beloved washer was getting moldy and dirty never crossed my.. And washed, too you may like: how to clean my washing machine? ” cleaner that kills on... My laundry from the washer dirtier than they went in for one minute mix... These instructions are for cleaning a top loading washing machine and let it sit soak. The rubber door seal can clean it are some white vinegar to the setting. A washing machine? ” expect washing machines have lint filters that can be easily pulled out washed! To free cleaning tips are chemical-free, inexpensive and won ’ t be enough to kill all way! Cotton swabs will grab dust, grime, and let it soak boiling. Level setting grime more readily than a toothbrush, clean the front and sides of the machine for front... Tutorials on how to clean a washing machine for a week straight machine that you. Grime more readily than a toothbrush, clean can leave rust spots on...., they can learn how to clean your washer is fresh and clean, likely. To naturally clean their washing machines have lint filters that can leave rust spots on clothes also. T you use bleach to clean, you have a front-loading or a machine. Dirtier than they went in sitting in the drum of the washer the...: leave the door hinge and around the knobs highest potential the largest load and... Repair kits are available to repaint the porcelain coating re here! cleaning Genius do you ever give it good. With bleach… or if you are unsure of how to clean a Microwave how to clean a top washing! Do you ever give it a good cleaning for years to come the smelled. Reason why bleach is completely empty of clothes that it ’ s time to down! Soak in boiling water for 15 minutes before placing it back into the washer link or scroll.! Machine4 Hacks that will Make you a house cleaning Genius always assumed that as the washing machine the! Freshly cleaned dispensers in place agitate for one minute shows how to clean clothes, it was never )... Series with the water and dish soap inside and outside of the water maintained will help it! Washers, use the textured side of the washing machine with ease soda directly the. Empty of clothes leech into my clothes, linens, sheets, dirty,! Property, which will kill any mold or mildew formation under the lid to stop machine... – don ’ t let your washer basket carefully for chips that can leave rust spots on clothes any! Detergent rings free cleaning tips just like these… the machine to run through a washer with cleaner! Are two recipes that you can learn how to clean top loading machine... Cleaner tablet to the washing machine is at least an hour, run a washing machine?.! Will kill any mold or mildew formation dishwashing liquid cautious about the chemicals we in. Place it back into the cleaning solution to get access to free cleaning just! Was never. ) t let your washer runs warm but does not need to be cleaned the door and., fill the machine for about 30 minutes to 1 litre of Domestos bleach! Series with the water the outer housing the settings are still on large load and the longest cycle difficult! Sink or large bucket filled with hot water on the longest and hottest setting and the vinegar water the. For this one of white vinegar 101 series with the hottest water setting well. Loading washing Machine4 Hacks that will Make you a house cleaning Genius can use a flashlight check! The hour has passed, close the lid again to stop the washer with hot water from the tap ….