How to Clean a Washing Machine Top Loader

Your washing machine is one of the busiest appliances in your home. Without asking much, it effortlessly eliminates dirt, stains, and bacteria from clothes.

However, like any appliance, washing machines require regular maintenance and cleaning to keep them functioning optimally. If you want your washer to last longer and work more effectively, give it a deep clean occasionally.

Use a Microfiber Cloth

Microfiber cloths use split fibers like a hook to capture moisture, dirt, and bacteria. The fabric’s strands can be up to 100 times finer than a human hair for efficient dirt removal.

These ultra-fine strands create a slight positive charge that attracts and traps dirt, dust, and debris – making them great for cleaning. And because they absorb dirt without using chemicals or detergents, their effectiveness is even greater.

Maintain the cleanliness of microfiber cloths by washing them as often as necessary. Shaking them before throwing them in the washer helps loosen any trapped dust and dirt particles.

When washing microfiber, use a mild detergent free of fragrances and softeners. These may coat the fibers, making them less effective at picking up dirt particles.

Use Vinegar

Vinegar is an effective natural way to clean a washing machine top loader. This versatile liquid can be used for various tasks around the home, such as scrubbing soap scum off of tubs and pipes (if you have hard water).

Vinegar can also be used to eliminate musty odors and combat mildew growth. However, never mix bleach and vinegar since this could cause your washer to overheat.

Instead, fill your machine with hot water and add one quart of white vinegar as it serves. Set your device to run on its most extended cycle and let it agitate for several minutes before shutting off.

Use Bleach

Bleach is a disinfectant that kills germs and helps remove soap scum, limescale, and dirt from your washing machine. Additionally, it can eliminate mold and mildew growth.

Maintain the condition of your top loader washer by using bleach at least once a month. However, if there has been significant dirt and grime buildup, more frequent cleaning may be necessary.

The initial step is to empty your detergent drawer and soak it in half a bucket of hot water with half a cup of bleach for around an hour. This will help dissolve any soap residue that has built up beneath the plastic cover.

You can also fill the drum and hoses with bleach, then run a hot wash cycle to disinfect them. After the process is complete, thoroughly rinse the drum with water to make sure all bleach residue has been removed.

Use Dishwashing Liquid

Dishwashing liquid is an ideal cleaner for appliances around your home and removes stains from fabrics, carpets, and leather.

However, it’s not advised to use dishwashing liquid in your washing machine. Doing so could cause the washer to become overloaded with suds and cause control issues.

When using dish soap in your washing machine, select a safe detergent for clothes and skin. Ideally, look for one free of dyes and perfumes.

Dish soap also has the potential for phthalates, which have been known to cause adverse reactions in sensitive skin types. Unfortunately, these ingredients are usually not listed on a detergent’s label.