Learn how to clean a top load washing machine with this easy step by step tutorial!
Cleaning a Top Load Washing Machine
This post shows how to clean a top load wash, for a front load washing machine cleaning tutorial, click here.
I didn’t want to share these pictures with you at first.
I was scared what you’d think.
Would you judge me?
Would my inbox be full of comments condemning my lack of attention to my home?
But here they are…in their full glory-my absolutely filthy washing machine.
How can something whose entire purpose is to CLEAN be so very dirty?
{hanging head in shame}
I spend an enormous amount of time doing laundry. Between my husband and
(Hubby goes through three sets of clothes a day-workout gear, Army uniform, regular clothes and my oldest wears a uniform to school and then play cloths after not to mention the general normal baby mess requiring clothes changes!) Every time I put a load in the washer I would see this horror, grime, mold and mildew!
I would always make a mental note to do something about it but I obviously never quite got around to it.
Until this week.
Determined to break this cycle of yuck I researched and researched the best way to clean a washing machine and here’s what I came up with.
How to Clean a Washing Machine (Top Load)
Here’s what you’ll need to clean your washing machine:
- chlorine bleach
- white vinegar
- sponge or rag
1. Fill washer all the way up with HOT water. Not warm water, not cold, fill that baby with the hottest water as the setting will allow. Add one quart of bleach, set it on the longest cycle (for me this was the “whitest whites” cycle) and let the washer agitate for a few minutes, then let it sit one hour by pausing the cycle. After the hour let it complete the wash cycle.
2. Again fill the washer with HOT water but this time add one quart of white vinegar. Same routine-set on the longest cycle and let it agitate a few minutes then sit for one hour. After the hour complete the wash cycle.
3. Wipe down the entire inside and outside of the machine with 1 cup hot water and 1 cup vinegar mixture. Don’t forget to wipe the blades of the agitator inside the drum. If your detergent and fabric softeners have gunk built up like mine did and they are removable soak in hot water with vinegar for ten minutes then wipe down. If they aren’t removable pour a cup of white vinegar (warmed in microwave) in them and then wipe clean after a few moments.
And there you have it-a sparkly, clean washing machine, free of build up and grime!
So spill it-when is the last time you cleaned your washing machine? Did you know you’re supposed to do this at least twice a year, more if you have hard water?? Learn something new every day!
You might also like these cleaning tips:
- How to Clean a Front Load Washing Machine (including rubber seal)
- How to Clean a Dryer
- How to Clean Oven Glass
- How to Remove and Prevent Fingerprints on Stainless Steel
- How to Clean a Keurig
How to Clean a Washing Machine (Top Load)
Learn how to clean a top load washing machine with this easy step by step tutorial!
Materials
- chlorine bleach
- white vinegar
Tools
- sponges or rags
Instructions
- Fill washer all the way up with HOT water. Not warm water, not cold, fill that baby with the hottest water as the setting will allow. Add one quart of bleach, set it on the longest cycle (for me this was the “whitest whites” cycle) and let the washer agitate for a few minutes, then let it sit one hour by pausing the cycle. After the hour let it complete the wash cycle.
- Again fill the washer with HOT water but this time add one quart of white vinegar. Same routine-set on the longest cycle and let it agitate a few minutes then sit for one hour. After the hour complete the wash cycle.
- Wipe down the entire inside and outside of the machine with 1 cup hot water and 1 cup vinegar mixture. Don’t forget to wipe the blades of the agitator inside the drum. If your detergent and fabric softeners have gunk built up like mine did and they are removable soak in hot water with vinegar for ten minutes then wipe down. If they aren’t removable pour a cup of white vinegar (warmed in the microwave) in them and then wipe clean after a few moments.
Jennifer says
I have scrubbed mine by hand with vinegar before but this sounds much easier, can’t wait to try it. Thanks for the great tip and by the way you might want to add a reminder to readers not to mix the bleach and vinegar.
Jess says
Question-
I am in college and just now have access to my own washer, how do I fill it up with hot water? Is it with the machine, or do I dump pitchers of water in?
Melissa says
Just run a load of wash empty and set the water to hot then stop it when it’s full. Some washers have a soaking mode built in as well. Hope that helps Jess! ~Melissa
DeeDee W says
I want you to know, your blog is my cleaning bible! Thank you so much for this post (and the dryer one too!) My washer looks brand new!
Melissa says
Thank you so much DeeDee, you made my day! ~Melissa
Cajon says
I am interested in looking for more of such topics and would like to have further information
Beth says
I accidentally did mine backwards. In
Other words, I did the vinegar load first, then the bleach load. Does this matter or do I need to go in and do another vinegar load? I think I have a pretty clean washer machine at this point, I scrubbed every single spot in the inside and managed to get it pretty clean and there was a ton of mold build up in several spots. What do you think?
Mattie says
Amazing ! thanks for sharing how to Clean a top load washing machine. It`s very important subject for of all us. When I read this tips I am very excited because I have also a washing machine. This the best way to clean this top load washing machine. If you want to know about this tips you can follow this article.