How to Clean a Top Loading Washing Machine
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
We have all the tricks on How to Clean a Washing Machine Top Loader, get rid of that funky smell, and make it as clean as new. With tips for maintaining your washer (and dryer!) and extending the life of your machines, our guide to clean a top loading washing machine is a must-read!
How to Clean Washing Machine Top Loader
When we moved into our home, it came with all of the appliances included.
They were already 6 years old at that point, so we decided to figure out how to make them last as long as possible!
After some research (and trial and error), Chad came up with a great routine for maintaining the washer and dryer… and then life got hectic…
By the end of a jet-setting summer, we noticed our laundry smelled odd. Kind of funky, you know what I mean?
We tried different cycles and detergent, then remembered we needed to clean our top loader washing machine — it had been a while!!
The difference was night and day, so we’re sharing our cleaning and maintenance tips with you.
Don’t worry, it’s easy to learn how to clean a top loading washing machine and your dryer too!
Clean Top Load Washing Machine: What You’ll Need
- Cleaning Bucket – Use this to mix a vinegar solution for cleaning the exterior of your washer. A large bowl works too.
- Rag or Cloth – Clean, of course! Cotton is the best material for the job, whether it’s terry cloth material or a cut-up old t-shirt.
- Scrub Brush – Any kind will do, but I like the ones with long handles. It just makes it easier to get in everywhere without doing gymnastics all over the machine!
- Cotton Swabs – These get into all the nooks and crannies with ease. It may help to get the ones with the pointy tips too.
- Regular Bleach – Use 4 cups (1 quart) to clean a top load washing machine for the first cycle. Handle this carefully so none of it splashes on your clothes or skin.
- White Vinegar – You’ll need 4 cups (1 quart) for running the second cleaning cycle, plus ½ cup mixed with water for wiping down the exterior.
It’s not only an excellent cleaner, but it helps get rid of odors too!
How to Clean Washing Machine Top Loader: The Best Method
I am sure it goes without saying, but you want to remove all laundry from the washer before cleaning it.
- Start by cleaning the exterior of your top load washing machine.
Mix 1 cup of hot water and ½ cup vinegar. Dampen a clean cloth in the vinegar solution and wipe down all the surfaces.
Really put some elbow grease into it, including the knobs as well.
Open the top and wipe down the inside of the lid. Sometimes dirt and soap splash it, leaving a build-up of grime. Use cotton swabs to get in the crevices.
Remove any bleach or fabric softener dispensers (when possible) and scrub the dispenser with your scrub brush dipped in the vinegar solution.
Finally, use your scrub brush to clean the agitator and take a peek at the top of the wash bin. Wipe with a cloth if necessary.
- Set your washer to the hottest setting, on the largest load, and the longest wash and spin cycle.
Let the washer fill with hot water and add 4 cups of bleach. Allow the washer to agitate for 2 minutes, then turn the washer off and let it sit for 1 hour.
Head out to the kitchen and try two of our 30-minute meals — I mean, you have an hour to kill!
After an hour, turn the washer back on and let it finish the cycle. - After the first cycle has finished, turn the washer back on and fill it with hot water again.
Pour in 4 cups vinegar and allow the washer to agitate for 2 minutes, then turn the washer off and let it sit for 1 hour.
Maybe watch an episode or two of your favorite show! No point in hanging around the laundry room.
After an hour, turn the washer back on and let it finish the cycle.
Extra Tips to Maintain and Clean Top Loading Washing Machine
- Make a regular schedule — and stick to it!
You should clean your top loader washing machine monthly for best results, especially if you live in an area with hard water.
Otherwise, follow this routine at least every 3 months to prevent build-up.
- Load the machine correctly.
I hate doing laundry as much as the next person, so sometimes I just want to get it over with. Unfortunately, overloading the machine causes it to run inefficiently and puts strain on the motor.
Split loads as needed and shake out your clothes before placing them in the washer so nothing is bunched or crammed in there.
- Make sure it’s properly leveled.
There should be adjustable feet on the bottom that you can tighten or loosen so your washing machine isn’t wobbly.
Leveling the washer prevents “walking” during the spin cycles, which can damage the floor and cause additional strain on the machine.
- Leave the lid open between cycles.
This allows the drum to dry completely and prevents mold and mildew odors from developing.
However, use caution if your machines are in a garage or basement as it’s more likely that dirt and debris will land inside — meaning you’ll have to clean a top load washing machine more often.
- Properly maintain the parts.
It’s recommended that you replace your washer hose every 3-5 years. This is something you want to put on your calendar (or on a note in your laundry room).
I’ve had to clean up the mess from a busted washer hose before… Trust me, it’s not fun!
Also, be sure to turn off the water when you leave on vacation. Hoses are constantly under pressure, and a busted water hose can cause severe water damage to your home while you are away.
Extend the Life of Your Dryer Too
- Load this properly too!
Always shake out your clothes, towels, and bedding before placing them in the dryer. This helps prevent overfilling (also a no-no) and will help everything dry faster as well.
- Empty the lint trap.
You should be doing this after every load, especially for extra-linty laundry like towels and bedding.
Every month (when you clean the washer), remove the lint trap and scrub it with a soft brush and gentle dish detergent to remove any build-up or residue.
Let it dry completely before placing it back in the dryer.
This is especially important if you use fabric softener! When those tiny holes get gunked up, it blocks air flow and reduces the efficiency of your dryer.
- Deep clean every 6 months.
Unplug the machine — safety first! Vacuum out the lint trap, along with the wall and floor behind the dryer.
Disconnect the vent and piping from the back and check the airflow to the outside for obstructions. Proper airflow helps with the longevity and efficiency of your dryer.
How to Clean Washing Machine Top Loader FAQ
First, learn how to clean your washing machine top loader and stick to a schedule. That alone will keep it running smoothly, remove buildup before it happens, and prevent any mold or mildew growth.
Always use the right amount of detergent and limit or avoid the use of fabric softeners. I know it makes laundry smell delicious, but it’s the number one cause of buildup on machines and clothing!
Know if you have a standard or HE washer, then measure out the appropriate amount according to your detergent container. A little really goes a long way.
Nope — no special cleaners either! Good old-fashioned vinegar and bleach, plus a rag, scrub brush, and maybe some cotton swabs, are all you need to clean your washer inside and out!
It may seem like a lot steps when you first learn how to clean a top loading washing machine, but you’ll quickly get into a rhythm and have it done in no time.
They usually pop out, so you can scrub them over the drum with a vinegar water solution or soak them in hot water with a mild dish soap.
Be sure to rinse and dry thoroughly before popping them back in.
If yours can’t be removed, then wipe them clean with a cloth as best as you can. You can also pour hot water into the dispensers to flush them out.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
Don’t miss a thing! Follow us on
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
How to Clean a Top Loading Washing Machine
Instructions
Start by cleaning the exterior of your top load washing machine.
- Mix 1 cup of hot water and ½ cup vinegar. Dampen a clean cloth in the vinegar solution and wipe down all the surfaces. Really put some elbow grease into it, including the knobs as well.
- Open the top and wipe down the inside of the lid. Sometimes dirt and soap splash it, leaving a build-up of grime. Use cotton swabs to get in the crevices.
- Remove any bleach or fabric softener dispensers (when possible) and scrub the dispenser with your scrub brush dipped in the vinegar solution.
- Finally, use your scrub brush to clean the agitator and take a peek at the top of the wash bin. Wipe with a cloth if necessary.
Set your washer to the hottest setting, on the largest load, and the longest wash and spin cycle.
- Let the washer fill with hot water and add 4 cups of bleach. Allow the washer to agitate for 2 minutes, then turn the washer off and let it sit for 1 hour.
- Head out to the kitchen and try two of our 30-minute meals — I mean, you have an hour to kill!
- After an hour, turn the washer back on and let it finish the cycle.
After the first cycle has finished, turn the washer back on and fill it with hot water again.
- Pour in 4 cups vinegar and allow the washer to agitate for 2 minutes, then turn the washer off and let it sit for 1 hour. Maybe watch an episode or two of your favorite show! No point in hanging around the laundry room. After an hour, turn the washer back on and let it finish the cycle
Originally published November 2013, updated and republished August 2024
Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.
My living room needs updated!
We're going to repaint & redo our two story entry and halls!
Thanks for inspiring me to clean up our laundry equipment!
Trying this right now. Looking to finish the basement this year!!! Big project!
I have to finish my bathroom
I don't qualify for this giveaway but I had to make a comment. Your washing machine is really clean PRE-washing! Like, just flawless. Mine is gross and mucky and downright disgusting. I don't have a hot setting to my machine but I'll try the vinegar + bleach trick. All the fabric softener scum stuck in the corners. Not looking forward to it but it's gotta be done. Lovely tips!
New wood stove and windows.
Replace wood stove and windows.
We just finished the master bedroom and now we need to do a bathroom, kitchen, living room and dining room! Can't wait to get them done. Already started on the living room.
Love the tips on cleaning washers and dryers. Once I get into another place where I have room for a washer/dryer again, I'll definitely remember these tips.
Finish the basement
Finish the basement
My next project is painting the kitchen cabinets.
My next project is painting the kitchen cabinets.
I would love to have a new washer and dryer the washer and the dryer is an apartment size one that belongs to the land lord and the dryer doesn't work its a stack kind and the washer it is small so it is hard to do bed in it my daughter and her family live with me and she does her beding in it but it makes a mess of it but we have coped with it I have a very big blanket that I can't do in it so I have to take it else where to do it and it don't get done that often as I can't afford that to often at all,and the other dryer we have is ours its about to go so I know we want to replace it sometime after the first of the year hopefully it will last for a while since we are a very low income family.
Tackling a new kitchen floor/countertop install
I am going to do a major organization overhaul on my basement!
I NEED A NEW WASHER ASAP!!!
Resurfacing my kitchen countertops!
Redoing the subfloor due to water damage, and then putting down bamboo flooring instead of carpet. We still might do carpet, but it's time for a change. darius_fan at m s n dot c o m
Built-in entertainment center and shelves in the living room.
I thank you for this and my washing machine thanks you for this. 🙂 Pinned.
My next project (current one) is weatherizing the place. Love this post about the washing machine-it was on my to-do list for this weekend and this made it simpler for me. Thanks!
Tons of projects await in my house….would love to get started.
So many repairs needed in our home……ready to start.