How to Clean a Top Loading Washing Machine Safely and Thoroughly

You’ve been using your top loading washing machine for years and never cleaned it. Recently, your clothes have been coming out with a faint musty smell. You checked the drum and saw a dark ring around the top where the water doesn’t reach. That’s mold and detergent residue. Top loading washing machines need regular cleaning to prevent odors, remove residue, and keep clothes truly clean. Here’s how to clean a top loading washing machine safely and thoroughly.

Cleaning a top loading washing machine involves removing mold, mildew, and detergent residue from the drum, agitator, dispenser, and filter. Top loaders are less prone to mold than front loaders because they drain more completely, but they still need regular cleaning to prevent odors and residue buildup.

To clean a top loading washing machine, run a cleaning cycle with affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, wipe the drum and agitator, clean the detergent dispenser, check the filter, and leave the lid open between washes. Clean monthly for best results.

Step-by-Step: Top Loading Washing Machine Cleaning

Step 1: Run a Cleaning Cycle

With affresh: Place one affresh tablet in the drum (not the dispenser). Set the machine to the hottest water setting and the longest cycle. Let it run through the complete cycle.

With vinegar and baking soda: If you don’t have affresh, use 2 cups of white vinegar and half a cup of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda. Pour the vinegar into the drum and the baking soda into the dispenser. Run the hottest cycle.

Step 2: Wipe the Drum and Agitator

After the cleaning cycle, wipe the inside of the drum with a clean cloth. Pay attention to the top of the drum where water doesn’t reach, as this is where residue and mold build up. Wipe the agitator (the center post in top loaders) and the area under the agitator cap.

For stubborn residue, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it to the residue, let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub with a sponge and rinse.

Step 3: Clean the Detergent Dispenser

Remove the detergent dispenser (if removable) and soak it in warm water for 10 minutes. Scrub with a toothbrush to remove residue. If the dispenser is not removable, wipe it with a cloth dampened with vinegar.

Step 4: Clean the Fabric Softener Dispenser

The fabric softener dispenser often has the most buildup because fabric softener is waxy and sticky. Remove it if possible and soak in warm water. Scrub with a toothbrush.

Step 5: Check the Lint Filter

Some top loaders have a lint filter in the agitator or on the side of the drum. Check your manual for the location. Remove and clean the filter.

Step 6: Wipe the Exterior

Wipe the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth. Pay attention to the controls and knobs, where dust and grime collect.

Step 7: Leave the Lid Open

After cleaning, leave the lid open to let the drum dry completely. This prevents mold from growing between uses.

How Often to Clean

Component	Frequency
Cleaning cycle with affresh	Monthly
Drum wipe	Monthly
Detergent dispenser	Monthly
Fabric softener dispenser	Monthly
Lint filter	Every 6 months
Exterior	Monthly

What to Avoid

Don’t use too much detergent. Excess detergent leaves residue that feeds mold and bacteria. Use 2 tablespoons of Tide Free and Gentle per load.

Don’t use chlorine bleach to clean the machine. Chlorine bleach can damage rubber parts and seals. Use affresh or vinegar instead.

Don’t use abrasive cleaners. Abrasive cleaners can scratch the drum and dispenser. Use baking soda paste for stubborn residue.

Don’t close the lid between washes. Closing the lid traps moisture and promotes mold. Leave it open.

Don’t use fabric softener. Fabric softener leaves a waxy residue that builds up in the machine and on clothes. Use vinegar instead.

FAQ

How do you clean a top loading washing machine? Run a cleaning cycle with affresh or vinegar and baking soda on the hottest setting. Wipe the drum and agitator, clean the detergent and fabric softener dispensers, check the lint filter, wipe the exterior, and leave the lid open. Clean monthly.

How often should you clean a top loading washing machine? Once a month. Run a cleaning cycle with affresh or vinegar, wipe the drum, and clean the dispensers. Check the lint filter every 6 months.

Can you use vinegar to clean a top loading washing machine? Yes. Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the drum and half a cup of baking soda into the dispenser. Run the hottest cycle. The vinegar kills mold and dissolves mineral deposits.

Why does my top loading washing machine smell? Your washing machine smells because mold, mildew, and detergent residue have built up inside. This is more common if you use too much detergent, use cold water for all loads, or close the lid between washes. Clean the machine monthly and leave the lid open.

How do you prevent odors in a top loading washing machine? Leave the lid open between washes, use 2 tablespoons of detergent per load, run hot water loads regularly, don’t use fabric softener, and clean the machine monthly with affresh.

References

1. Tide. “How to Clean a Washing Machine.” tide.com.
2. The Spruce. “How to Clean a Top Loading Washer.” thespruce.com.
3. Good Housekeeping. “How to Clean a Washing Machine.” goodhousekeeping.com.
4. affresh. “Washing Machine Cleaner Guide.” affresh.com.