How to Clean a Top Load Washer Safely and Thoroughly

Your top load washer has buildup. There’s a ring of residue around the drum, the dispenser is caked with detergent, and your clothes don’t smell as fresh as they used to. Top load washers need regular cleaning just like front loaders. The agitator and drum collect residue, bacteria, and hard water deposits that transfer to clothes. But cleaning a top load washer is straightforward. Here’s how to clean a top load washer safely and thoroughly.

Cleaning a top load washer is the process of removing residue, bacteria, and hard water deposits from the drum, agitator, detergent dispenser, and filter. Top load washers need cleaning because they collect detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, and hard water deposits that cause odors and transfer to clothes.

To clean a top load washer, fill the drum with hot water, add 4 cups of vinegar and half a cup of baking soda, agitate for 1 minute, let it sit for 1 hour, then complete the cycle. Clean the agitator, dispenser, and exterior. Use affresh monthly. Don’t use too much detergent, don’t use fabric softener, and leave the lid open between washes.

Step-by-Step: Cleaning a Top Load Washer

Step 1: Set the Washer to the Hottest and Largest Setting

Set the water temperature to hot and the load size to large or extra large. Let the drum fill with water.

Step 2: Add Vinegar and Baking Soda

Add 4 cups of white vinegar and half a cup of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda to the water. The vinegar dissolves mineral deposits and kills bacteria. The baking soda breaks down residue and deodorizes.

Step 3: Agitate for 1 Minute

Start the cycle and let the washer agitate for 1 minute to mix the vinegar and baking soda.

Step 4: Stop the Cycle and Let It Sit

Stop the cycle and let the mixture sit for 1 hour. This gives the vinegar and baking soda time to break down residue and kill bacteria.

Step 5: Resume the Cycle

Resume the cycle and let it complete. The water will drain, taking the dissolved residue with it.

Step 6: Run a Second Cycle with affresh

For a deeper clean, add 1 tablet of affresh Washing Machine Cleaner to the drum and run another hot cycle.

Step 7: Clean the Agitator

If your washer has an agitator, wipe it with a cloth dipped in vinegar. For stubborn residue, use a baking soda paste and scrub with an old toothbrush.

Step 8: Clean the Detergent Dispenser

Remove the dispenser and soak in warm water with vinegar for 30 minutes. Scrub with an old toothbrush. Rinse and replace.

Step 9: Clean the Exterior

Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth and mild soap. Don’t use abrasive cleaners.

Step 10: Leave the Lid Open

Leave the lid open for several hours to let the drum dry completely.

Cleaning the Agitator

The agitator is a common spot for residue buildup in top load washers.

Step 1: Wipe with vinegar. Wipe the agitator with a cloth dipped in white vinegar.

Step 2: For stubborn residue, use baking soda paste. Mix baking soda with water, apply to the agitator, scrub with an old toothbrush, then wipe with vinegar.

Step 3: Check under the agitator cap. Some agitators have a removable cap. Remove it and clean inside.

Cleaning the Detergent Dispenser

Step 1: Remove the dispenser. Pull it out or press the release button.

Step 2: Soak in vinegar. Soak in warm water with vinegar for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Scrub. Scrub with an old toothbrush to remove all residue and mold.

Step 4: Rinse and replace.

How to Prevent Buildup in a Top Load Washer

Use less detergent. Use 2 tablespoons of Tide Free and Gentle. Excess detergent causes residue.

Don’t use fabric softener. It coats the drum and agitator with waxy residue. Use vinegar instead.

Use hot water. Use hot water for at least one load per week to dissolve residue.

Leave the lid open between washes. This lets the drum dry and prevents mold.

Clean monthly. Use affresh Washing Machine Cleaner once a month.

Remove clothes promptly. Don’t leave wet clothes in the washer.

Use Lysol Laundry Sanitizer. Add to the rinse for heavily soiled loads.

What Not to Do

Don’t use chlorine bleach on the agitator. Chlorine bleach can damage the agitator over time. Use vinegar instead.

Don’t close the lid between washes. Closing the lid traps moisture and promotes mold growth.

Don’t use too much detergent. Excess detergent causes residue and feeds bacteria.

Don’t use fabric softener. It coats the drum and agitator with waxy residue.

Don’t skip monthly cleaning. Monthly cleaning prevents buildup and odors.

Don’t mix chlorine bleach and vinegar. Mixing them creates toxic chlorine gas.

FAQ

How do you clean a top load washer? Fill the drum with hot water, add 4 cups of vinegar and half a cup of baking soda, agitate for 1 minute, let it sit for 1 hour, then complete the cycle. Clean the agitator, dispenser, and exterior. Use affresh monthly.

How often should you clean a top load washer? Monthly. Use affresh Washing Machine Cleaner in a hot cycle. Also clean the detergent dispenser and agitator monthly. Do a deep clean with vinegar and baking soda every 3 months.

Does vinegar clean a top load washer? Yes. White vinegar dissolves mineral deposits, kills bacteria, and removes residue. Add 4 cups to a hot cycle and let it sit for 1 hour before completing the cycle. For best results, also use affresh.

Can you use bleach to clean a top load washer? You can use chlorine bleach in the drum (white interior only), but don’t use it on the agitator or rubber components. Vinegar and affresh are safer and equally effective.

How do you clean the agitator on a top load washer? Wipe the agitator with a cloth dipped in vinegar. For stubborn residue, use a baking soda paste and scrub with an old toothbrush. Check under the agitator cap if it has one.

References

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