Cleaning a Top Load Washing Machine: A Repeatable Care Routine

You have a top load washing machine and want to keep it clean. Maybe your machine smells musty, or you see residue in the drum. Top load washing machines need regular cleaning to remove detergent residue, hard water minerals, and mold. Here’s a repeatable care routine for cleaning a top load washing machine.

A top load washing machine uses an agitator or impeller to move clothes through water. Over time, detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, hard water minerals, and mold accumulate in the drum, agitator, dispenser, and filter. This buildup causes odors, reduces cleaning performance, and can stain clothes. Cleaning the machine monthly keeps clothes fresh and extends the machine’s life.

To clean a top load washing machine, run an empty hot cycle with affresh or vinegar and baking soda monthly, clean the agitator or impeller, clean the dispenser drawer, wipe the drum and lid, clean the filter, and leave the lid open between loads. Don’t use bleach to clean the machine, don’t use too much detergent, and don’t close the lid between loads.

The Repeatable Monthly Routine

Step 1: Run an Empty Hot Cycle with affresh (60 to 90 minutes)

Place one tablet of affresh Washing Machine Cleaner in the washer drum. Set the machine to the hottest water setting and the longest cycle. Start the machine and let it run the full cycle. The tablet dissolves and removes residue, mold, and odors.

Step 2: Clean the Agitator or Impeller (5 minutes)

If your machine has an agitator, remove the fabric softener cup on top. Clean inside with an old toothbrush and warm soapy water. If your machine has an impeller, wipe it with a cloth and warm soapy water.

Step 3: Clean the Dispenser Drawer (5 minutes)

Remove the detergent and fabric softener dispenser drawer. Soak it in warm water with Dawn Ultra Dish Soap for 15 minutes. Scrub with an old toothbrush to remove buildup. Rinse and replace.

Step 4: Wipe the Drum and Lid (5 minutes)

Wipe the inside of the drum and the lid with a clean cloth soaked in warm water and vinegar. Remove any residue or debris.

Step 5: Clean the Filter (5 minutes)

Some top load washers have a lint filter. Locate the filter (check your manual). Remove and clean it with an old toothbrush. If your machine doesn’t have a filter, skip this step.

Step 6: Wipe the Exterior (2 minutes)

Wipe the exterior of the machine with a damp cloth. Don’t use abrasive cleaners.

Step 7: Leave the Lid Open (ongoing)

Leave the washer lid open between loads to allow the drum to dry. This prevents mold and mildew.

Alternative Cleaning Method: Vinegar and Baking Soda

Step 1: Add Vinegar

Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the drum (for a standard top loader) or to the detergent dispenser.

Step 2: Add Baking Soda

Add half a cup of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda to the drum.

Step 3: Run an Empty Hot Cycle

Set the machine to the hottest water setting and the longest cycle. Start and let it run.

Step 4: Wipe and Clean

After the cycle, wipe the drum, agitator, dispenser, and lid as described above.

Weekly Maintenance

Wipe the Lid and Rim

Wipe the lid and rim after each load with a dry cloth to remove moisture.

Leave the Lid Open

Leave the lid open between loads to allow the drum to dry.

Clean the Dispenser

Remove and clean the dispenser drawer every 2 to 4 weeks.

Use the Right Products for Laundry

Detergent: Tide Free and Gentle

Stain removers: OxiClean Max Force Spray, Dawn Ultra Dish Soap, Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam

Laundry sanitizer: Lysol Laundry Sanitizer

Ink remover: Amodex Ink and Stain Remover

How to Prevent a Dirty Top Load Washer

Use the Right Amount of Detergent

Using too much detergent leaves residue. Use the recommended amount of Tide Free and Gentle.

Don’t Use Fabric Softener

Fabric softener leaves a waxy residue that builds up in the machine. Use vinegar instead.

Leave the Lid Open

Leave the lid open between loads to allow the drum to dry. This prevents mold and mildew.

Clean Monthly

Clean the machine monthly with affresh or vinegar and baking soda to prevent buildup.

Use HE Detergent in HE Top Loaders

If you have an HE top load washer, use HE detergent. Regular detergent produces too many suds.

What Not to Do

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

Don’t use too much detergent. Excess detergent leaves residue that builds up in the machine. Use the recommended amount.

Don’t close the lid between loads. Closing the lid traps moisture and causes mold. Leave the lid open.

Don’t use regular detergent in HE top loaders. Regular detergent produces too many suds. Use HE detergent.

Don’t use fabric softener. Fabric softener leaves residue. Use vinegar instead.

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

Don’t use abrasive cleaners. Abrasive cleaners can scratch the drum and lid. Use mild soap and water.

Comparison: Cleaning Methods for Top Load Washers

Method	Cost	Best For	How Often	Ease of Use
affresh tablets	Medium	Deep cleaning	Monthly	Very easy
Vinegar and baking soda	Low	Monthly maintenance	Monthly	Easy
Bleach	Low	Disinfecting (use alone)	Every 3 to 6 months	Easy
Professional service	High	Severe problems	As needed	Not DIY

FAQ

How do you clean a top load washing machine? Run an empty hot cycle with one affresh tablet, clean the agitator or impeller, clean the dispenser drawer, wipe the drum and lid, clean the filter, and leave the lid open between loads.

How often should you clean a top load washing machine? Clean your top load washing machine monthly with affresh or vinegar and baking soda. Wipe the lid and dispenser every 2 to 4 weeks.

Can you use vinegar and baking soda to clean a top load washer? Yes. Add 2 cups of white vinegar and half a cup of baking soda to the drum. Run an empty hot cycle. Wipe the drum and lid after.

Why does your top load washing machine smell? Top load washing machines smell because of mold and mildew caused by trapped moisture, detergent residue, and fabric softener buildup. Clean monthly with affresh and leave the lid open.

What is the best cleaner for a top load washing machine? affresh Washing Machine Cleaner is the best cleaner. It removes residue, mold, and odors in one hot cycle. Use one tablet monthly.

References

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