At a Glance:
Do I Need to Clean My Top Load Washing Machine?
How to Clean a Top Load Washing Machine
Agitator vs No Agitator: More Tips
These Top Load Washing Machines Make Maintenance Easy
Your washing machine’s job is to get your clothes clean, but did you know it needs to be cleaned every now and then too? Why should you clean your washing machine? Simple—after washing load after dirty load, and body soil and bacteria residue builds up, so you need to do a little washer maintenance to ensure your clothes get as clean as possible. The question is, what is the best way to clean a top load washer? The good news is that you can clean it with items you likely already have in your pantry—like vinegar or bleach—or you can buy a specialized cleaning agent.
In this guide to how to deep clean top load washer machines, we’ll break down the different methods for washer care and how cleaning a top loader with an agitator differs from cleaning a washer with an impeller. Then, we’ll highlight the top washer models with impressive cleaning features so you can say goodbye to brown gunk in top load washing machine or a funky washing machine odor top loader.
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Shop Top Load WashersDo I Need to Clean My Top Load Washing Machine?
Keeping a top load washer clean is essential for maintaining its efficiency and prolonging its lifespan. Good Housekeeping recommends deep cleaning your washing machine once a month. Poor maintenance can lead to a host of issues, including the growth of mold and mildew, which not only produce unpleasant odors but can also transfer to your laundry, leaving clothes smelling musty. Gunk and detergent residue can build up over time, clogging the washer's mechanisms and reducing its cleaning effectiveness.
Additionally, limescale buildup from hard water can impair the washer's function and lead to costly repairs. Regular cleaning prevents these problems, ensuring your washer runs smoothly and your clothes come out fresh and clean.
How to Clean a Top Load Washing Machine
Before diving into the tips, let’s cover some ground with common materials used for cleaning top load washers and some important details before performing the job.
What Can I Use to Clean a Washing Machine?
There are several different methods for how to clean a top load washer, including using cleaning agents like vinegar, bleach, borax, and the popular washing machine cleaner Affresh. We’ll go over this more in detail with the tips below.
However, it’s important to never mix bleach with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide when cleaning a washer (or anything, for that matter). Doing so can create harmful chemicals that are dangerous when ingested.
Learn more: A Closer Look at Speed Queen Washers: Are They Actually Worth It?
Cleaning a Top Load Washer with Vinegar
If you want to avoid harsh chemicals, then consider using vinegar to clean a washing machine. It’s a natural, non-toxic cleaning agent that is safe for both the environment and your health. Best of all, vinegar effectively removes bad odors from your washer while utilizing its antibacterial properties to kill bacteria and mold. It can also remove mineral buildup and limescale from the washer.
To clean top load washing machine with vinegar, follow these steps:
- Ensure there are no clothes in the washer.
- Next, pour 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum.
- Select the hottest and longest cycle on your washer and start it.
- After a few minutes, pause the cycle and let the vinegar solution sit for about an hour to break down buildup and mold.
- After an hour, use a cloth or sponge to scrub the interior of the drum, the lid, and any other accessible parts.
- Resume the cycle.
- After the wash cycle is complete, run another cycle with just hot water to rinse away any remaining vinegar residue.
✅Pro Tips:
✔Clean your washer with vinegar once a month to maintain freshness and cleanliness.
✔ Leave the lid open after each wash to allow the drum to dry and prevent mold growth.
✔ For stubborn stains or buildup, mix baking soda with water to form a paste and scrub the affected areas before running the vinegar cycle.
✔ Remember to dust and clean the exterior of your top loader as well.
Cleaning a Top Load Washer with Bleach
When it comes to mastering how to disinfect a top load washing machine, bleach is one of the best options because it kills germs, bacteria, and mold. As an added bonus, bleach also effectively removes tough stains and buildup inside the washer. And if odors are a problem, bleach is a great option that helps eliminate lingering odors from the washer.
Let’s dive into how to clean top load washing machine with bleach with these simple steps:
- Make sure the washer is empty.
- Pour 1 cup of bleach into the washer drum.
- Then, set the washer to the hottest and longest cycle.
- Pause the cycle after a few minutes and let the bleach solution sit for an hour.
- After an hour, use a sponge or cloth to scrub the interior surfaces of the washer.
- Resume the cycle.
- When the first cycle is done, run a rinse cycle with hot water to remove any bleach residue.
✅ Pro Tips:
✔ Ensure proper ventilation when using bleach to avoid inhaling fumes.
✔ Do not mix bleach with other cleaning agents, especially vinegar or ammonia, which can produce toxic gases.
✔ Clean the washer with bleach every few months for deep cleaning.
Cleaning a Top Load Washer with Borax
Like vinegar, borax is a natural option that comes in handy for a washer cleanse. It effectively cleans and deodorizes, and it helps remove stains and buildup from the washer. Borax neutralizes odors, leaving the washer smelling fresh, and the best part is a box will cost you less than $10 and last through several cleaning sessions.
To learn how to clean a top load washing machine with borax, follow these steps:
- Ensure the washer is empty.
- Then, pour 1/2 cup of borax into the washer drum.
- Set the washer to the hottest and longest cycle.
- After a few minutes, pause the cycle and let the borax solution sit for an hour.
- After about an hour, use a sponge or cloth to scrub the interior surfaces of the washer.
- Resume the cycle.
- Once the cycle is done, follow it with a rinse cycle using hot water to remove any borax residue.
✅Pro Tips:
✔Use borax to clean your top load washer every few months.
✔Avoid inhaling borax dust and keep it away from children and pets.
✔For extra cleaning power, add 1/2 cup of vinegar along with the borax.
Cleaning a Top Load Washer with Affresh
Affresh is specifically designed for washing machines, so it’s no surprise that it effectively removes residue and buildup. It is easy to use with minimal preparation, and it gets rid of any funky odors by using a combination of bleach and sodium bicarbonate.
These simple steps using Affirm will help you make sure your washer is in tip-top shape:
- Ensure the washer is empty.
- Place 1 (one) Affresh tablet directly into the washer drum.
- If your washer has a “Clean Washer” cycle, select it for this method. If not, choose the hottest and longest cycle available.
- Allow the cycle to run its course without interruption.
- After the cycle finishes, wipe down the drum, lid, and any other accessible parts with a clean cloth.
✅Pro Tips:
✔Use Affresh once a month to maintain the cleanliness and efficiency of your washer.
✔Keep Affresh tablets in a cool, dry place to maintain their effectiveness.
✔For stubborn buildup, combine Affresh cleaning with periodic vinegar or borax treatments.
Agitator vs No Agitator: More Tips
Understanding how to clean a top load washer with agitator vs how to clean a top load washer without agitator requires different strategies. Let’s look at both washer types.
Cleaning a Top Load Washer with an Agitator
Top loaders with agitators are more prone to mold and mildew buildup due to the additional crevices and areas where water and detergent can accumulate. They’re also more likely to have detergent and fabric softener residue buildup on and around the agitator.
The agitator in the center can accumulate more debris, fabric softener residue, and detergent buildup. It's crucial to clean around and under the agitator thoroughly. The agitator's design may require additional scrubbing with a brush to reach all areas effectively. Some models allow for the removal of the agitator for deep cleaning. Check the user manual for instructions.
Top Load Washer without an Agitator (Impeller)
Without an agitator, the drum itself is the primary area of concern. However, the bottom of the drum where the impeller is located can still accumulate debris. The absence of an agitator means fewer obstructions, making it easier to scrub the entire drum. Generally, there's less fabric softener and detergent buildup compared to washers with agitators.
Impeller washers typically experience fewer issues with mold and mildew as they have fewer nooks and crannies where moisture can linger.
What They Have in Common
Both types of washers should run cleaning cycles on the hottest and longest settings to maximize the effectiveness of the cleaning agent. Regardless of the type, clean your washer at least once a month to prevent buildup and maintain efficiency. After each use, you should leave the lid open to allow the drum to dry out completely, preventing mold and mildew growth. Finally, remember to use high-efficiency (HE) detergent if your washer is designed for it; this will reduce residue buildup.
These Top Load Washing Machines Make Maintenance Easy
Now that you better understand how to clean a top loading washing machine, let’s take a look at our top washer picks for a cleaner washer.
Samsung 5.4 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Looking for a washer that doesn’t need a manual on how to clean a top load washing machine? Consider this Samsung washer, which features a Self Clean cycle, and the SmartThings app will notify you after every 20 wash cycles to let you know it’s time to run the cycle. For those with furry friends, this washer also has a Pet Care Wash Cycle that removes 6x more pet hair than a normal cycle. We love the spacious 5.4 cubic feet of capacity, which means you can get your laundry done in fewer loads, saving you time on chore day.
⭐Featured Samsung WA54CG7150AW Review
“Amazing pet hair feature. We literally bought a new washer and dryer just to help deal with our husky's hair. We figured even the price of a new W+D would be made up in lint roller savings in about two years, lol. Well, the verdict’s in and this set is amazing if you have pets that shed. The pet load takes about twice as long as a quick load but it removes about 85-95% of the hair. Most of the hair is just on particularly "sticky" fabrics. The hair catching bars in the washer are always full after a load and the drying catches the rest.”
GE Profile 5.0 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
This best-selling GE Profile top loader is beloved for its Microban antimicrobial technology, which is built into key washer components to prevent odor-causing bacteria. This washer can handle any load, whether you need to remove bacteria and sanitize or wash a load in under 24 minutes. This washer is ENERGY STAR certified, and you can monitor your loads from anywhere with the SmartHQ app. And because this is an impeller washer, it naturally accumulates less residue and debris than an agitator. If you want a washer that stays cleaner for longer without maintenance, this is a great option.
⭐Featured GE Profile PTW600BSRWS Review:
“Great size! Lots of options for washing the most delicate to super dirty.”
LG 5.0 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
This spacious washer features a no-rust tub, which means less chance of bacteria growth. It’s also an ENERGY STAR certified washer with a self-cleaning cycle. We love the way ColdWash technology gets your clothes clean but saves you money on utility bills. This LG smart top load washer also features SmartDiagnosis to help you troubleshoot any issues. If you’re looking for a washer that is gentle on your clothes yet delivers an effective clean, this is a great option.
⭐Featured LG WT7150CW Review:
“So far we have been really happy with our washer! We're able to fit in quite a bit more clothes and bedding compared to our old one. Despite adding more clothing volume to our loads, they still seem to come out clean. Super easy to use machine.”
Maytag 5.3 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Another spacious and ENERGY STAR certified washer for a large household, this Maytag model features a Sanitize with Oxi cycle that removes 99.9% of household bacteria. It also features Maytag’s signature Extra Power button, which boosts stain-fighting performance on any wash cycle with a dual-temperature wash. The Deep Fill option is ideal for especially soiled clothes, and you can monitor everything from the Maytag app. This washer is perfect for those looking for a washer that excels in stain-fighting and sanitizing.
⭐Featured Maytag MVW7232HW Review:
“I wanted an American made washer with many cycles, detergent dispenser and stainless steel drum and this model was exactly what I wanted.”
Maytag Pet Pro System 4.7 Cu. Ft. White Top Load Washer
Shop This Maytag Top Load Washer
The Maytag Pet Pro washer is perfect for families with pets. The powerful Pet Pro Filter removes 5x more pet hair compared to a normal cycle, which also helps cut down on maintenance when it comes time to clean your washer. The Deep Fill option, built-in water faucet, and Extra Rinse option also help get your clothes cleaner, especially when it comes to fighting stains. Of course, sometimes you need a Quick Wash cycle to clean your clothes quickly, and this Maytag takes just 30 minutes. Overall, this quiet and sleek washer is a high-quality pick that will last you for years to come, especially if you maintain it using our how to clean a top loading washing machine tips!
Learn more: Whirlpool Top Load Washer: Product Spotlight
Whether you prefer a natural cleaner like vinegar or a disinfectant like bleach, we want you to be equipped to know how to clean sludge from top loader washing machine. About once a month, keep your clothes and washing machine smelling fresh by doing a little washer maintenance. To upgrade your washer, or to learn more about keeping your washing machine in tip-top shape, stop by one of our Pittsburgh appliance stores to shop top load washing machines at today!
Why Trust Don’s Appliances?
Founded in 1971, Don’s Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Don’s has since expanded to 10 locations selling, delivering, installing, and servicing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed.
When our customers are remodeling or building a new house, Don’s has all the expertise, product knowledge, inventory, brands, displays, and services to meet and exceed your needs. And in the event an appliance breaks, we are there, right on time and with the right product, delivery, installation, and service.
Shop Top Load Washing Machines at Don’s
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop laundry appliances online at Don’s Appliance. Our friendly experts are always happy to help you enjoy cleaner laundry by learning how to clean a top load washing machine — whether you call us at 866-544-1711, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by any of our Don’s Appliances Pittsburgh, PA warehouse locations. Visit us today!
Learn More: 6 Best Top Load Washers Worth Every Cent