At a Glance:
What Happens When I Don’t Clean My Washer Regularly?
How Often Should I Clean My Washing Machine?
Front Loaders vs. Top Loaders: Cleaning Differences
How Long Will It Take Me To Clean My Top Loader Washer?
How To Clean Top Loading Washing Machine
How often do you clean your top loader washing machine? Weekly? Bi-weekly? Monthly? This is an important question to ask because most people do not actually know that washing machines should be cleaned after using them for some time. However, you should know that beyond parts servicing and all that, regular washing machine cleaning is also an important washer maintenance activity. In fact, you could say that it is arguably the most important washing machine maintenance task because there are lots of things that could go wrong with your washer if you don’t clean it as often as you should.
What Happens When I Don’t Clean My Washer Regularly?
When you don’t clean your washer regularly, parts of the appliance will end up getting clogged and when this happens, water won't be able to flow out of the washer easily. Asides from this, dirt could also end up getting in different parts of your washing machine where it shouldn’t get in the first place and this will drastically shorten your washer’s lifespan.
One other common problem you’ll likely experience if you don’t clean your washer regularly is mildew and mold growth in your washing machine. When this happens, your washer will begin to smell bad, not to mention the fact that your clothes will likely get stained and start smelling too when you wash them in the washing machine. All of these are problems that are easily avoided by carrying out regular cleaning of your washer.
How Often Should I Clean My Washing Machine?
There is really no one answer to this question because it depends on how frequently you use your washing machine and how many clothes you wash per use. Ideally, you should ensure to clean and dry your washing machine after every use. This is to prevent the buildup of dirt in it that could encourage mold or mildew growth.
That said, however, it is also recommended you thoroughly clean your washing machine at least once every month, although as earlier mentioned, this is subject to how often you use it. If you use your washing machine often, then you’ll certainly want to make sure you clean it at least twice every month. When you do this consistently, you’ll be able to keep your washing machine in perfect operational condition and prevent it from developing unpleasant odors and growths.
Looking for a washing machine that can help you eliminate even the toughest of stains from your clothes? Check out this Speed Queen top loader washer!
Now that you know why it’s important for you to regularly clean your washing machine, let’s take a look at how to deep clean washing machine. Before going into detailed steps on how to deep clean a washing machine, it is important you know that there are actually two major types of washing machines. These types include:
Front Loaders vs. Top Loaders: Cleaning Differences
Although the end goal of these two washing machine types is the same in that they are both designed to ensure optimal cleaning results, they do have their differences and these differences also determine the type of approach you take to cleaning them. Simply put, the way you’ll clean a top load washing machine isn’t really the same way you’ll clean a front loader one. For example, if you have a front loader washer, you’ll find that mildew and mold are always “threatening” to grow on the cover (door).
This is actually because, in the course of the washing cycle, some amount of water and dirt get trapped in the door’s rubber padding and gasket thereby creating the perfect environment for microbial growth. Top loaders, on the other hand, do not have this issue and as such, it makes sense that you devote extra attention to cleaning the doors of front loader washers compared to those of top loaders.
This post focuses more on how to clean top loading washing machine options so if you use a top load washer and you don’t have any idea of how to clean it, read on to find out!
Want to make the switch from a front load washer to a top loader? Discover some of the best top load washer options on the market here!
How Long Will It Take Me To Clean My Top Loader Washer?
The cleaning process duration for a top loader washer depends significantly on the current state of the washer (how dirty it is) and how long it takes you to gather the tools you’ll need for the cleaning process. Overall cleaning your top load washer can take anywhere between thirty minutes to one hour.
How To Clean Top Loading Washing Machine
Cleaning a top loading washing machine is a very straightforward task. However, before going into details on how to clean top load washer options, here are the materials and tools you’ll need to gather first:
Materials needed:
- 1 bucket
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 old toothbrush (or a small scrub brush)
- One small bowl
- A saucepan
- A stovetop or microwave (whichever is readily available)
- White vinegar
- Chlorine bleach
- Dishwashing liquid
Once you have gathered all the items listed above, it’s now time to go into details on how to clean your top loading washing machine. To do this, follow the steps below:
STEP #1: Make Sure The Washer Is Empty
The first thing to do when you want to clean your top loader washer is to make sure the washer is completely empty. This means you’ll need to take out every single piece of clothing currently inside the washer. You will also need to check the washer’s reservoir compartments to be sure that there are no detergents or fabric softeners present there. If you find any, you’ll need to remove them immediately. This process shouldn’t take all that much of your time although if you’re using a top loader washer that has a significant tub capacity (like this Samsung Top Load Washer), it may take longer.
STEP #2: Program Your Top Loader Washer
Once you have completely emptied your washer of clothes, detergents, and every other thing in it, the next thing to do is to program it. You’ll want to set your top load washer settings as follows:
- Set the water temperature settings to the highest available
- Choose the highest setting for washing large cloth loads
- Select the longest wash cycle
STEP #3: Fill Up The Washer
After programming your top load washer, the next thing to do is allow the washer’s tub to fill up with hot water. However, make sure to pay close attention here because for now, all you’ll want is for the tub to get filled, not for it to start agitating. Once the tub is filled, pause the cycle immediately. Speaking of agitation, did you know that not all top loading washing machines have agitators?
STEP #4: Add Bleach
Recall the chlorine bleach earlier listed among the things you’ll need for this washing machine cleaning process? This is where you’ll need it. Using your measuring cup, pour out one quart (about 4 cups) of the liquid chlorine bleach into the hot water-filled washer tub.
STEP #5: Resume The Wash Cycle
After adding the liquid chlorine bleach, you can now resume the wash cycle and allow it to run till the end. This means allowing it to run through the wash, rinse and spin cycles. This step is very important because in the next step, you’ll be adding vinegar and this vinegar must not mix with bleach, else it’ll release toxic chlorine gas.
STEP #6: Clean The Dispensers
The earlier steps were targeted at cleaning your top loader washing machine’s tub, however, that’s not the only part of a washing machine. You’ll also need to clean the detergent and fabric softener dispensers. To do this measure and heat one cup of white vinegar (either using a microwave or stovetop). You don’t have to boil the vinegar, all you need to do is heat it till it’s warm. Once it is, pour it into the dispensers and leave it for about 15 minutes. What this does is help loosen any dirt or residue that may have been sticking to the dispenser compartment.
If your top loader washer has removable dispensers, remove them and “soak” them in a bucket of hot water and then add one cup of vinegar as well. After the 15-minute period, you’ll need to use the brush to scrape off any residue that may still be attached to the dispensers. Once this is done, return the dispensers to where you took them from.
Step #7: The Vinegar Cleanse
Repeat steps 2 to 4 again but this time instead of adding one quart of bleach, add one quart of white vinegar instead. Once this is done, allow the cycle to run through till the end again.
Enjoy easy operation and excellent cloth-washing effects with this LG Top Loader Washer!
Step #8: Wipe Down The Washer
Now that you’ve perfectly cleaned the interior of your top loader washer, all that’s left to do is to clean the exterior. To do this, simply pour warm water into a bowl, add some dishwashing liquid and then use the microfiber cloth to clean the washer. While doing this, take care not to spill water on your top loader washer as this could damage its controls.
There are lots of exceptional washers and dryers on the market today and some of these washers are made by popular appliance manufacturers such as Speed Queen, Samsung, LG, and so much more. These washers are available in different sizes as well so you’ll always be able to find one that’s a perfect fit for you.
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Shop Top Loading Washers at Aztec
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, and shop top loading washers online for the guaranteed lowest price at Aztec. Check out Aztec Appliance reviews, and if you have questions, our friendly product experts are always happy to help you in your search for the perfect top loader washer— whether you call us at 858-987-5777 or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our Aztec Appliance San Diego showroom located at the heart of downtown. Visit us today!
Learn More: Aztec’s Top 5 Most Reliable Washing Machines [+1 Bonus]