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Diy whirlpool: how to clean a top-load washer like a pro

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er,...

What To Know

  • If you want to disinfect the washing machine, you can add 1 cup of bleach to the bleach dispenser and run it on the hottest water setting.
  • If you notice that your clothes are not getting as clean as they used to, or if you see any mold or mildew growing inside the machine, it’s time to give it a good cleaning.
  • If you can’t remove the agitator, you can still clean the inside of the washing machine by pouring vinegar and baking soda into the machine and running it on the hottest water setting.

If you’re like most homeowners, your washing machine is one of the most important appliances in your house. It’s responsible for keeping your clothes clean and fresh, so it’s important to keep it in good working condition. One of the best ways to do that is to clean it regularly.

But how do you clean a top load washing machine? It’s actually not as difficult as you might think. With just a few simple steps, you can have your washing machine sparkling clean in no time.

Supplies You’ll Need

Before you start, you’ll need to gather a few supplies:

  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Bleach (optional)
  • Clean cloths
  • Sponge or brush

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Unplug the washing machine and turn off the water supply. This is important for safety reasons.
2. Remove the agitator. The agitator is the central part of the washing machine that helps to move the clothes around. To remove it, simply pull it straight up.
3. Clean the agitator. Fill a sink or bucket with hot water and add 1 cup of white vinegar. Soak the agitator in the solution for 30 minutes. Then, use a sponge or brush to scrub away any dirt or buildup.
4. Clean the inside of the washing machine. Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the washing machine and run it on the hottest water setting. This will help to kill bacteria and remove any buildup from the inside of the machine.
5. Add baking soda. Once the vinegar cycle is complete, add 1 cup of baking soda to the washing machine and run it on a cold water setting. This will help to neutralize any remaining vinegar and remove any odors.
6. Add bleach (optional). If you want to disinfect the washing machine, you can add 1 cup of bleach to the bleach dispenser and run it on the hottest water setting.
7. Wipe down the exterior of the washing machine. Use a clean cloth to wipe down the exterior of the washing machine. Be sure to clean the door, the control panel, and the sides of the machine.
8. Reassemble the washing machine. Once the washing machine is clean, reassemble it by inserting the agitator back into the machine.
9. Plug in the washing machine and turn on the water supply. Your washing machine is now clean and ready to use!

How Often Should You Clean Your Top Load Washing Machine?

You should clean your top load washing machine every 3-6 months, or more often if you use it frequently. If you notice that your clothes are not getting as clean as they used to, or if you see any mold or mildew growing inside the machine, it’s time to give it a good cleaning.

Troubleshooting

If you’re having trouble cleaning your top load washing machine, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

  • If the agitator is stuck, you can try using a pair of pliers to gently pry it loose.
  • If you can’t remove the agitator, you can still clean the inside of the washing machine by pouring vinegar and baking soda into the machine and running it on the hottest water setting.
  • If you see mold or mildew growing inside the washing machine, you can use a bleach solution to kill it. Simply mix 1 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water and pour it into the washing machine. Run the machine on the hottest water setting and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, drain the machine and rinse it thoroughly.

Wrapping Up

Cleaning your top load washing machine is a simple and important task that can help to keep your clothes clean and your washing machine running smoothly. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can have your washing machine sparkling clean in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I clean my top load washing machine?
A: You should clean your top load washing machine every 3-6 months, or more often if you use it frequently.

Q: What are the signs that my washing machine needs to be cleaned?
A: The signs that your washing machine needs to be cleaned include:

  • Clothes are not getting as clean as they used to
  • Mold or mildew growing inside the machine
  • Strange odors coming from the machine

Q: How can I prevent my washing machine from getting dirty?
A: Here are a few tips to help prevent your washing machine from getting dirty:

  • Always use the correct amount of detergent
  • Don’t overload the washing machine
  • Clean the lint trap regularly
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Rob Sanders

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er, Rob takes pride in testing out the latest tools and gadgets to see how they can make home projects easier. When it comes to heating systems, he's evaluated over 50 different furnace and boiler models over the years. Rob founded Nurturing Homeaid with his business partner Jim in 2020 to provide homeowners with genuine product recommendations they can trust. In his free time, Rob enjoys remodeling old homes with his family and traveling to visit architectural landmarks across the country. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.
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