To clean a top-loading washing machine effectively, follow these steps:
- Make sure the washing machine is empty with no laundry, detergent, or fabric softeners inside.
- Add half a cup of liquid chlorine bleach to both the detergent and bleach dispensers.
- Once the drum fills with hot water but before agitation starts, open the lid and add one quart of chlorine bleach directly to the drum.
- Let the wash cycle complete including rinse and spin so the bleach can clean the machine.
- Start a new cycle with the longest, hottest wash setting and let the drum fill with hot water again.
- Before the agitation starts, add one quart of distilled white vinegar to the drum.
- Allow this cycle to complete fully including rinse and spin.
- After cleaning, wipe down the agitator, inside of the lid, and outside surfaces with a damp cloth.
- Keep the lid open between washes to allow drying and prevent odors.
This deep cleaning process should be done at least twice a year to remove residue, eliminate odors, and maintain washing performance. Depending on preferences, some also recommend using washing soda and borax with hot water instead of bleach and vinegar for safe cleaning. Removing and scrubbing any removable parts like the agitator cap can enhance the cleaning.