Easy Guide: How to Clean Your Top-Load Washing Machine

Keeping your top-load washing machine clean is essential for removing gunk, grime, and lingering odors. Over time, fabric softener residue, detergent buildup, and trapped lint can make your machine smell musty or reduce its efficiency. Here’s a complete guide to deep clean your top-loader safely and effectively.

Table of Contents

• How to Clean a Top-Load Washing Machine: Step-by-Step Guide
  • Step 1: Empty the Washing Machine
  • Step 2: Remove Removable Components
  • Step 3: Soak Removable Parts
  • Step 4: Prepare a DIY Cleaning Solution
  • Step 5: Detail-Clean the Drum and Hidden Areas
  • Step 6: Clean Removable Parts
  • Step 7: Choose a Cleaner for the Main Drum
  • Step 8: Run a Cleaning Cycle
  • Step 9: Wipe the Exterior
  • Step 10: Reassemble the Washer
  • Step 11: Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Top-Loader Fresh
• Signs Your Washing Machine Needs a Deep Clean
• Common Areas Where Dirt and Grime Accumulate
• Maintenance Tips Between Deep Cleans
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Conclusion

How to Clean a Top-Load Washing Machine: Step-by-Step Guide

Here is the step-by-step procedure to clean your top loading washing machine:

Step 1: Empty the Washing Machine

Before you start, make sure your washer is completely empty. Remove all clothes, loose socks, and any small items left behind. This ensures nothing obstructs your cleaning process and prevents damage to clothing during the cleaning cycle.

Step 2: Remove Removable Components

Most top-loaders have parts that can be removed for deep cleaning:

• Agitator center (where the fabric softener usually dispenses)
  
• Liquid bleach dispenser
  
• Fabric softener dispenser
  

Remove these carefully and set them aside for soaking. These areas often collect dirt, residue, and grime, which can cause unpleasant odors.

Step 3: Soak Removable Parts

Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add:

• 1 cup white vinegar
  
• A small amount of dish soap (optional, for stubborn gunk)
  

Let the components soak while you clean the rest of the machine. This helps loosen residue and makes scrubbing easier.

Step 4: Prepare a DIY Cleaning Solution

For the interior and exterior of the machine, mix a gentle cleaning solution:

• 1 cup white vinegar
  
• 1 cup water
  
• 1 teaspoon Dawn dish soap
  

This mixture is safe for scrubbing gunk and grime, but do not run a full cycle with the dish soap inside the machine, as it can create excessive suds.

Step 5: Detail-Clean the Drum and Hidden Areas

Use a toothbrush, scrub sponge, or electric scrubber to clean:

• Under the agitator (where fabric softener residue collects)
  
• Around bleach and softener dispensers
  
• Top edges of the drum, where water doesn’t always reach
  
• Any visible grime or buildup inside the machine
  

Tip: Gently push the drum side-to-side to reveal hidden areas where dirt may hide. For small openings like bleach dispenser slots, a pipe cleaner works perfectly.

Step 6: Clean Removable Parts

After soaking, scrub the removed components with:

• Toothbrush or small scrub brush
  
• Pipe cleaner for tiny crevices
  
• Scrub sponge or scrub mommy for stuck-on residue
  

Rinse thoroughly with warm water and let dry. These parts often harbor gunk that contributes to odors, so make sure they are fully clean.

Step 7: Choose a Cleaner for the Main Drum

There are two safe options for running a cleaning cycle:

1. White vinegar – Add 2 cups directly into the drum.
   
2. Washing machine cleaning tablets – Drop the recommended number of tablets into the drum.
   

Important: Use one or the other, never both at the same time.

Step 8: Run a Cleaning Cycle

Set your washer to:

• Heaviest setting
  
• Hot water
  
• Maximum water level (if available)
  

For older machines, you can pause the cycle to let the drum soak for about an hour. For newer machines, the water may automatically drain if paused, so consider running a second cleaning cycle if the drum is very dirty.

Step 9: Wipe the Exterior

While the machine is running, spray and wipe the outside with your DIY vinegar solution. Pay special attention to knobs, handles, and the lid, where dust and grime can collect.

Step 10: Reassemble the Washer

Once the drum cycle finishes, and removable parts are clean and dry:

• Reinsert the fabric softener and bleach dispensers
  
• Reattach the agitator center (if removed)
  

Your washer is now clean and odor-free.

Step 11: Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Top-Loader Fresh

1. Keep the lid open after each wash to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.
   
2. Wipe out any residual water with a microfiber towel.
   
3. Monthly cleaning: Use washing machine tablets or a vinegar cycle once a month to maintain freshness.
   
4. Persistent odors under the agitator: If smells linger, you may need to remove the agitator completely. Consider hiring a professional if you’re not comfortable disassembling the machine.
   

Signs Your Washing Machine Needs a Deep Clean

Even if your laundry appears clean, your washing machine may require a deep clean if you notice subtle signs. 

Persistent odors are the most common indicator; a musty or sour smell often comes from hidden buildup under the agitator, around dispensers, or in corners of the drum where water doesn’t reach. 

Stains on clothing that won’t wash out, despite using detergent and hot water, may indicate residue is clinging to the drum or dispensers. Slow drainage or water pooling at the bottom of the drum can signal clogs caused by lint, hair, or soap buildup in the drain hoses or pump. 

Unusual noises, such as grinding or squeaking, often occur when gunk interferes with moving parts like the agitator. Visible mold, mildew, or black spots around the fabric softener or bleach dispensers is a clear warning. 

Regularly checking for these signs allows you to intervene before the machine’s performance declines or odors worsen. 

If you notice any of these symptoms, scheduling a deep clean immediately can prevent damage, improve hygiene, and restore your washer’s efficiency.

Common Areas Where Dirt and Grime Accumulate

Top-load washing machines have hidden spots where dirt and grime easily build up. The agitator center is one of the dirtiest areas because it moves constantly during washes and often traps fabric softener, detergent residue, and lint. 

The bleach and fabric softener dispensers also collect sticky buildup over time, which can harbor mold and create unpleasant odors. The drum edges and the lid often retain water that doesn’t fully drain, allowing soap residue and dirt to settle. 

Even the water inlet hoses and drain pump can accumulate debris, contributing to slow drainage or foul smells. Hidden corners, crevices, and under removable parts are often overlooked during routine laundry, which is why odors and gunk persist. 

Regularly inspecting these areas, scrubbing visible grime, and soaking removable components in vinegar or a gentle solution keeps them clean and prevents the growth of mold or mildew. 

Understanding where buildup occurs allows you to target your cleaning efforts efficiently, ensuring every part of your washer remains hygienic and fully functional.

Maintenance Tips Between Deep Cleans

Regular maintenance between deep cleans helps keep your top-load washer fresh, odor-free, and functioning efficiently. 

One of the simplest but most effective practices is leaving the lid open after each wash. This allows air to circulate through the drum, drying any residual moisture and preventing mold and mildew growth. 

Wipe down the drum and dispensers with a microfiber towel after heavy or liquid detergent loads, especially if you notice water pooling or residue. 

Consider using small monthly vinegar or tablet treatments to break down detergent buildup and deodorize the machine without overhauling it completely. Inspect hoses, the drain pump, and water inlets periodically to ensure there are no clogs or blockages. 

Avoid overusing detergent, as excess soap creates more residue that can harbor bacteria. For high-efficiency washers, follow manufacturer guidelines on the correct detergent type and quantity to minimize buildup. 

Additionally, check for any lint or fabric debris around the agitator or drum edges and remove it promptly. 

By incorporating these maintenance steps into your routine, you can extend the lifespan of your washer, keep your laundry smelling fresh, and reduce the need for frequent deep cleaning cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use bleach to clean my washer?

A: Bleach can be used sparingly for stubborn mold, but it’s not necessary for routine cleaning and can damage rubber components if overused.

Q: How often should I clean my top-load washer?

A: Deep cleaning once every 1–2 months is ideal, with monthly maintenance using vinegar or cleaning tablets.

Q: Is it safe to remove the agitator?

A: Removing the agitator may be necessary for stubborn odors, but it requires tools and care. If unsure, hire a professional.

Q: Can I use dish soap in a full cleaning cycle?

A: Dish soap is safe for scrubbing, but not for running a full cycle—it can create excessive suds and damage the washer.

Q: Why does my washer still smell after cleaning?

A: Odors usually come from hidden areas like under the agitator, inside dispensers, or in hoses. A second cycle or professional cleaning may be needed.

Conclusion

Cleaning your top-load washing machine doesn’t have to be difficult. By following these steps, you can remove stubborn grime, prevent musty odors, and keep your machine running efficiently. With routine maintenance, your laundry will smell fresh, and your washer will last longer.