Saturday, September 13, 2014

How-to: Deep Clean a Top-Loading Washing Machine


If you are anything like me you are still learning how to be an adult. At 30 years old I still don’t know everything that I probably should. I certainly know a lot (I can fix cars, motorcycles, I have built a house from the ground up, I was a cable television and internet installer, and dozens of other things) but not everything. As the saying goes, I am a jack of all trades but master of none.


One thing that I never even considered was our washing machine. We were given a washer and dryer by my mother-in-law a few years ago. When we finally got the washer to our house in Maryland we found out that the drum had cracked in the move after I had hooked it up and it flooded our laundry room. 

We got another washer for free from a family that was moving away and couldn't take it with them. This one worked great. I never even thought about just how dirty it might be on the inside, especially down where you can't easily see.

When my wife and I found out that we were expecting our second child, about 2 years after we got the new-to-us washing machine, we started looking into more chemical-free, green ways of living. One of those changes included switching to a completely detergent free laundry system! If this sounds absolutely crazy to you, I encourage you to read her review on Smartklean Laundry Ball

One of the very first things on the laundry ball's instructions is to clean you washer! Along with dirt, and mold/mildew, even laundry detergent itself leaves behind a residue buildup like you wouldn't imagine. 

After doing a couple days of research I found some very basic cleaning methods for washing machines but I couldn't find anything for our specific machine, nor could I find anything other than “soak, rinse repeat” so I decided to dive in a little deeper. Here is what I found and the process I took to get there:

So it turns out that our washing machine was a disgusting mess. You would be surprised at the nasty stuff that lurks inside your machine as well. 

The first step I took was to do a good soak to help to strip the chemicals and gunk from the machine. 


Set the washer for hot wash on the largest capacity setting. Turn machine on and as it is filling add one cup of bleach. This will help to kill any bacteria hiding deep in the machine. 


I left the lid open so that once it was full it would not continue through the washing cycle.  While that was happened, I cleaned the visible surface area above the rim.  Later, we'll be getting into corners.


Let the machine soak for an hour. Then I closed the lid and allowed the full wash cycle to run.


Once that is complete, you may want to run the machine once with plain hot water to completely rinse out any residual bleach.  At this point, you will be switching to white vinegar, and it isn't a good idea to mix bleach and vinegar.

Once the plain water cycle completes we are going to do another soak to begin stripping the set-in chemical residue from the machine. 

Just as before, set the machine to hot wash on the largest capacity. 


This time, as the machine begins to fill, add 2 cups of distilled white vinegar. 


I noticed almost immediately that the water had a strange color to it. It was a greenish-blue and extremely cloudy. 


The water here on Fort Irwin does have a high chlorine content but not this high.

The vinegar started working almost as soon as it was introduced into the machine. What you are seeing here is the buildup of years’ worth of laundry detergent and whatever other chemicals you may use to keep your whites white and your colors bright. 

You will want to allow this water to sit and soak for at least 2 hours. I actually let mine sit until the water was room temperature. Then, close the lid and allow the washing cycle to complete. 


I was thoroughly amazed at the crap that came out of our washer. It was horrible-- embarrassing even!

Once the wash cycle completes you will want to run another plain water cycle, again on hot and the largest capacity, but don’t add anything to the water. This will ensure a clean rinse. No soak is needed at this point. Once the rinse is complete its time to get down to the really nasty stuff.

Our machine is a Maytag Performa. The following steps may be a little bit different with your machine but should still be mostly the same unless you have a front loader. 


The first thing you will want to do is to clean around the splash catch on the drum. 

On most top loaders the drum will be able to rock from side to side. This helps the machine to balance itself during the spin cycle. Rock the drum to one side and look in the channel around the top of the drum. 


This was especially gross on our machine. 


The picture I took was actually done after it was cleaned because I had forgotten to take it as I was cleaning. 


But it will still give you an idea of what the splash catch will look like.

I used a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and hot water along with a sponge, dish brush, and q-tips to clean the groove. 


Once this is complete you will want to begin disassembling the agitator. For some readers it may seem like a rather daunting task but it was actually very easy to do. 

The agitator on our machine has a cup in the center for fabric softener. The cup will need to be removed in order to pull the agitator. On our machine, all you need to do is to turn the cup about a ¼ turn and it lifts right out. 



Once the cup is removed you will need to remove the bolt that holds the agitator in place. 

I didn’t have the proper tools on hand but with a little ingenuity was able to come up with something that worked. I used an angle-head socket wrench with a 4” extension to reach the bolt. Again, some of these pictures were taken as I was reassembling the machine because I had forgotten to take them as I was working. It was not even close to this clean as it was coming apart.


My socket wrench was still not quite long enough so I stuck another wrench on the end of the socket wrench to be able to loosen the bolt. 

Once the bolt has been removed the agitator will lift out. It might be a little tough at first if it has never been cleaned as the gunk built up on the drive shaft will work like glue. Just wiggle it back and forth as you pull up and eventually it will come off. The picture below shows just how gross it was underneath the agitator.

Seriously, this is what's going INTO your clothes!
That, folks, is years of built up mold, mildew, chemical detergents and other nasty stuff. Now that the agitator has been pulled out you will want to clean it and the fabric softener cup thoroughly using the same mixture of hot water, vinegar, and baking soda mentioned earlier.
 

Once you’ve finished cleaning the parts of the agitator its time to move on to the drum. 


Again, use the same cleaning solution as before and just scrub the entire drum from top to bottom with the dish brush.

All of that nasty stuff will begin to melt away as you clean. 


Once you have loosened up all the grime use a few paper towels to get that gunk out of there. 


After it has been wiped up close the lid and set the machine to rinse. Let both the rinse and spin cycles run. 


This will get out any grime that you weren’t able to wipe out and then drain the water from the drum. 


You may want to use a damp paper towel after the drum is empty to wipe up any remaining loose dirt. 


Now it’s time to get to the tedious detail work. Use the same cleaning solution and some q-tips to get the tight spaces around the hinges on the lid and such. 




Once you are finished we can put it all back together. 

Begin by replacing the agitator on top of the drive shaft. You may need to twist it back a forth a few times to get the splines on the shaft to line up with the grooves on the agitator. 


Once it has been lined up and seated replace the bolt that we removed earlier. Then replace the fabric softener cup. 


Fill the machine one last time with just hot water and let it run a full wash cycle. Now your washer should be nice and shiny again. Just like the day you got it (or better in our case)!

Good luck, happy cleaning, and welcome to much more healthy laundry care!



Featured by:

and

Mandy's Recipe Box
Totally Talented Tuesday

The Princess & Her Cowboys



Shared with:
Creative Collection Link PartyDare to Share, Link Party PaloozaNo-Rules WeekendSaturday SharefestSay G'Day SaturdayShow and Tell SaturdaySimple SaturdaySimply Natural SaturdayWeekend Rewind.
Creative StyleDIY InspiredDIY ShowcaseHappiness is HomemadeNifty Thrifty SundayShare Your CreativitySilver Pennies SundaySubmarine SundaySunday BrunchThink Pink Sunday.
~ A Round Tuit, Amaze Me Monday, Busy Monday, Clever Chicks Blog Hop, Craftastic Monday, Frugal Crafty Home, Homestead Barn Hop, Inspiration Monday, Mad Skills Monday, Making Your Home Sing Monday, Masterpiece Monday, Meandering Monday, Mix It Up Monday, Mommy Monday, Monday Funday, Mostly Homemade Mondays, Motivation Monday, Much Ado About Monday, Thank Goodness It's Monday.
~ Anti-Procrastination Tuesday, Backyard Farming Connection, Be Inspired, Brag About It, Create ~ Link ~ Inspire, Good Tips Tuesday, Handmade Tuesdays, Heart & Soul Hop, One Project At a Time, The Scoop, Share It Link Party, Share Your Stuff TuesdayShow and Share, Take-A-Look Tuesday, Time To Sparkle, Tip Me TuesdayTurn It Up Tuesday, Too Cute Tuesday, Totally Talented Tuesdays, Treasure Box Tuesday, Tuesdays With a Twist, Tutorial Tuesday, Two Cup Tuesday, You're Gonna Love It Tuesday.
~ Centerpiece Wednesday, Down Home Blog Hop, Fluster's Creative Muster, Fresh Foods Wednesday, From Dream to Reality, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Homemaking PartyInspiration Board, Mommy Club, Moonlight & Mason Jars, Penny Pinching PartyProject Parade, Show + Tell Wednesday, Wake Up Wednesday, Wednesday Round Up, Wednesday Whatsits, What Are You Doing Wednesday, What's It Wednesday, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Whimsy Wednesday, Wicked Awesome Wednesday, Wildcrafting Wednesday, Wine'd Down Wednesday, Wonderful Wednesday, Wonderfully Creative Wednesdays, Work It Wednesday, Works For Me Wednesday, Wow Me Wednesday, Wow Us Wednesday, Your Whims Wednesday.
~ Creative Ways Link Party, Home & Garden Thursday, HomeAcre Hop, It's A Party, Share Your Cup Thursday, Showcase Your Talent Thursday, Thrifty Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Time Travel Thursday.                                                                                         



97 comments:

  1. Wow, good to know! I also always leave the lid open on my washing machine when not in use, to allow it to dry.
    Stopping by from Simply Natural Saturdays and A Nation of Moms :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for this great information. Stopping by from Weekend Wind-Down.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow! I shudder to even think what ours is like. We've had a hand-me-down washer for over eleven years and have never cleaned it. Looks like I have something else to add to my honey do list.

    ReplyDelete
  4. oh i need to do this. i actually bought more vinegar specifically for cleaning the machine a couple of weeks ago and its still there.... tomorrow i'll get onto it tomorrow :) thanks for joining us for Sunday Brunch - great to see you again x

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great tutorial! Now I need to look at my washer, I haven't taken the agitator off in years. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I really need to do this! I have a newer washer, so I should start this now before it gets super gross! :) #ModayforMoms

    ReplyDelete
  7. Good to know and thanks for sharing:) Never knew we had to clean our laundry machines!

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a wonderful blog on the work horse in your home. Love the tutorial to clean your washing machine.
    Thank you for sharing with the Clever Chicks Blog Hop! I hope you’ll join us again next week!

    Cheers,
    Kathy Shea Mormino
    The Chicken Chick
    http://www.The-Chicken-Chick.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I have a high effeciency top loading washer and it is really difficult to clean as it doesn't fill all the way with water! Ugh! So, I have to leave the lip open and work a little different way!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks so much for this great information. I had no idea it was necessary to clean a washing machine, but I've been realizing that my first load of laundry each week brings about a bad odor...like stagnant water.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I really need to do this to my old top loader, Iv just upgraded to a front loader so want to get my top loader looking good so I can sell it! Thanks for the tips :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I never even knew you could deep clean your washer like this! thanks for linking up to DIY Inspired at HandmadeintheHeartland.com :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you so much for sharing this at Motivation Monday! Our washing machine had tons of grime thanks to using homemade laundry detergent for a period of time. Now I can keep the new one cleaner.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks for sharing via Mommy Monday, this is VERY helpful!
    XO

    ReplyDelete
  15. This is such an excellent way to give your washer a really thorough clean! Thank you for sharing with us at the Hearth and Soul hop.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Great tips on cleaning your washer! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
  17. This helpful post was featured on my blog as part of "Tuesdays with a Twist" bloghop - http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/2014/09/time-to-link-up-tuesdays-with-twist_23.html
    Thanks
    Angie

    ReplyDelete
  18. Great post!!!! Congrats on being featured this past week on The Wednesday Roundup Link Party!!! We love having you!!! Besides being featured we've also pinned this one to our Link Party Features Pinterest Board! Come on by and check it out {http://www.pinterest.com/anglemoine/the-wednesday-roundup-features/}! Angela @ LeMoine Family Kitchen

    ReplyDelete
  19. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thank you all for your kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed my entry. I hope this helps some of you to learn how to clean your machines and motivates those of you who didn't know just how gross it could be. I had no idea myself. I mean you are constantly running soap and stuff through it. Why/how could it be dirty. Boy was I wrong.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I never imagined that the washing machine can be so dirty. Mine started to smell bad and I found tutorials how to remove bad smells but now i understood why it smells like that.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Does there exist washing machine cleaner or any other tool? it'd be so useful. these tumble dryers are definitely not very clean.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thanks! That was very helpful!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. You did a great job, it is rare to find "how to" articles that go into such great detail.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Wow! Such an amazing and helpful post this is. I really really love it. It's so good and so awesome. I am just amazed. I hope that you continue to do your work like this in the future also How to Clean Shower Curtain with Bleach

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks for sharing an amazing article on best top load washer with agitator in detail For More information on top load washer with agitator

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thanks you so much for such an informative piece of information about How to clean Top-Loading Washing Machine.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Thanks for sharing such beautiful information with us. We hope you will share some more information about skin care. We really enjoy your blog & content. If anyone looking for Skin Care Clinic Melbourne Then visit us. We provide best skin care services.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thank you for your post. This is excellent information. Please visit my site. This is informative for you. Mould Removal in Melbourne Mould removal Melbourne mould removal Perth

    ReplyDelete
  30. Your Blog is very nice.
    Wish to see this much more like this. Thanks for sharing your information!
    Top load washing machine

    ReplyDelete
  31. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  32. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Keep sharing and posting articles like these. This article has helped me a lot. Keep posting this stuff.

    Walls washing Lancaster

    ReplyDelete
  34. Washing machine service in dubai
    https://www.hometech.ae/service/washing-machine-service/
    UAEs Authorized Major brand Washing Machine Service in Dubai, On-Demand experienced professionals for washing machine service in Dubai.
    1634524026049-15

    ReplyDelete
  35. Discover LG's top-rated washing machines. Read the latest washer reviews and ratings from Consumer Reports – and get one of LG's best washers of 2020.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Continue to share and publish articles like these. This post has been quite beneficial to me. Continue to share this type of information. Cleaning Services Hurstville

    ReplyDelete
  37. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  38. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  39. At Silver Edge Packaging, we provide all types of custom boxes. We have all the sizes and shapes of boxes. custom bakery boxes
    vape boxes wholesale

    ReplyDelete
  40. Get the fascinating prints of the Donut Packaging in eco-friendly material at wholesale from Orchard Packaging.

    ReplyDelete
  41. This is my first visit to this blog, and I discovered some useful information. Basically, I am always interested in learning new writing aspects, and it might be difficult to locate such a platform at times. Commercial Cleaning Services  

    ReplyDelete
  42. Thank you for sharing good services https://www.pestcontrolhyderabad.com/


    ReplyDelete
  43. Thank you for sharing good services ]https://pestdial.net/


    ReplyDelete
  44. Creating improved gadgets for client accommodation, developing number of online business retailers, energy saving elements, and creating provincial jolt projects are reported as central point of Kitchen Appliances Market that are assessed to upgrade the development in the years to come. Kitchen Appliances refrigerator repair dubai industry is portioned dependent on type, structure, item type, application, and local

    ReplyDelete
  45. Creating improved gadgets for client accommodation, developing number of online business retailers, energy saving elements, and creating provincial jolt projects are reported as central point of Kitchen Appliances Market that are assessed to upgrade the development in the years to come. Kitchen Appliances washing machine repair industry is portioned dependent on type, structure, item type, application, and local

    ReplyDelete
  46. This is just wow. I wonder how it feels like to live in this kind of neighborhood. I'd love to have a unit there and live there and customize each section in the unit like access panels
    plumbing services in Islamabad,

    ReplyDelete
  47. I read your blog about Air Conditioning and its very useful for us. Thanks for sharing with me. Keep posting bro.
    fridge repair services in Rawalpindi

    ReplyDelete
  48. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Thanks for sharing this useful information. Regards, The best deep cleaning services in Hyderabad #ZoopGo

    ReplyDelete
  50. Essential oil boxes are a great choice for small businesses dealing with essential oils. See these additional benefits for yourself. Small businesses use tools and ideas to operate better and at a lesser cost. Also, firms that handle essential oil packaging typically use Custom Essential Oil Packaging . They will be able to settle effortlessly and find success at what they do. These packaging are created from the best material available, such as Kraft and cardboard.

    ReplyDelete
  51. This is such an excellent way to give your informaion and thanks to u. We Manufacturing & exporter of ,
    Component Cleaning Machine,Ultrasonic washing machine

    ReplyDelete
  52. Thank You for sharing such an Amazing Article; I would Love to share in Deep cleaning Services in hyderabad GrouP

    ReplyDelete
  53. Thanks for sharing the excellent and informative blog with us. additionally, If you are looking for Airbnb Management Company Arlington, contact sparkly maids.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Looking for BOSCH washing machine repairs service in Melbourne Our professional and state of the art services can make your life easy. Washing Machine Repairs in Melbourne

    ReplyDelete
  55. Great post about dryer vent cleaning , it's good to see someone having an initiative to help everyone who's reading this to prevent house fire.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I think we should share this type of information with other people also because everyone wants to take advantage.Appliance repair west islip ny

    ReplyDelete
  57. house cleaning san francisco
    Whenever you need commercial or home cleaning services, our professional cleaners can offer a helping hand to you. Whether you need a thorough spring clean or regular service, our specialists are happy to help.
    Our cleaning team is very happy to aid you with your day to day house, therefore you may enjoy more leisure time so you can maintain the peace of mind that your home is in professional hands. We have no minimum term contract, no hidden extras and no annual premiums and zero fees whenever the occasion will be.
    cleaning services in San Francisco
    house cleaning services
    commercial cleaning services

    ReplyDelete
  58. This is really helpfull blog, Thank you for sharing with us!!!
    home deep cleaning service

    ReplyDelete
  59. Thanks for sharing this information. Best jeans and dress drying rack supplier offers drying rack, air dry clothes rack, bra drying rack, hanger to dry clothes, Indoor drying rack, jeans and dress drying rack. Call us for a clothes drying system.
    Space Saving Drying Rack

    ReplyDelete
  60. Nice article! Thanks for sharing this article with us.

    Commercial Janitorial Services

    ReplyDelete
  61. Call our Washing Machine Service in Lynbrook at 1800 631 029, if your machine is out of order and your dirty clothes are piling up in the laundry
    Has your malfunctioned washing machine caused an inconvenience to your busy schedule? Daniel appliance service steps in to save your day! Offering the most reliable, quick and cost efficient solutions to your daily appliances, our services are renowned all over Australia.

    ReplyDelete
  62. This is the owner of Oriental Rugs Hand Cleaning & Repair. I have been in this profession for more than 30 years.You have come to the right place ,at Oriental Rug Hand Cleaning & Repair Winter Park ,i am committed to achieving my clients complete satisfaction ,and i make sure to exceed their expectation with my quality work ,so i can win their trust and repeat business.

    ReplyDelete
  63. I have a high effeciency top loading washer and it is really difficult to clean as it doesn't fill all the way with water! Ugh! So, I have to leave the lip open and work a little different way!
    fridge repair surrey

    ReplyDelete
  64. A nice piece of information!
    Check this out to get the best rug cleaning service Vancouver

    ReplyDelete
  65. I am glad to say that your blog has proven to be incredibly helpful for me. Read the blogs of Gadgets Africa to know about the stores that can repair your Best Washing Machines Nairobi.

    ReplyDelete


  66. Great blog post. We service all areas of Melbourne and provide a safe and effective Mould Removal, Call us for professional Mould Removal Melbourne, Mould assessment and Mould Remediation. Get Professional Mould Removal Services & Prevention Treatments To Help Keep Your Home Healthy.

    ReplyDelete
  67. such a lovely blog!!
    IFB washing machine service in coimbatore

    ReplyDelete
  68. The above mentioned blog is very informative and provide genuine information.
    To all those user who are reading this and looking for the best portable washing machine can go through the follow mention guide.
    Here you can find the list of best mini washing machine in India

    ReplyDelete
  69. You did a great job, it is rare to find "how to" articles that go into such great detail
    stove repair in surrey
    dishwasher repair in surrey

    ReplyDelete
  70. It was a very informative post. Thanks for sharing it. Apartment Cleaning San Francisco

    ReplyDelete
  71. Repair. I have been in this profession SUPREME CLEAN for more than 30 years.You have come to the right place ,at Oriental Rug Hand Cleaning & Repair Winter Park.

    ReplyDelete
  72. We appreciate you sharing this article regarding dishwasher repair services. Visit washing machine Repair Services Dubai for all your home appliance repair needs; their knowledgeable and skilled technicians are available around-the-clock to assist you. They offer cost-effective repair services for all major brands of appliances.

    ReplyDelete
  73. Ensure that the Appliance Repair Service Aberdeen you choose is licensed and insured. This is important for your protection and ensures that you are dealing with qualified professionals. If you're in need of appliance repairs in Aberdeen, you can connact PlumberHeat the home of Fast, Reliable, Honest & Affordable service oriented company based in the heart of Aberdeen City.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Welcome to Gurgaon's Expert Refrigerator Repair Service , where precision meets professionalism to revive your cooling companions. Our skilled technicians are dedicated to providing top-notch repair solutions, ensuring your refrigerators operate at peak performance.

    ReplyDelete