Do top-loading washing machines need to be cleaned?

Author: Ebba Bosco  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Your top-loading washer should be cleaned at least twice a year and before you start, make sure there is no laundry inside the drum, no fabric softeners or detergents in any of the trays. You'll need to have a completely empty washing machine before you begin cleaning.

Should you clean a top load washer?

Maintaining a clean top load washer is essential to your appliance's longevity and to the overall cleanliness of your laundry. With time, detergent residue and mineral deposits can build up inside your washer and cause unwanted odors. That's why regularly cleaning your washing machine is so important.

What happens if I don't clean my washing machine?

Neglecting to clean your washer isn't just a stink risk. It can damage your clothes. A dirty washer can build up a gross detergent residue in the filter and outside the drum known as scrud.

Do top loading washing machines have a filter to clean?

Check your owner's manual for your specific model. In top loading washing machines, filters are typically located inside the center agitator or along the top rim of the drum.

Does Affresh work on top load washers?

Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, Cleans Front Load and Top Load Washers, Including HE, 6 Month Supply. The video showcases the product in use.The video guides you through product setup.The video compares multiple products.The video shows the product being unpacked.

How To Clean Your Top Load Washing Machine

What is the best cleaner for top load washers?

For a top-loading washing machine, a hot setting cycle with white vinegar will do the trick. To help prevent soap scum buildup, Gazzo likes to use eco-friendly products like white vinegar instead of fabric softener. “Vinegar won't leave any soap or fat residue on the drums or the drain,” he says.

What happens if you don't clean your washer with affresh?

Without proper care, this buildup can create a moldy or mildew smell. That grime and buildup in your washer can also get left behind on your clothing and lead to that musty smell. It's hard to get clean clothes from a dirty washer.

Why do my black clothes have lint after washing?

Ensure to clean the lint filter, if your washer has one, after every load. Additionally, run a cleaning cycle or use a washing machine cleaner once a month to remove detergent residue and other materials that might contribute to lint build-up.

What happens if the filter on a washing machine is not cleaned?

A dirty or clogged washing machine filter can result in drainage issues, preventing your machine from completing a wash cycle. Over time, a clogged filter can also lead to a build-up of bacteria, mould, and other contaminants, which can cause unpleasant odours and even damage to your machine.

Is it mandatory to clean a washing machine?

Washing machines should be rinsed once a week by going through a “clean cycle” where the washing machine is completely empty and does not have clothes or detergent. It is recommended that every washing machine should be deep-cleaned at least once a month.

How do I know if my washing machine needs cleaning?

The Washer Has Odors of Mold or Mildew. The Machine Makes Strange Noises During the Wash Cycle. The Drum Doesn't Completely Fill With Water. The Drum Doesn't Drain Properly After Loads Are Finished.

Can I run my washer empty to clean it?

For instance, if you're transitioning from washing heavy fabrics, like towels, to lighter items, an empty cycle can help prepare the machine and eliminate any residue. It's also a great idea after washing heavily soiled clothing, as this can help clear out any lingering dirt or detergent.

What is the disadvantage of top load washing machine?

The Cons: Lower water efficiency: Top-loaders typically use more water compared to front-load washers. This can lead to higher utility bills and a larger environmental footprint over time. Smaller capacity: Drum capacity is frequently lower for top-load washing machines compared to front-loaders.

Where is the lint trap on a top load washing machine?

The lint filter in a top-load washer with a center agitator is inside the agitator. Newer washers with the agitator in the bottom of the drum may or may not have a lint filter. Some models rely on the water pump filter to do the work, while others have a mesh filter near the top rim of the drum.

Do top load washers get smelly?

Washer odors (like mildew) are usually caused by leaving the Washer lid closed when the Top Load Washer is not in use. This does not allow air to circulate and dry out the moisture remaining in the tub area. The air and moisture mixture becomes stagnant and creates an odor.

How to deep clean a washing machine?

How to Deep Clean and Sanitize Your Washing Machine
  1. Remove the bleach/fabric softener dispensers. ...
  2. Add a cup of bleach to the washing machine. ...
  3. Run an entire rinse cycle. ...
  4. Clean the rubber seal. ...
  5. Wipe down the exterior. ...
  6. Unplug the dryer. ...
  7. Clean out the lint drawer. ...
  8. Vacuum.

Why do I get black gunk on my clothes when I wash them?

Black spots on freshly washed clothes can be caused by mold and mildew, detergent residue, or problems with the water supply.

Do dryer sheets help with lint?

Use a Dryer Sheet

Not only do they freshen clothes, but since they soften the threads of your garments as they tumble dry, they're less abrasive and less likely to generate lint through contact. Additionally, dryer sheets help remove the static electricity that can attract lint to your favorite clothing.

Do all top load washers have a filter?

As it turns out, not all washing machines have filters like the one Costello showed. Maytag explains that most top-loading washing machines (the kind that opens from the top, not the front) do not have a filter.

Why do my clothes come out of the washer with lint?

Check the filter: Many washing machines have a lint filter that traps lint and debris. Locate the filter and clean it regularly to prevent clogs and lint buildup.

How do I know if my washer has a filter to clean?

  1. Most front-load washers have the filter behind a small panel on the bottom front of the machine. Look for a designated access panel, often hidden behind a kickplate or covered by a cap.
  2. Top-load washers often have the filter inside the machine, accessible through the agitator or under a panel in the back.

What is the best thing to run through a washing machine to clean it?

Use a combination of white vinegar and baking soda to naturally clean your washing machine; pour half a cup of baking soda into the drum followed by two cups of vinegar in the detergent dispenser, then run a hot wash cycle. For stubborn grime and odors, consider commercial washing machine cleaners.

What is a substitute for Affresh?

As an alternative to a formulated washer tub cleaning product like Affresh, you can use a DIY washing machine cleaner to clean and sanitize the inside of the tub with a combination of white vinegar and baking soda, or liquid chlorine bleach (be aware that vinegar and bleach should never be used together).

Do you really need to use washing machine cleaner?

In reality, a washing machine should be cleaned monthly to get rid of bacteria and residue so it can continue to leave clothes feeling and smelling fresh. Regular maintenance and cleaning can extend the life of your washing machine, too, and there is no more convenient way than to use a washing machine cleaner.

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