How do I sanitize my Whirlpool washing machine?

Author: Mable Ernser  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Add an affresh® Washing Machine Cleaner tablet to the bottom of the tub to break up dirt and residue. If you don't have affresh® tablets you may be able to use liquid chlorine bleach, but check your use and care guide first.

How do I disinfect my Whirlpool washer?

Run a monthly "Clean Washer Cycle"

The Clean Washer cycle uses higher water volumes in combination with affresh® washer cleaner or liquid chlorine bleach to thoroughly clean the inside of the appliance.

How to deep clean a Whirlpool washer?

Run an empty wash cycle with an Affresh cleaning tablet or chlorine bleach to clean the drum. Deep clean your machine by washing out the dispenser, scrubbing the agitator, and wiping down the door seal.

How do you deep clean and sanitize a washing machine?

- Set your washing machine to the hottest setting and run a cycle with just water. This helps loosen any buildup. Add Vinegar: - Once the cycle starts, add 2 cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser. Vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant and deodorizer. Run Another Hot Cycle: - Allow the cycle to complete.

Does vinegar sanitize washing machine?

(Don't worry about harming your machine, as white vinegar will not damage clothes.) The hot water-vinegar combo removes and prevents bacteria growth. Vinegar can also act as a deodorizer and cut through mildew odors.

Whirlpool Washing Machine - How to Clean

How to get rid of bacteria in a washing machine?

Run a Hot Wash Occasionally: Once a month or so, run a hot wash cycle (around 60°C) with an empty machine. This can help to kill any lingering bacteria that may be present within the drum.

Do top load washers have a drain filter?

Most top load washers made after 2001 do not have washer filters in their drainage system. Instead, newer models utilize a more powerful drain pump and larger drain holes. If you have a model made before 2001, you can usually find the washer filters at the bottom of the washer drum underneath the agitator.

Where is the lint filter on a Whirlpool top loader washing machine?

On top-loading machines, your filter is likely under the panel on the bottom right of the front of the machine. On a front-loader, the filter is probably behind the dispenser drawer. If you can't find your filter on an older model, remove the back panel and look underneath the drum for it.

How do I self clean my Whirlpool washer?

Step 1: Clean washer with affresh brand tablets
  1. Remove any items left in the tub.
  2. Add an affresh® Washing Machine Cleaner tablet to the bottom of the tub to break up dirt and residue. ...
  3. Close the door and select your washer's cleaning cycle or a normal cycle with hot water setting.

Will bleach damage my washing machine?

Bleach can be used inside your washing machine for cleaning it as well as working well as a washing machine disinfectant. The most important thing to remember is that you must run at least one empty cycle after cleaning, to remove all remaining bleach and help prevent bleaching next time you do a load of laundry.

What washing machine cleaner does Whirlpool recommend?

Why Whirlpool® recommends affresh. Affresh® appliance care is committed to continually developing intelligent solutions to solves the tough cleaning situations and challenges created by modern living. From dishwashers to washing machines, affresh® provides a clean you can count on.

What is the sanitize option on washing machine?

Sanitize Cycle In Washer & Dryers

This feature is designed to eliminate bacteria and allergens from clothing, bed linens, and other washable items. The washing machine increases the water temperature during the wash and rinse cycles, effectively killing bacteria and ensuring a thorough cleaning process.

How to clean the inside of a Whirlpool washing machine?

  1. Empty your washing machine. Before you begin, remove any laundry from the washer drum.
  2. Place washer cleaner inside your machine. If you're using affresh® Washing Machine Cleaner, place the tablet on the bottom of the washer drum. ...
  3. Select a wash cycle. ...
  4. Clean the door gasket. ...
  5. Clean the detergent dispenser. ...
  6. Schedule a service.

Does affresh clean a washing machine?

Affresh®1 washing machine cleaner is an effective solution that not only cleans the interior of the machine, but also helps remove grime and odor-causing residues. In this step-by-step guide, we'll discuss how to use affresh® washing machine cleaner to keep your washing machine clean load after load.

Where is the drain trap on a top loading washing machine?

Top-loading washing machines usually have a drain filter hidden behind a flap visible on the front side of the machine casing (example 1), or hidden in the threshold of the drum (example 2 - in this case the threshold of the drum has a special recess that allows it to be lifted up).

How to disinfect a washing machine?

Mix 1/4 cup of bleach with 1 quart of water. Pour the bleach solution into the empty tub and run a complete cycle on hot water. After the cycle is complete, wipe down the interior with a damp cloth and leave the lid open to air dry. To deep clean, remove the agitator cap and wash it in warm, soapy water.

Where is the filter located on my Whirlpool?

Locate your water filter cover in the upper right-hand corner inside your refrigerator or in the base grille. Lift the filter door up. Pull the filter out and discard it. Open your new filter and remove the protective coverings from the O-rings.

Where is the drain located on a Whirlpool washer?

First, find the Whirlpool washer drain filter location. It's usually at the front bottom of your washing machine, but do check your model's user manual if you're having trouble finding it. Once you've found it, carefully remove the filter – be prepared for some water spillage, so have towels handy.

What is the best disinfectant for washing machines?

Use Bleach to Clean Washer Tub

A washer's tub is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and germs. Cleaning a washing machine with bleach is a highly effective way to kill these microorganisms. Bleach also breaks down stubborn stains and gets rid of lingering odors.

What is a natural antibacterial for washing?

Soap that contains antibacterial properties includes Nettle and Oat with Tea Tree and Peppermint, Seaweed and Eucalyptus, Sandalwood and Patchouli, Honey and Oat and Avocado and French Green Clay with Rosemary and Lavender.

How do you detox a washing machine?

Key Takeaways
  1. 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.
  2. For stubborn grime and odors, consider commercial washing machine cleaners.

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