How do you clean a top loader washing machine drum?

Author: Vaughn Lubowitz DVM  |  Last update: Friday, November 7, 2025

Remove any clothes from the washer, then add the tablet or pour one cup of bleach or vinegar into the bottom of the drum. Close the lid and select the “basket clean cycle” if your washer has one, or run a normal hot water cycle.

How to deep clean a top loader washing machine?

Quick Summary
  • Add the hottest water you can to your washing drum.
  • Add vinegar and baking soda to the washing drum.
  • Allow the cleaners to soak in the hot water for about an hour.
  • Wipe away gunk and grime with a microfiber cloth (for bigger areas) or a toothbrush (for smaller crevices).

Can I put vinegar and baking soda in my washing machine to clean it?

Add Baking Soda: Pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda directly into the drum. Add Vinegar: Pour 1-2 cups of white vinegar into the drum or into the detergent dispenser. Run a Hot Cycle: Set the washing machine to run a hot water cycle. This helps to activate the cleaning properties of both the baking soda and vinegar.

How do I get rid of mold in my washing machine drum?

Add 1-2 cups of bleach (never use vinegar) and when machine stops filling, let it agitate for a minute to mix bleach through the water, then open lid of machine or pause the machine and let the water and bleach soak in the washer for at least an hour to dissolve all the dirt and grime and mildew.

How do you get black mold out of washing machine rubber?

How to Clean Black Mould off Washing Machine Seal
  1. 1 Ensure the machine is empty and dry.
  2. 2 Put on protective gloves.
  3. 3 Spray a small amount of bleach-based mould cleaner onto a microfibre cloth. ...
  4. 4 Make sure you get into the folds of the rubber seal with the microfibre cloth to wipe the black mould away.

How To Clean Your Top Load Washing Machine

Can you use vinegar to clean washing machine drum?

For a super quick washing machine refresh that will take you less than 30 minutes, add white vinegar to a spray bottle and spritz the inside of the drum. Wipe all around the washer drum with a microfiber cloth, leaving no surface untouched. Next, wipe down the rubber gaskets—also known as the seals around the door.

Is bleach or vinegar better to clean a washing machine?

The results will be exactly the same, however white vinegar is most definitely the more environmentally friendly option (and it's more affordable too). Just remember to never mix both bleach and vinegar together or even use them at the same time, as this can cause a dangerous reaction and release chlorine gas.

Is distilled vinegar the same as white vinegar?

White vinegar, also known as distilled vinegar or spirit vinegar, is made by fermenting grain alcohol (ethanol) which then turns into acetic acid. Water is then added to the vinegar, so white vinegar is made of five to ten percent acetic acid and ninety to ninety-five percent water.

What happens if you use vinegar and laundry detergent together?

Adding vinegar directly to the wash with your laundry detergent may compromise its cleaning performance. Laundry detergents are formulated for specific pH levels, which may be disrupted by the acidity of vinegar, leading to less effective cleaning. It's best to avoid mixing them to ensure optimal results.

How do you clean a musty top load washer?

Pour two cups of white vinegar straight into the drum. Run a hot cycle to flush out bacteria and break down odors. Wipe the inside of the drum with a microfiber cloth to catch any lingering grime.

Is there a filter to clean in a top load washing machine?

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.

How much vinegar do I use to clean my top loading washing machine?

Top Load:
  1. Start by setting your washer to its hottest temperature, highest capacity and longest cycle.
  2. Add four cups of white vinegar to the hot water, close the lid and allow it to agitate for several minutes.

How to deep clean a top load washer?

  1. Empty the Washing Machine. Before you begin cleaning your washer, you should first ensure that it is completely empty. ...
  2. Select Washer Settings. ...
  3. Create Cleaning Solution. ...
  4. Run a Full Wash Cycle. ...
  5. Clean Dispensers on Your Top Load Washer. ...
  6. Clean the Lint Filter. ...
  7. Run a Final Wash Cycle. ...
  8. Clean Top Load Washer Exterior.

What to put in a washing machine for drum clean?

Pour a quart of white vinegar into the wash drum with a cup of baking soda. Use a stiff nylon brush and vinegar to scrub the interior of the wash drum. At the hottest temperature setting, run a wash cycle with this cleaning solution in an empty washer; select the heavy-duty wash cycle if available.

How do you clean the inside of a drum?

At the bare minimum, here's how you can keep your drums happy:
  1. Remove the hoops and heads from each drum.
  2. Wipe down the bearing edge and the inside of the shell with a damp cloth (microfiber if possible, but a soft cotton t-shirt works as a last resort)
  3. Give the outside a shine with the same cloth.

Can you use distilled white malt vinegar for cleaning a washing machine?

👍 - You will need: ✨White spirit vinegar (also called distilled vinegar) ✨A cloth Instructions: ✨Scrub seal of washing machine with a cloth dipped in white sprit vinegar ✨Pour 2 cups of white spirit vinegar in empty washing machine drum ✨Run machine on hottest wash cycle ✨Put a splash of white vinegar in dispenser ...

What to use instead of white vinegar for cleaning?

  • Alternative 1: Apple Cider Vinegar. Description of Apple Cider Vinegar and Its Cleaning Properties. ...
  • Alternative 2: Baking Soda. Description of Baking Soda and Its Cleaning Properties. ...
  • Alternative 3: Liquid Dish Soap. ...
  • Alternative 5: Cleaning Vinegar. ...
  • Alternative 6: Industrial Vinegar. ...
  • Alternative 7: Essential Oils.

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.

How often should you clean your washing machine top loader?

It's generally recommended to clean your washing machine once a month, especially if you want to prevent musty odours from forming inside the drum and keep your clothes smelling great. Sometimes, however, you need to pay your machine a bit more attention, and it may be necessary to thoroughly clean the washer.

Can I run my washing machine empty to clean it?

Running your washing machine empty can be particularly beneficial under certain conditions. 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.

What is the best thing to clean a washing machine with?

For a homemade option, you can try cleaning your washing machine with vinegar. Just pour two cups of distilled vinegar into your detergent drawer. You can also use soda crystals (or baking soda) to clean your washing machine. Sprinkle half a cup into your drum and then let your washing machine run on a hot setting.

Where to put vinegar in a washing machine?

Using vinegar in laundry is simple. You can add it to the fabric softener dispenser in your washing machine or pour it in during the final rinse cycle. When adding vinegar towards the end of the cycle, manually pause your machine right before the final rinse cycle and add a 1/2 cup of diluted white vinegar to the load.

What is the best thing to clean a drum set with?

What to use: Any high-quality (non-abrasive) furniture/guitar/drum polish/wax should give excellent results on lacquered and covered finishes. Trick Cleaner "wipes" are easy to use and an excellent alternative to spray on cleaners.

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