Cleaning an agitator-free (impeller) washing machine involves running an empty, hot water cycle using a specialized cleaner or vinegar. Scrub the empty drum and removable dispenser drawers, then wipe them down to remove mold and soap scum. Finally, leave the lid slightly ajar between uses to prevent future buildup.
The agitator can be removed and you will have the impeller there to assist with cleaning. So, yes, it is okay.
Add two cups of white cleaning vinegar to detergent dispenser. Run the washer through a complete cycle. Run another cycle on the highest level and at the hottest water temperature, this time adding a 1/2 cup of baking soda to the drum.
On most modern top-load washers without an agitator, there is no user-serviceable lint filter or drain filter. Instead, these high-efficiency machines rely on a self-cleaning water pump system that flushes lint and debris down the drain automatically.
How does an impeller washer work? A washing machine with an impeller uses a low-profile cone, wheel, fin or disc that spins or rotates to gently rub clothes against each other to help loosen stains. A washing machine with an impeller uses less motion and water than a washer with an agitator.
To clean your washing machine, pour 2 cups of distilled white vinegar directly into the detergent dispenser drawer or straight into the empty drum. Run the machine on the hottest and longest wash cycle available.
Washers without an agitator (often called impeller models or high-efficiency top loaders) are absolutely worth it if you prioritize capacity, energy efficiency, and gentle fabric care. They use a low-profile disc at the bottom of the drum instead of a center post, giving you extra room to wash bulky items like comforters.
No, not all washers have a user-accessible filter. While every machine has a filter somewhere in its system to catch lint and debris, many modern high-efficiency (HE) washers feature self-cleaning pump filters that do not require routine manual maintenance.
Unlike LG front-load washers, most LG top-load washers do not have a removable, user-serviceable lint filter inside the drum. Instead, lint is flushed down the drain during the cycle. However, there are two specific filters you should maintain: the water inlet filters and the drain pump filter.
Washing A Down Jacket
The good news is that most down jackets can be washed in a front loading washing machine or a top loading washer without an agitator. (Unfortunately, agitators can damage down filling.)
Cleaning a washing machine agitator without removing it requires a combination of soaking and manual scrubbing to break down detergent buildup and grime. Follow this fast, step-by-step guide to get it clean:
Some top-load washers have a lint filter, while others rely on a self-cleaning pump system with no user-serviceable filter. If your machine has a filter, it is typically located inside the center agitator, under an agitator cap, or along the inside top rim of the wash tub.
A washing machine without a central agitator is called an impeller washer. Instead of a large post in the middle, these machines feature a low-profile cone, disc, or fin at the bottom of the drum that spins to gently rub clothes against each other for a thorough clean.
Washer with Removable Agitators Benefits
The result is greater flexibility, improved capacity, and efficient cleaning tailored to your everyday laundry needs. Removing the agitator creates more room for bulky items like comforters, pillows, and winter jackets.
Load the washing machine
If you do not have an agitator, just place them around the outside of the tub as if there were an agitator. There should be a hole in the middle of the bedding where the agitator would be. You should only wash one set of sheets at a time.
Washers without an agitator (often called impeller washers) clean clothes through a friction-based process. Instead of a central spindle, a low-profile plate at the bottom spins to rapidly circulate the water. This creates strong currents that force your garments to gently rub against each other to remove dirt.
Washing machine lint filters are typically located inside the center agitator (for top-loaders), under a small hatch at the bottom front of the machine (for front-loaders), or they may be self-cleaning and not user-accessible at all.
To clear out lint trapped past the lint screen, you need to access the hidden housing and the exhaust system using a vacuum and a long brush. This maintenance improves dryer efficiency and eliminates a major fire hazard.
Lint in the washing machine results in debris accumulating in the filter can find their way into the drainage system, potentially causing blockages. Over time, this can lead to water backing up in the machine or overflowing from the drum, resulting in water damage and may result in expensive repairs.
Many newer high-efficiency washers don't have traditional, user-serviceable lint filters. Instead, they rely on self-cleaning pump filters or internal mesh traps designed to catch debris automatically without requiring you to clean them.
A well-prepared washing machine can safely sit unused in a climate-controlled environment for months or even years. However, leaving an un-prepped machine to sit for more than a few weeks can lead to trapped moisture, mold growth, degraded rubber hoses, and pest infestations.
Washers have shifted away from central agitators to utilize impellers (low-profile spinning discs) or front-load designs. This transition improves energy efficiency, reduces wear and tear on clothing, and increases drum capacity, allowing you to easily wash bulky items like comforters and sleeping bags.
The best washers without an agitator are high-efficiency front loaders and select top-load "impeller" models. Front loaders like LG and Electrolux are highly recommended for their cleaning power and water efficiency, while the Whirlpool 2-in-1 is the top pick for top-load fans wanting a removable agitator.
Speed Queen and LG are universally recommended by repair technicians and consumer testing organizations as the washing machines with the fewest problems.