Use a Long-Handled Brush After a five-minute cycle, open the lid and scrub inside the agitator with a long-handled brush. The water will help loosen any dirt and debris inside the agitator, and the scrub brush ensures you reach every nook and cranny with the bleach-detergent mixture.
Cleaning Inside the Washer Agitator
Remove the fabric softener dispenser from the agitator. Allow the Washer to fill and proceed to the wash phase. Allow the Washer to agitate for about 5 minutes. Lift the lid and use a long, slender, soft brush to clean the inside of the agitator.
Wipe the Drum: Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior of the drum. If there's visible sludge, consider running a hot water cycle with vinegar to break it down. Clean the Rubber Seals: The rubber seals around the door are notorious for harboring mold and mildew.
High-efficiency top-load washers with an agitator in the bottom of the drum use much less water than those with a center agitator and should be cleaned every three months. If the machine has automatic dispensers that you use for every load, clean them monthly to prevent clogs.
Cleaning a washing machine can be done in a few simple steps. First, add one cup of white vinegar to the machine. Run the washer on the hottest cycle. Next, add one cup of baking soda to the machine. Run the washer on the hottest cycle again. Finally, wipe down the inside of the machine with a damp cloth.
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.
“For removing odors, I would say vinegar.” Some people, however, prefer white vinegar because it's not as harsh as bleach. Unless, of course, your washing machine has been completely neglected, and is now a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, and you want a power cleaner.
Agitators in a washing machine do an excellent job cleaning dirty and grimy clothes, but they can also be tough on certain types of clothing, such as delicates and knits. Non-agitator washers are typically more expensive but more efficient and have a larger capacity.
Vinegar and baking soda make a great cleaner for washing machines because they remove hard water deposits as well as dirt and grime.
Dishwasher tablets, such as Finish Ultimate All-in-1, can be utilized in washing machines to dissolve grease, dirt, and mineral buildup that may accrue with regular use.
As the washer fills with water, add 3 or 4 cups of white vinegar. Let the washer start to agitate, then stop the cycle. Allow the vinegar to soak a minute. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda and turn on the agitator again.
Top load washers with agitators use a central post that twists back and forth to create friction with clothes, helping to break apart stains and remove soil. This traditional design combines multiple washing motions to deliver a thorough clean while being gentle on fabrics.
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.
Vinegar and baking soda cause a chemical reaction that can lift stains and cut through grease. The combination can be used to clean grout, silverware, microwaves, and so much more.
Is vinegar or baking soda better for laundry? Vinegar and baking soda do different things in the laundry. Vinegar is more versatile, and since it's a liquid, it's easier to use in a washing machine. Baking soda will get rid of odors, but vinegar can do the same thing—and remove minerals too!
Impeller washing machines typically use less water than agitator-based loads yet move clothes around more and longer for a deep clean.
To clean a top-loading washing machine without an agitator, run a cleaning cycle with hot water and a cleaning agent like vinegar or baking soda.
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.
Run a wash cycle with vinegar and baking soda
Sprinkle a 1/2 cup of baking soda inside the drum. Pour 1 cup of distilled white vinegar into the detergent dispenser. Run your washer on the hot water setting.
Run the washing machine on a hot cycle
Add a cup of white vinegar or Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner to the detergent compartment. The hot water and vinegar combination will help remove any scum or buildup inside the machine, including the rubber seal. Repeat this process if you have particularly stubborn scum buildup.