How To Clean Washing Machine Top Loader

Stop the Stink. Start the Clean. How To Clean Washing Machine Top Loader Edition.

Look, your washing machine top loader. It’s probably disgusting. No, really. Think about it. All that… ick. Lint, mold, god-knows-what growing in there. You’re washing your clothes in a filth-fest. Honestly, it’s a miracle your delicates don’t revolt.

This ain’t rocket science, but you gotta do it. We’re talking about how to clean washing machine top loader units. The ones you probably ignore until they smell like a wet dog died in a gym sock. The thing is, a clean machine means cleaner clothes. Simple as that. Less grime, less funk, less… regret.

I remember my Aunt Carol’s machine back in ’07. Smelled like Satan’s armpit. She swore it was the fabric softener. Nah, Auntie. It was neglect. Pure, unadulterated neglect. Took me three hours and a gallon of bleach to sort it out. She never complained about smells again. Usually because she’d just buy new clothes instead of cleaning anything.

The Grime You’re Ignoring.

What are we even talking about here? Residue. Detergent buildup. Fabric softener gunk. Mildew. Probably some stray Cheerios from that one time.

And that rubber seal around the lid? Prime real estate for mold. Dark, damp, forgotten. Perfect breeding ground. It’s like a tiny horror movie happening in your laundry room.

The dispenser drawers? Don’t even get me started. They’re usually crusted over with gunk. Looks like something from a science experiment gone wrong.

Step 1: Empty the Beast.

Obvious, right? But seriously. Take everything out. No stray socks. No forgotten baby wipes. Just… empty.

Get your supplies. You’ll need white vinegar. Baking soda. A scrub brush. Maybe some old rags or microfiber cloths. That’s it. No fancy chemical cocktails needed. This ain’t a spa day for your washer.

Step 2: The Vinegar Viciousness.

Pour about 4 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum. Yeah, 4 cups. Don’t be shy. This stuff eats grime. It’s cheap. It works.

Now, run the machine. Hot water setting. Longest cycle you’ve got. Let it churn. Let the vinegar do its dirty work.

This cycle is basically a pre-rinse for the deep clean. Loosens up all that stubborn gunk. Gets it ready for the main event.

Step 3: Baking Soda Blitz.

Once the vinegar cycle is done, sprinkle about 1 cup of baking soda directly into the drum. Again, don’t be stingy. Baking soda is your grime-fighting sidekick.

Run another hot water cycle. Same deal – longest, hottest you can manage. This is where the magic happens. The baking soda scrubs and deodorizes.

You might hear some fizzing. That’s normal. That’s the sound of clean. Or maybe just my imagination. Who knows.

Step 4: Scrub-a-Dub-Dub (The Real Work).

Now for the hands-on part. Open the lid. Grab your scrub brush. Get into all the nooks and craies.

The Drum Interior

Wipe down the inside of the drum. Check the agitator. That thing probably has gunk clinging to its sides. Scrub it good. Get under the rim. You know, the part you never see.

The Lid Seal & Edges

Pay attention to the lid. Wipe down the edges. If you have a rubber seal, get in there. Mold loves those. Wipe it clean. Use a damp cloth or an old toothbrush for tight spots.

The Dispenser Drawers

Pull out the detergent and fabric softener drawers. If they’re removable, soak them in hot, soapy water for 15 minutes. Then scrub ‘em clean. If they aren’t removable, just scrub them in place. Get all that dried-on goo off. It’s grim, but necessary.

The Exterior

Don’t forget the outside! Wipe down the control panel and the exterior surfaces. Use a damp cloth with a little mild soap. Your machine should look as good as it smells. Or, at least, smell better.

Step 5: The Final Rinse.

Run one last hot water cycle. Empty. No detergent needed. This just rinses away any lingering vinegar or baking soda residue. Leaves everything fresh.

After the cycle, leave the lid open. Let it air dry completely. This is crucial. Trapped moisture means more mold. Don’t put the lid back on until it’s bone dry.

How Often Should You Do This?

Honestly? Every 3-6 months. Depends on how much you use it and what you wash. If you’re washing sweaty gym clothes daily, maybe more often. If you’re doing one load a week, the 6-month mark is probably fine. But check for smells. Your nose knows.

I used to put it off. My machine got… pungent. Had to do a double vinegar treatment. Lesson learned. Prevention is key, people.

Common Problems & Fixes

Problem	Solution
Musty Smell	Regular cleaning with vinegar/baking soda. Ensure lid is left open to dry.
Visible Mold/Mildew	Scrubbing with vinegar solution. Bleach can be used cautiously for stubborn spots (run a separate bleach cycle AFTER vinegar/baking soda cycles, check manual).
Detergent Buildup	Use less detergent. Ensure drawers are cleaned regularly. Run hot water cycles.
Slow Draining / Clogged Filter	Locate and clean the drain pump filter (check your manual – usually a small door at the bottom front).

When To Call A Pro (Or Just Buy A New One)

If it’s making weird noises, leaking like a sieve, or just won’t clean properly after you’ve done everything? It might be time. Repairs can cost a fortune. Sometimes, a new machine is cheaper in the long run. Especially those energy-efficient models. Your wallet will thank you later.

But before you do that? Try this deep clean. It’s saved more than one sad, smelly washing machine. Trust me. I’ve seen some horrors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I clean the inside of my top loader washing machine?

The best way is a deep clean using white vinegar and baking soda. Run a hot cycle with 4 cups of vinegar, then another hot cycle with 1 cup of baking soda. After that, manually scrub the drum, lid, and dispenser drawers with a brush and cloth to remove any remaining residue and mildew.

What to put in a washing machine to clean it top loader?

For a top loader, you need white vinegar and baking soda. Pour about 4 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum and run a hot, long cycle. Then, add about 1 cup of baking soda to the drum and run another hot cycle. Finally, manually scrub accessible parts.

Can I use bleach to clean my top loader?

Yes, but cautiously. Bleach can be effective against mold and mildew, but it’s harsh. Use it after the vinegar and baking soda cycles. Add about 1 cup of bleach to the drum (or dispenser) and run a hot cycle. Always check your machine’s manual first, as some manufacturers advise against bleach. NEVER mix bleach and vinegar; this creates toxic chlorine gas.

How do I prevent my washing machine from smelling?

Leave the lid open after each wash to allow the drum to air dry completely. This prevents moisture buildup, which causes odors. Regularly remove lint from the filter and clean the dispenser drawers to prevent residue from accumulating.

Is it okay to use a washing machine cleaning tablet?

Washing machine cleaning tablets can be convenient and effective for routine cleaning. Follow the product instructions, usually involving placing a tablet in the drum and ruing a hot cycle. However, for heavy buildup or stubborn smells, the vinegar and baking soda method is often more potent. You can use tablets monthly as maintenance.