How To Clean Inside Washing Machine Agitator
Stop Letting Your Agitator Turn Your Clothes Into Rags
Look. Your washing machine agitator’s supposed to get clothes clean. But if you never clean the damn thing? It’s just sloshing around filth. Honestly, it’s disgusting. That black gunk? Mold? Whatever it is, it’s clingin’ to your delicates.
We’re talkin’ about how to clean inside washing machine agitator. It ain’t rocket science. But most people don’t bother. Why? Laziness. Or they just don’t know. I’m here to fix that. My Maytag ate a sock back in ’09. Still found lint in the agitator years later. Gross.
Watch: Clean and Remove Washer Agitator | GE Washer Agitator …
The Agitator Agony: What’s Goin’ On In There?
The agitator’s the plastic thing in the middle of most top-loaders. It twists and turns. Pushing clothes through water and soap. It’s a magnet for lint, hair, soap scum, and actual mildew. The thing is, water drains out, but gunk sticks. Like that time my kid’s muddy cleats went in. Smelled like a swamp for weeks. Until I actually cleaned it.
This ain’t a new problem. My grandma complained about her wringer washer agitator lookin’ suspect back in the 70s. Some things never change. Just the machines get fancier. And people get lazier.
Scraping the Scum: Your Cleaning Toolkit
You don’t need a hazmat suit. Just a few things:
- All-purpose cleaner (something strong-ish)
- Old toothbrush or scrub brush
- Microfiber cloths (a few)
- Gloves (if you’re sensitive)
- Optional: White vinegar or bleach (use smart)
Step 1: The Pre-Game Spraydown
First, empty the damn machine. Give the agitator a good spray. With your cleaner. Let it sit. Like 10 minutes. Gets into the grime. Lets the chemicals do some heavy lifting. So you don’t have to break your back.
Watch: EASY DIY How to Clean the Washing Machine AGITATOR
Step 2: The Agitator Assault
Now, the scrubbin’. Get that toothbrush in there. Into every groove, every fin, every crack. That’s where the filth hides. Seriously. Don’t skip spots. Work your way around. You’ll see the gunk come off. It’s kinda satisfying. Maybe that’s just me.
Watch: How To Clean Your Top Load Washing Machine
Step 3: The Rinse Cycle Ritual
Wipe it all down with a damp cloth. Rinse that cloth often. Get all the loosened crap out. Use a dry cloth to finish. Make it look presentable. Like it’s not a biohazard anymore. To be fair, it probably won’t look brand new. But it’ll be way better.
Step 4: The Machine Flush (Advanced)
Want a deeper clean? Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the empty drum. Run a hot cycle. Then, add half a cup of bleach. Run another hot cycle. DON’T mix vinegar and bleach. Seriously. Toxic fumes. Just run separate cycles. This kills more of the nasty stuff.
When the Agitator Is Removable
Some machines? The agitator pops right off. Check your manual. If yours does, awesome. Soak that bad boy in hot, soapy water. Scrub it hard. Rinse it clean. Put it back. Easy money. My cousin’s Whirlpool had one you could twist off. Took like 5 minutes. Lucky jerk.
The Agitator Maintenance Schedule
Don’t wait for the funk. Clean that agitator every 2-3 months. Or more if you wash gross stuff. Like gym clothes. Or kids’ toys. A quick wipe-down after a load doesn’t hurt either. Prevention’s better than a mold farm. Trust me.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to clean the black off the inside of the washer machine?
Black stuff is usually mold or mildew. Use a stiff brush and a strong cleaner (like diluted bleach or vinegar solution). Scrub vigorously. Then run a hot cycle with vinegar or bleach (separately!) to sanitize. Wipe down afterward.
How to clean mold from a washing machine agitator?
Scrub it hard with an all-purpose cleaner and a toothbrush. For stubborn mold, a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) works. Let it soak briefly, scrub, and rinse thoroughly. Always ventilate the area.
How often should I clean my washing machine agitator?
Aim for every 2-3 months. If you notice smells or visible grime, clean it sooner. Frequent use, especially with heavily soiled items, means more frequent cleaning.
Can I use a magic eraser on my washing machine agitator?
A magic eraser might work on light scuffs, but it’s generally not abrasive enough for serious grime or mold. Stick to brushes and appropriate cleaners for a thorough job. It’s better to use tools designed for scrubbing.
What’s the best way to deodorize a washing machine agitator?
Vinegar is your best friend here. Run an empty hot cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar. For tougher odors, follow up with a bleach cycle (never mix them!). Leaving the lid open between uses also helps air it out.
