Clean the tub, dispensers, lid, and filter
Run the washer’s cleaning cycle or its hottest, fullest cycle with a washer-cleaning product, then wipe the tub, lid, dispensers, and accessible filter. Follow your machine’s manual for the right cleaner and cycle.
- Best guide Your washer’s care instructions
- Use A washer-safe cleaning product
- Finish Dry surfaces and leave lid open
Cleaning a top-load washing machine helps remove detergent residue, lint, and musty odors, and gives you a chance to clear accessible parts where buildup collects. The exact process varies by model: some machines have a dedicated Clean Washer cycle, while others use a hot-water cycle. Check the owner’s manual first, especially before removing an agitator, dispenser, or filter. Do not mix cleaning chemicals.
What You’ll Need
- Owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s care instructions
- A washer-cleaning tablet or liquid labeled for washing machines, used according to its package directions
- Soft cloths or a nonabrasive sponge
- Warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap for removable parts, if the manual allows
- A soft brush, such as a clean toothbrush, for accessible crevices
- Rubber gloves, if you prefer to protect your hands while cleaning
Use either a purpose-made washer cleaner or another product specifically approved by the washer manufacturer. Do not assume that vinegar, bleach, or dish detergent is suitable: some products can damage parts, create excessive suds, or conflict with the machine’s instructions. Never combine bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or other cleaners.
Step-by-Step
- Check the manual. Find the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the washer, including the recommended cycle, cleaner, and any filter-cleaning procedure. If the machine has a Clean Washer or Tub Clean cycle, use that. Note whether a cleaner goes in the tub or a dispenser; placement differs by product and model.
- Empty the washer. Remove clothing and other items. Check the basket for coins, hairpins, or debris, and remove anything loose. A cleaning cycle should run without laundry so the cleaner can circulate through the tub and water system.
- Clean the exterior and lid. Dampen a soft cloth with water and a little mild soap, then wipe the lid, top, control area, and exterior. Keep liquid away from buttons, display openings, and electrical components. Wipe soap away with a clean damp cloth and dry the surfaces.
- Wipe the basket and rim. Use a damp cloth to clean the inside of the tub, the underside of the lid, and the rim around the opening. If you see residue, gently loosen it with a soft brush. Avoid scouring pads, abrasive powders, and sharp tools, which can scratch finishes or damage seals.
- Clean removable dispensers. If the manual says a detergent, bleach, or fabric-softener dispenser can be removed, take it out as directed. Rinse it with warm water and use a soft brush to clear residue. Use mild soap only if permitted, then rinse thoroughly and reinstall it. Do not force a dispenser that does not release easily.
- Check the lint filter or drain area. Some top-loaders have a user-accessible filter; others do not, or use a self-cleaning system. Follow the manual before opening any filter or pump access. If a filter is meant to be cleaned by the owner, remove lint and rinse it as instructed. Stop if water may spill or the part is difficult to reach safely.
- Add the washer cleaner. Measure or place the cleaning product exactly as its label directs. Use only the specified amount, and do not add laundry detergent or fabric softener. If the manual calls for a different product or method, follow the manual instead.
- Run the cleaning cycle. Select Clean Washer or Tub Clean if available. Otherwise, choose the hottest, fullest cycle the manual recommends, with no laundry inside. Let the cycle finish; do not interrupt it to add extra cleaner. Some models may require a second rinse or a follow-up cycle, so check the instructions.
- Wipe and air-dry. When the cycle ends, wipe moisture or loosened residue from the tub and lid with a clean cloth. Leave the lid open or ajar to let the interior dry, as long as that is safe in your household and allowed by the manual.
Common Mistakes
- Using too much cleaner: More product does not mean a better clean. Excess can leave residue or produce suds that interfere with the cycle. Follow the label and washer instructions.
- Mixing chemicals: Never combine bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or another cleaner. Dangerous fumes or reactions can result. Use one approved product at a time and follow its label.
- Using regular detergent in a cleaning cycle: Laundry detergent can create suds and leave more residue. Use a washer cleaner unless the manufacturer specifically directs otherwise.
- Scrubbing with abrasive tools: Steel wool, stiff metal brushes, and abrasive cleaners can scratch the basket or damage plastic and seals. Choose a soft cloth or brush.
- Taking apart parts without instructions: Forcing an agitator, dispenser, or filter can break clips or cause leaks. Clean only parts the manual identifies as user-serviceable.
- Closing the lid while damp: A closed, wet interior may stay musty. Wipe moisture away and leave the lid open or ajar when practical.
Tips
- Use the washer’s cleaning reminder, if it has one, and follow the manual’s recommended cleaning interval. If no interval is given, clean when the machine prompts you or when odor or visible residue appears.
- Measure detergent according to its label and your load size. Too much detergent can contribute to residue, particularly when loads are small.
- After laundry, remove wet items promptly and let the tub air out. Wipe spills around dispensers when you notice them.
- Clean the dispenser and accessible filter separately when needed; a tub cycle may not remove buildup from every component.
- For a persistent smell, inspect the lid area, dispensers, and accessible drain filter according to the manual rather than pouring in extra chemicals.
Troubleshooting
The cycle will not start: Make sure the tub is empty, the lid is closed, and the washer is receiving power. Some models will not run a cleaning cycle unless the lid is latched. Consult the manual for displayed codes; do not bypass a safety lock.
There are suds or residue after cleaning: Run an empty rinse or spin-and-rinse cycle if the manual recommends it. Wipe away visible residue. Do not add more cleaner or detergent. If suds keep returning, review detergent use and the cleaner’s directions.
The odor remains: Let the tub dry fully, then check accessible dispensers and the filter for lint or residue. Repeat the cleaning cycle only as the product and washer instructions permit. If the smell persists, or you notice standing water or a leak, stop using the washer and contact the manufacturer or a qualified appliance technician.
A filter or dispenser will not come out: Stop rather than forcing it. Check the model-specific instructions; some parts are not designed for removal. For inaccessible buildup or a suspected blockage, arrange service.
The washer leaks or makes an unusual noise: Stop the cycle if you can do so safely, and check the manual for the appropriate response. Do not reach into a moving or energized washer. Contact a qualified technician if the problem continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean a top-load washing machine?
Follow the cleaning interval or reminder in your owner’s manual. Clean it sooner if you notice a musty odor or visible residue, and keep the lid open after use when practical so the tub can dry.
Can I use vinegar to clean my washer?
Only use vinegar if the washer manufacturer specifically approves it. Some manufacturers warn that acidic cleaners can harm components. Never mix vinegar with bleach or any other cleaning product.
Can I use bleach instead of washer cleaner?
Only if your washer manual gives bleach as an approved cleaning method and explains where and how to add it. Never combine bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or another cleaner.
Should I clean the agitator?
Wipe the accessible agitator surface and seams with a soft cloth. Remove or disassemble it only if the manual provides instructions; many agitators are not intended for routine removal.
Why does my washer smell after cleaning?
Residue may remain in a dispenser, filter, or other accessible area, or the tub may still be damp. Check the manual for those parts and let the washer dry. Persistent odor, standing water, or a recurring blockage may need professional service.
Can I wash clothes during the cleaning cycle?
No. Run the cleaning cycle with an empty washer so the cleaner can work throughout the tub. Wash clothing in a separate normal cycle afterward.
Further reading: U.S. Department of Energy