To clean a top-loading washing machine, follow these steps for a thorough cleaning:
- Make sure the washing machine is empty with no laundry or detergent in the trays.
- Add half a cup of liquid chlorine bleach to both the detergent dispenser and bleach dispenser compartments.
- Start the longest, hottest wash cycle setting and allow the tub to fill with hot water. Before agitation starts, add one quart of chlorine bleach directly to the tub.
- Let the rinse and spin cycles complete and the washing machine drain.
- Start the longest, hottest cycle again. When it fills with water, add one quart of distilled white vinegar to the tub before agitation begins.
- Allow the cycle to complete with rinse and spin, then drain fully.
- After the cleaning cycle, wipe down the inside of the tub, the lid, knobs, and detergent dispensers with a soft cloth.
- Leave the lid open to let the machine air dry to prevent mold and mildew buildup.
For a more natural approach, instead of bleach, you can use 3-4 cups of white vinegar and half a cup of baking soda in a hot water cycle, letting it soak for 30 minutes before completing the cycle. Also, regularly clean removable parts like the agitator cap and dispensers if possible. Cleaning the washing machine about twice a year or monthly for heavy use will help keep it smelling fresh and working efficiently.