We are usually cautious with keeping our appliances and other electronic devices but the washing machine is usually neglected. Although kitchen ovens or other appliances are likely to be cleaned on a regular basis, washing machines are generally expected to clean themselves every year.
This is a common misperception particularly in the top-load washing machines. Many people think that they keep being clean by being in constant contact with water and detergent, which is why they think so. Quite on the contrary, the reverse occurs. Water can contain detergent, fabric softener and mineral deposits which can accumulate in the machine over time. Such residues may create stubborn layers, resulting in unpleasant smells and even compromising the performance of the machine.
In case you have found that your top-load washing machine smells bad or it takes longer than normal to finish the washing cycle or even on quick or delicate cycle, there could be a build-up of residue.
Pro Tip:
When your top-load washing machine begins to need more time to wash clothes, needs more than usual, or does not put clothes in the same clean state as it does normally, then it might be time to deep clean. Washing machine cleaner is one of the easiest and safest methods to clean up remaining residue, get rid of smells and aid in restoring the capabilities of the machine.
6 Hacks to Clean a Top-Load Washing Machine
You may think it is a tedious task and will take hours out of your day but top-load washing machine cleaning is pretty simple. It gets easier to clean top-load washing machine when you do it regularly.
Here are some easy-to-follow hacks to clean a top-load washing machine.
1. Brush the Insides of the Top Load Washing Machine
Mix a quarter cup of vinegar in a quart of hot water. Now take a brush or sponge and clean the inside of the washing machine with this mixture. Check for deposits of detergent, bleach, and fabric softener behind seals, small cracks, and pull-out dispensers.
2. Load the Top Load Washing Machine with Hot Water
Load the washing machine with hot water. Add some vinegar to the hot water to deodorize the insides. Run the washing machine on a quick cycle or delicate – add some baking soda to the second cycle. This will loosen any accumulated deposits. Wipe the insides of the washing machine with a clean cloth when the cycle completes.
3. Leave Some Bleach in the Water
Leaving bleach in the water for a while does amazing cleaning and decluttering of residue which makes it easy to wash away all the buildups in one water cycle. Pour half a cup of bleach into the dispenser tray and fill the washer with hot water. Run it for a minute, and then pause the cycle for about 1 hour – letting the bleach do its job. After an hour, resume the paused cycle. Once the cycle completes, wipe the insides of the machine to make sure all traces of bleach are removed.
Pro Tip
You can makeshift a cleaning agent using vinegar and baking soda. Fill your washing machine with hot water and add a cup of vinegar. Run it for a cycle. Then add a cup of baking soda and run it again for a cycle. After draining this water, run your washer on a clean water cycle.
4. Wipe the Rubber Seals Regularly 4. Wipe the Rubber Seals Regularly
The water splashes on the top parts of the washing machine, including the rubber seals. These rubber seals trap dirt, dust, and detergents creating a nasty buildup. Take a clean cloth and run it over the rubber seal to make sure it is clean and dry after every wash.
5. Clean the Lint Traps and Filter
If your washing machine has a lint trap, it should be cleaned regularly as it blocks quickly over time. Simply emptying the contents of the trap is not enough. Make sure you are cleaning the holes in the trap too by following the user manual from the manufacturer.
6. Allow the Washing Machine to Have Good Ventilation
Leave the washing machine lid open for a few hours after use to let it air dry. This is one of the easiest and most effective hacks to kill your top-load washing machine odor and keep it smelling fresh.
Quick recap on keeping your top-load washing machines clean:
For all the lazy readers who want to skim-read the hacks, here is a quick recap of our 6 most effective hacks to clean top-load washing machines:
- Clean the insides of your washing machine with a brush.
- Start your machine on a hot water cycle with vinegar and baking soda.
- Soak the tub in bleach for 20-30 mins.
- Wipe the rubber seal inside your washing machine with a clean cloth.
- Deep clean the lint filter and traps after every 3 laundry cycles.
- Keep the lid of your washing machine open for air drying.
Cleaning a top-load washing machine is not just a question of hygiene. It also cuts down on extra expenses – frequent break-downs that require external assistance, poor performance that require more detergent, and faulty washes that ruin your clothes.
Save your time and money for your family and friends. For your top-load washing machine – use True-Fresh Washing Machine Cleaner.
Frequenty Asked Questions
Q: Are top-load washing machine agitators hard on clothes?
No. They just improve the motion in the wash basket for a better washing experience.
Q: Why does my top-load washing machine smell like rotten eggs?
The detergent residue, dirt, and dust trapped in rubber seals and small areas of the washing machine turn into a pile of stinky residue that smells like rotten eggs or sewage.
Q: How to clean top-load washing machine?
The most effective way to clean top-load washing machine is to use a top-load washing machine cleaner – it not only cleans but also restores the machine’s performance to new.
Q: What is the best concoction for top-load washing machine cleaning?
Vinegar, baking soda, and hot water is the best homemade cleaning solution that cleans and sanitizes the washing machine.
