How To Clean The Washing Machine

When was the last time you cleaned the washing machine? Check out how to clean a top load washer without any scrubbing. It only takes a few minutes of your time and your clothes will smell better!

For years, the idea of cleaning the machines that clean for us seemed so silly. Why would we ever clean the washing machine? But I started to realize that washing machines need to be cleaned too.

Whether you have a top-load or a front-load machine, it does need to be cleaned.

If you have a front load washing machine check out my how to clean your front load washer here.

If you have a top load machine see below for my best tips on how to clean the washing machine like a pro.

How To Clean A Top Load Washer

To clean your top load washing machine you will need a few things. You probably have everything you need at home already!

• bleach (or these bleach tabs that I love!)
• vinegar (or citric acid- I buy mine from Amazon)
• Microfiber towel  (these cloths from Amazon are my favorites!)
• all purpose cleaner (you can see how to make your own here)

A few extra tips before you get started:

• do on a day where you are at home for a while
• don't do this on laundry day
• you may want citric acid if you have really bad hard water

Getting Started

Washing machines are great for cleaning clothes but they can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Plus, if you have hard water or limescale buildup it can make your washing machine look dirty.

My washing machine (a top loader) had started to get a nice soap scummy look to it. Soap scummy is a word, right? 🙂

Although it is easy to clean the washing machine, it does take some time while the cycles are running. I like to run two long cycles, so this is great to do on those days that you are home for a while.

Disinfecting The Washing Machine

We will start by disinfecting the washing machine. Set the washing machine on its longest cycle.

If you have an extra rinse cycle I recommend using that too.

Add 1 bleach tablet or 1 cup of bleach to the water and let the machine run through the cycle. The bleach helps get rid of any bacteria that may be in your washer.

Bleach will not only help disinfect the bacteria in the washing machine, but it can also kill off any mold or mildew that may be growing in your machine.

By cleaning the machine with bleach you will help sanitize it.

Get Rid Of Hard Water In The Washing Machine

Once your washer is done going through the first complete cycle with the bleach you will want to clean it again.

This time we will be using vinegar or citric acid to help get rid of soap scum and hard water in the washing machine.

Start the washing machine up again. I recommend using the longest cycle and an extra rinse cycle if you have it.

This time add 3 cups of vinegar or 1 cup citric acid to the machine. The vinegar will help with any soap scum, hard water, and gets rid of smells.

I recommend stopping the cycle as soon as the machine fills up and letting it sit for about 15 minutes with the vinegar. Then turn it back on and wait for it to finish.

This will really give the vinegar an opportunity to get rid of all the hard water build-up on your washing machine tub.

FYI: If you have really bad hard water you may want to use citric acid. Instead of adding the vinegar just add 1 cup of citric acid to the detergent dispenser on the top load washing machine.

When the machine is finished with the second cycle, open it up and wipe it down using a microfiber cloth.

The washing machine will be clean and rid of any dust and grime.

Wipe Down The Outside

Once the inside of the washing machine is cleaned take a few minutes to wipe down the outside.

Use a clean microfiber cloth and an all-purpose spray to clean down the outside of the machine removing any dust or dirt.

It looks and smells so much better now that I have cleaned the washing machine.

Even though it takes a while for the washing machine to run through the cycles, it doesn't take a lot of my time to clean the washing machine.

I have found that by regularly cleaning the appliances I can keep them running longer and working better.

Want more cleaning tips? Check out how to clean the dryer vent like a pro. It will save you money and help prevent fires.