How to Clean a Top-Loading Washing Machine for the Freshest Laundry Possible

Even if we do laundry almost every day, it’s easy to forget that the washing machine itself needs regular cleaning, too. Detergent residue, lint, and even mold can build up inside, creating odor and reducing efficiency. If you’ve noticed your top-loading washer isn’t leaving your clothing as clean and odor-free as it used to, it might just need a routine cleaning. But rest assured that learning how to clean a top-loader is far easier than you may think.

We turned to laundry experts for their tips and tricks for cleaning top-loading washing machines. Learn their methods below to keep your machinery functioning properly and your clothes, linens, and towels as clean as they can be.

How Often to Clean Your Top-Load Washer

“Cleaning a top-load washing machine is an important part of maintaining the appliance and should be performed at least once every 30 washes,” explains Stephanie Armstrong, integrated brand manager for Maytag Laundry.

Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of odors, soil, and detergent residue that can affect both performance and freshness. For optimal care, run a cleaning cycle using a washing machine cleaner tablet or liquid bleach, and wipe down key areas like the lid and detergent dispenser monthly to maintain efficiency and cleanliness.

Materials Needed

• Washing machine cleaner tablets or liquid chlorine bleach
• Warm, soapy water 
• Clean, soft cloths or sponges
• Heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent 
• Towel
• Small bowl or container 
• Owner’s manual 

How to Give Your Top-Load Washer a Routine Cleaning

Step 1: Prepare the washer by removing any items from the washer tub and ensuring it’s empty.

Step 2: Choose your cleaning agent. You can either place a washing machine cleaner tablet at the bottom of the empty tub, or pour 1 cup (250 ml) of liquid bleach directly into the washer basket. This liquid bleach method works best if you see mold, but Armstrong cautions that you should check your washer's manual first to ensure bleach is safe for your particular model.

Step 3: Start your top-load washer by setting your machine to a cleaning cycle if it has one. If not, choose a bulky items cycle and warm water and start the machine.

Step 4: After the cleaning cycle completes, run an additional rinse and spin cycle to remove any leftover cleaner or bleach and rinse out residue.

Step 5: Using a damp cloth, wipe down surfaces including the detergent dispenser drawer, lid, and exterior of the machine. For any removable parts, like the detergent drawer, wash them with warm, soapy water, then rinse and replace.

Step 6: Let the machine air dry. Leave the lid open after cleaning to allow the interior to dry completely.

Don’t Miss These Often-Overlooked Areas

Steve Hettinger, director of engineering for clothes care at GE Appliances, says to pay special attention to areas that might be missed. This may include the top several inches of the drum where the water doesn’t always rinse the detergent completely, as well as the dispensers. 

“The agitator-mounted fabric softener dispenser is [an] area that most frequently needs cleaning,” he explains. 

To clean the dispenser, Hettinger recommends the following steps: 

• Remove the dispenser from the top of the agitator.
• Separate the dispenser cup from the cover.
• Soak both the dispenser cup and the dispenser cover in the following solution: 1 US gallon (3.8 liters) warm water, ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy-duty liquid detergent, and 1 cup (240 ml) bleach
• After soaking, you can use a soft cloth or a soft-bristled brush to wipe away any visible residue and rinse before returning to the machine. 
  

Signs Your Top-Load Washer Needs to Be Cleaned

While you should be tending to your machine monthly, you may also notice some signs that it's in need of a deep clean. These include unpleasant odors, visible residue or mold, excess soap suds, fabric softener build-up, and decreased cleaning performance.

If you notice any of the above, it’s time to wash your washer. 

Tips for Keeping Your Top-Load Washer Fresh Between Deep Cleans

While you may not always have time in between laundry loads for a deep clean, you can still maintain your washer with a few additions to your routine. Firstly, wipe down key areas frequently by using a damp cloth to clean the detergent drawer, around the lid, and on exterior surfaces once every few days. 

You should also aim to always keep the drum of your top-loading washing machine dry. After each wash, wipe the inside of the drum with a clean towel and leave the lid open to allow the drum to air dry, reducing mold growth.

Both Armstrong and Hettinger agree that the most important way to keep your machine running optimally is to follow manufacturer guidelines. Always refer to your owner’s manual or call the manufacturer for specific cleaning and maintenance instructions tailored to your model.