SimpleSolutionsDiva.com: How To Clean Your Top Loading Washer

simplesolutionsdiva.com ➟ Is your top loading washer smelling a little funky? Did you know you need to clean your washer? Let Laura Morey, the Simple Solutions Diva, show you how to clean your top loading washer! 💡
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[@janstanley538]

My top loading machine had started stinking. 🤢 Made my clothes stink. I did this and it smells great. I am going to do this monthly. Thanks!

[@TateLydia]

This was awesome! Inherited a Whirlpool Estate top loader from the previous homeowners and it smelled like wet dog every time I opened the lid 🤢 1st time worked like a charm! Gorgeous, beautiful and better functioning. Thanks for making it easy on a city girl with a day off 🇺🇸💥❤️

[@nazrin7140]

Good Explanation .. I would definitely try this thank you so much. .

[@Mscalifornia45]

Great explanation of steps can't wait to try it

[@mikesunboxing]

Very helpful, thanks

[@chrisschneider2703]

Thanks a ton. Those are the exact same washer and dryer models that I have. Was going to see about cleaning it today, but it's laundry day, so it'll have to be attempted some other time :-)

[@simplesolutionsdiva2886]

+Chris Schneider My mother in law can't believe I still have the same washer and dryer from 20 years ago! Good luck with laundry day and with cleaning the washer! Let me know how it goes!

[@Goldenwoodz]

Hope You still have those whirlpools! Good old classics! I have the exact same washer! Still runs problem free reliably

[@santiagomartinez-uv7vi]

Yes love the great trips

[@JandS1503]

Doing this now thanks

[@sarahshah475]

Your cleaning tips for top loading washer look doable. my washer is almost identical to yours but i have a bleach dispenser, which hasn't worked for more than half the fifteen years since we bought it new. i covered the opening with a durable piece of plastic which i custom-made, sewed it to fit the dispenser, then put the cover back on. i seldom use chlorine bleach so i'm not concerned too much about it. what does irritate me is that there is also a fabric softener dispenser in the top of the agitator post which also doesn't dispense anymore. no problem, i have a fabric softener "ball" that works just as well. problem is usually after a wash cycle, the agitator post almost always has a grimy residue on the agitator post. also have taken that apart and cleaned thoroughly but still am getting unpleasant results. husband is going to retire from his full-time job in several months, so money is tight and we can't afford to buy a new washer/dryer set. have you any experience with this annoyance?

[@greg0716]

how do you clean the fabric softner dispenser?

[@dredscott8176]

This is a great video by the beautiful and stunning woman Laura Morey.

[@FrostElement]

Ok. I finished all cycles. After vinegar cycle all goes back to normal? Or should I run an empty load with regular soap?

[@ToolGirl616]

Great video, thank you for the post I'll clean my washing machine this way! Would suggest a before and after photo of the machine though :)

[@simplesolutionsdiva2886]

I wanted to do before and after pic, but my lighting was not the best when I took the photos! The photos did not do the "before and after" justice!

[@Lucia33-3]

Best channel

[@meganlwong2023]

I saw another video using a box of baking soda...then I recall yours in your nice skyblue sweater...will it be ok to add bleach & follow your 3 hr process?

[@f23948]

thanks for the video! now i am going to clean my washing machine!

[@emoguy130]

Hi it looks like there is dirt/rust near the bleach dispenser?

[@NIO_FLOFY177A]

Would the clothes come out smelling vinegary?

[@vbacky]

Thanks for the great video Laura! I was wondering if I could use oxyclean instead of chlorine bleach.

[@simplesolutionsdiva2886]

The bleach really kills the mildew that contributes to the problem smell.

[@vbacky]

Laura Morey-SimpleSolutionsDiva Alright, I guess I'll go buy some chlorine bleach. Thanks!

[@FrostElement]

Awesome,, will try it right now

[@simplesolutionsdiva2886]

Well, thank you so much! You made my day! (My own kids laughed when they saw your comment!)

[@Hodaris_Darlin]

My washing machine empties the water unless I turn it off or use the 2 hour soak setting.

[@halcollins4293]

Hot water + bleach = hot water. Bleach is very volatile and will evaporate very quickly when added to hot water. With the lid closed it may collect in the under side of the lid but I don’t think it will stay in the water. Maybe a hot water cycle first to help soften the crud?

[@Lily_of_the_Forest]

Oh no, I can't use that much bleach in my washing machine. I have a septic tank. Have to be careful with too much bleach. Hope this helps other people.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

I'd suggest Simple Green 🌲🌲🌲. Its safer & removes odors, crud.

[@colleentraue9458]

I have a Kenmore Automatic Load Sensing washer. So, how do I get my washing machine to fill with hot water so I can perform this cleaning process with no clothes in the washer?

[@simplesolutionsdiva2886]

Sounds like a great washer! (As you can see, I have a very old one!) First, I would read your washer's instructions to see if they give any guidelines for cleaning the washer. If you don't have any information to read (and can't find it online), consider tossing in old rags that might need a cleaning anyway or old towels you are not worried about bleaching. But I am not an expert on your type of machine, so I recommend reading the manual first!

[@38barbc]

I see a lot of how to wash the washer posts and videos but there really isn't any information on how to clean the fabric softener dispenser. Could you please give some suggestions on how to do that?

[@simplesolutionsdiva2886]

I know! That little dispenser can get so gross! Making sure the washer is empty (no clothes inside), I pour hot water into the dispenser, let it sit for 5-10 minutes to let the stuff loosen, then I take an old toothbrush to it! I rinse the toothbrush as I get gunk out. You may need to do this process multiple times. With my old washer, I know I've finished when I see the water dribble out of the holes of the dispenser (where the fabric softener would be dispensed into the washer tub!) If you want to give it a good final cleaning, pour hot, white vinegar into the dispenser. When you are done, run the washer on hot on a small load to clean out the tub! Pause the washer mid-cycle and using a rag, wipe down the area (the holes) where the fabric softener would come out into the tub. Hope that helps!

[@38barbc]

Laura Morey-SimpleSolutionsDiva Thank you. I did it all that yesterday. What I did was boil a pot of water let it stand for about 5 minutes then pored it in the dispenser. I let it sit for about 5 minutes and then pored a bit of vinegar and oh boy was it easy to clean. UNBELIEVABLE ho clean I got it. It looks brand new. Thank you for your reply and for the video. Happy Easter..

[@simplesolutionsdiva2886]

Happy Easter to you too! Thanks for sharing!

[@mirandawood-makary3887]

Would love to know how to clean out the liquid fabric softener container. They get super slimy, gunky and all-around NASTY. Any ideas?

[@simplesolutionsdiva2886]

I've tackled that task with good results! I completely filled the liquid fabric softener container with HOT water and let it soak. I had to do it multiple times to get it cleaned out to my liking. (Use an old toothbrush to get into nooks and crannies at the openings.) This will hopefully loosen up the gunk that ends up clogging the holes where the stuff enters the laundry during the wash cycle. Let me know how it goes for you!

[@roguerunner7553]

I'm going to try baking soda & vinegar since that works great for my drains!

[@mikepasko7493]

If you pull up on the dispenser it usually comes out I know on my GE washer it does and when you take it out you'll see all the crud in there that needs to be cleaned out sometimes it could get so Cruded that it will not drain the softener liquid. Go on line and put your model number in and you can find out how to take it apart... my ge washer just pulls up straight and it comes out to clean...it might be hard at first if it was never removed...i am a electrical mechanical contractor by trade

[@suelemon2339]

hi, my mother has a whirlpool top loader and for the life of me a can not find the lint catcher... she has had the machine for a while and not sure where the manual is.... do u have any tip on where to look... Thx

[@simplesolutionsdiva2886]

Usually a washer does not have a lint catcher. Lint catchers are usually found on the dryer! Did you mean the liquid fabric softener cup? If so, usually those are located in the center tube (the agitator that is in the center of the tub and comes up from the bottom of the tub). I do know some newer washers don't have that center tube - look around the opening (under the lid) of the washer for the fabric softener cup - I'm sure it is there!

[@suelemon2339]

If a washing machine doesn't have a lint catcher and u wash new towels ok where does all the lint that comes off the towels go? my washer (not a whirlpool) has a catcher.... Maybe my mother isn't using the right water level for her washing loads?

[@nallelygonzalez9210]

What if you don't have HOT water hose connected to the washer, will cold water still be as effective?

[@glendaburton903]

No

[@SuperJohnboy43]

Hi I just wanted to know how do I get paint stains out of clothing?

[@simplesolutionsdiva2886]

Sorry about the delay in responding! That is a great question - it depends on the paint and the type of fabric! You could try mineral spirits, but test the fabric in an area that won't show to test colorfastness! I would dab the spirits on the spot using a clean white rag. Then hand wash the area to see if it works. Hope that helps!

[@ELECTRONICSALLINFO]

Can we add baking soda and white vinegar at the same time same walk walk cycle.

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

no it will produce carbon dioxide u will die bc it eliminates oxygen

[@gibsongirl2100]

@@Lauren-vd4qe Baking soda and vinegar mixed together are not dangerous. Teachers mix them in elementary school science class as basis science experiments because the bubbling action looks like a volano erupting. After the initial bubbling dies down, you have a useless liquid that will clean nothing. This is because the two mixed together neutralize each other. Where do people get this information?

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

@@gibsongirl2100 it was fatal for a bird i had to put to sleep.

[@gibsongirl2100]

@@Lauren-vd4qe I don't know about bird biology, but it is a scientific fact that vinegar and baking soda mixed together is not dangerous to humans. In fact, it's not even an effective cleaner, because one is acidic and the other is alkaline - they simply cancel each other out, basically turning into water.

[@ronerickson8083]

Hello, as a quick tip you can take an Affresh washing machine tablet and break it into smaller pieces with a pliers or hammer wear safety glasses and take them pieces and put them down all drains in the residence and put some little pieces in your toilets to get them all very fresh and make your house feel fresh and clean. God bless you all, from Ron

[@NIO_FLOFY177A]

After I did with the vinegar, I ran it like two or more times before the smells go away so I washed couple loads of clothes, everything is fine...this morning I opened up the washer lid to do another sets of clothes, the smell came back.....so I guess I need bleach now huh?

[@glendaburton903]

Leave your lid up.

[@kanitacoleman5804]

question: There is a ring of gunk at the top of washer (where the clothes goes) what would you suggest is better. scrub the ring first, or after running the solution to clean it.

[@simplesolutionsdiva2886]

Depends on what the ring is - if it is soap scum (during the rinse cycle the water does not reach all the way up to wash away the soap form the wash cycle, leaving a ring), it never hurts to give it a good wipe down first to loosen the stuff prior to beginning this process! If it is actual a ring of rust, it might be important to check why the ring has appeared. Is there rust in water? Is something rusting and leaving the ring behind (and you would notice in clothes), or does the tub need to be refinished (if the washer itself is in good shape). I'm hoping it is just a soap scum ring! Hope that helps answer the question!

[@kanitacoleman5804]

Thanks for the advice it was a soap scum ring. I cleaned it between the cycles.

[@simplesolutionsdiva2886]

Glad it worked!

[@bethbaldoni8310]

Hello I followed your directions and my clothes still smell almost worst than before. I usually use baking soda which seems to do the trick. Do I need a new washer mine is about 20 years old.Thanks.

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

clean washer filter but if washer is 20 yrs old then likely cannot access filter if it does have a filter

[@daliaehab7538]

Lauren A technician can reach the filter and replace it

[@99mialy]

will the bleach affect your next load of colors?

[@simplesolutionsdiva2886]

Denise - It should not affect your next load because after the bleach, you do a vinegar rinse AND you wipe down the entire inside with the vinegar solution. If you really want to be sure, either do a load of whites as your first load, or wait until the entire washer is completely dry! I hope that helps you!

[@theghostofpeterbunn1161]

Have you found that the bleach, vinegar, wipe progression is effective in removing the odor of fabric softener and scented detergent from the washing machine? I have a used washing machine that I can't bear to wash my clothes in, because I can't get the offensive (to me) odor of scented laundry products out of the machine. I have tried wiping out everything I can get my fingers into, with a rag. I have removed all kinds of brown, cat-hair laden gunk, but the machine still smells up the whole laundry room with the fabric softener odor, which I understand people like. I can't stand it, though.

[@simplesolutionsdiva2886]

+Terd Ferguson It definitely helps soften it up so you can get it off! I know that smell you are talking about and it makes me a little sick when I smell it, too!

[@NIO_FLOFY177A]

Can it be just vinegar or it have to be bleach also?

[@simplesolutionsdiva2886]

I live in Florida, so mildew and mold grow in a heartbeat! Bleach is what I use to really take care of it! If you want to use vinegar, I would leave it on the areas you are cleaning for a longer period of time.

[@Goldenwoodz]

Where did u goooo

[@Willg64]

Can you use apple cider vinegar or does it have to be white vinegar?

[@simplesolutionsdiva2886]

I would probably stick with the white vinegar - apple cider vinegar has tannins (natural plant dyes-the thing that makes apple cider vinegar that golden color) that might stain the clothes!

[@WilliePeck]

That's a good washer! My grandma has the same one!

[@simplesolutionsdiva2886]

That washer is 18 years old this week Willie! ;-)

[@WilliePeck]

That whirlpool you have is never going to die;)

[@simplesolutionsdiva2886]

;-)

[@brendame]

@@simplesolutionsdiva2886 Great Video!!! May I please know if you have the same washer?

[@KelleyGrl5758]

How often should one do this cleaning? Once a month or so?

[@simplesolutionsdiva2886]

Thanks for the share! I actually do it at least twice a year or more!

[@idoltyler06]

I know this is like 5 years late but I wouldnt do monthly. Like she said twice a year, maybe even quarterly, but once a month is too much. But a wipe down of the gunk around the rim, and bleach reservoir

[@deeg7141]

my whirlpool wont allow my washer to wash without any clothes in them. Is it something im doing wrong?

[@simplesolutionsdiva2886]

First, I would check your washer's manual to see what they recommend (you can usually find the manuals on line). If you don't have that or can't access it online, I would just throw in an old towel you don't plan to use again (or rags!). It should work! Good luck!

[@deeg7141]

Thank you :)

[@simplesolutionsdiva2886]

Dee Griffin Let me know how it goes!

[@gregoryfreeman9073]

+Dee Griffin Your model may have a weight sensor . You could maybe use an old towel or something you arent worried about getting ruined to "trick" sensor . Most current models override this sensor with a tub wash cycle now . Thanks , Sears Home Appliance Showroom

[@timothyjones8921]

It's the democrats. They're allowed in every room of the house except the bedroom. Once in your medicine chest, your kitchen food and refrigerator, your car in the garage, your BBQ grill on the patio, or in your washing machine, they commence to meddle meddle meddle. They know best, you see. BTW, I wouldn't try to hack your machine; there is probably a law to safeguard their improvements, and if you have wifi, the machine itself might narc you out.

[@DADoESofTX]

Trust me on this ... there's gunk in the machine in areas that aren't accessible unless it's disassembled -- underside of plastic tub cover, under the agitator, exterior of the spin basket and interior of the outer tub. Several years of accumulation requires disassembly for direct scrubbing. It won't completely clear with a simple hot-water soak.

[@gibsongirl2100]

So what do you do? Hire a technician to do it? I can't believe most people with washing machines are capable of disassembling their machines to clean them (or want to). Does that stuff really affect your laundry? If it does, then I need to find a way to take care of it!

[@Hodaris_Darlin]

@@gibsongirl2100 I'm sure a technician would cost a lot of money too.

[@ultramannick]

I may being doing overkill on the bleach and vinegar, but my washer will not allow me to turn it "off" so the solution can soak. It drains automatically. So I'm letting it do a full wash with vinegar and then bleach. I hope this does the trick. I am SO SICK of washing clothes--and even new clothes---and they come out with small little "stain spots," like oil spots or grease. It's really driving me to tears because we get new clothes or want to clean up some cool clothes from a garage sale and they just end up looking worse. I don't know how some people can clean their clothes and have them looking literally brand new and ours look like I wash them by beating them on a rock by the river.

[@simplesolutionsdiva2886]

I have had the same washer and dryer for over 18 years (They are old school!) -I am so surprised it is still working well! I am sure when I do get new ones, I will have to redo this video because new appliances have so many bells and whistles! Wish I could help you out! You are not able to pause the running of the cycle by pulling (or pushing in) the knob?

[@ultramannick]

No, it doesn't have a "knob." It has a push button. And if you hold it and turn it "off" it auto-drains. However, I followed the instructions and I'm carefully watching for any of these mystery stains.

[@simplesolutionsdiva2886]

Good luck with this!! Let me know how it goes!

[@davebellewood897]

You could try to just unplug it and let it sit. Shouldn't be able to drain with out power.Jim Flack

[@i3diamonds]

Can you come do mine :)

[@murphaa9564]

You thought you "cleaned" it out but you would be shocked to see what is under the top piece and inside the drum!! I was...

[@hemamehta8429]

Well have you seen it? If so how do you remove the drum?

[@murphaa9564]

+Hema Mehta you have to take apart the metal housing surrounding the drum then u can pop of the top plastic piece and put a hose in to flush out all the. Nastiest crap uve ever seen...not exactly easy but only way to truly clean it out..

[@deeharris8413]

maybe it's because you're a woman, but this video made the whole process simple straight forward, doable. no tools, i don't have or know how to use. bleach/water, agitate, sit, run a cycle. vinegar/water, clean gunk, agitate, sit, run a cycle. no more lint!thanks a million

[@simplesolutionsdiva2886]

Dee Harris Glad you found the video easy to follow/understand! That's my goal as the Simple Solutions Diva! ;-)

[@akirahope9695]

How do you just turn it off??? Lol

[@oscarc7853]

Didn't clean the dispenser. Whoops!

[@simplesolutionsdiva2886]

Good point! Since this was a "Putting Pinterest To The Test" video, I was following the original pin instructions. To clean out the dispenser, I would take a cup or two of the hot vinegar/water solution and pour it down the dispenser before you let it sit for an hour. Thanks for the heads up Oscar - I will put that point on my website!

[@brookemingo2398]

Why would you want to use the dirty vinegar and water to wipe everything down. This simple cleaning does not clean all the different areas. Example: in and under the agitator, in the base of the machine when agitator is removed, the top base after removing it.

[@seinnajune348]

chlorine bleach scares me

[@gregoryfreeman9073]

+Seinna Silva Vinegar and baking soda is a non toxic substitute

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

@@gregoryfreeman9073 but not together at same time

[@gregoryfreeman9073]

@@Lauren-vd4qe Give it a whirl and let me know 🤪

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

@@gregoryfreeman9073 choke! gasp!

[@gregoryfreeman9073]

@@Lauren-vd4qe I didnt say eat it! Didnt you learn from the pod challenge. Oy millennials 😋

[@chinhphan195]

LLP

[@oxkaylaann13]

You are so cute, I wish you were my mom.

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

shes a type A personality...cant u tell?

[@dennisferguson1029]

When she said "load" I spoofed in my pants

[@GADGETIND19]

You are so so beautiful :)

[@windermere2330]

GADGETIND19 I like your hair and outfit!

[@yvettevillarreal1021]

What a waste of water why not buy the package it do it in one shot

[@brandonholliday5786]

bleach deactivates with hot water. useless

[@a13thhour]

You are aware you are telling people ro create mustard gas? never never flirt with bleach and vinegar.

[@gibsongirl2100]

She's using them in separate treatments - one AFTER the other, with full tubs of water. There is no danger in that situation. GEEZ.

[@a13thhour]

@@gibsongirl2100 What sounds logical to you. Does not mean someone unknowingly with both needed for this not to get the idea to mix them together. young people are smart but lack life experience.

[@patricksimmons395]

Wow you have one lucky husband...

[@gregoryfreeman9073]

+Patrick Simmons yep , took my response lol

[@rotorthermotech1310]

What a load of rubbish, all that’s been done is a primary school science experiment showing the reaction between vinegar an baking Soda. The detergent and fabric softener build up an mould ect won’t be touched by this brew. The only way to clean out the build up is with a complete dismantle , removing the inner wash bowl and scrubbing with a brush. I’ve been working 9n Washing machines for over 35 Years, and have tried this method (and potions way stronger than this one) then dismantled the washing machine and inspected, the result, still full of black slimey build up

[@Hodaris_Darlin]

Not everyone is a washing machine technician or can afford to pay one to do the job, mate.