How to Clean Washing Machine Top Loader

When we moved into our home, it came with all of the appliances included.

They were already 6 years old at that point, so we decided to figure out how to make them last as long as possible!

After some research (and trial and error), Chad came up with a great routine for maintaining the washer and dryer… and then life got hectic…

By the end of a jet-setting summer, we noticed our laundry smelled odd. Kind of funky, you know what I mean?

We tried different cycles and detergent, then remembered we needed to clean our top loader washing machine — it had been a while!!

The difference was night and day, so we’re sharing our cleaning and maintenance tips with you.

Don’t worry, it’s easy to learn how to clean a top loading washing machine and your dryer too!

Clean Top Load Washing Machine: What You’ll Need

• Cleaning Bucket – Use this to mix a vinegar solution for cleaning the exterior of your washer. A large bowl works too.
  
• Rag or Cloth – Clean, of course! Cotton is the best material for the job, whether it’s terry cloth material or a cut-up old t-shirt.
  
• Scrub Brush – Any kind will do, but I like the ones with long handles. It just makes it easier to get in everywhere without doing gymnastics all over the machine!
  
• Cotton Swabs – These get into all the nooks and crannies with ease. It may help to get the ones with the pointy tips too.
  
• Regular Bleach – Use 4 cups (1 quart) to clean a top load washing machine for the first cycle. Handle this carefully so none of it splashes on your clothes or skin.
  
• White Vinegar – You’ll need 4 cups (1 quart) for running the second cleaning cycle, plus ½ cup mixed with water for wiping down the exterior.
  
  It’s not only an excellent cleaner, but it helps get rid of odors too!

How to Clean Washing Machine Top Loader: The Best Method

I am sure it goes without saying, but you want to remove all laundry from the washer before cleaning it.

1. Start by cleaning the exterior of your top load washing machine.
   
   Mix 1 cup of hot water and ½ cup vinegar. Dampen a clean cloth in the vinegar solution and wipe down all the surfaces. 
   
   Really put some elbow grease into it, including the knobs as well.
   
   Open the top and wipe down the inside of the lid. Sometimes dirt and soap splash it, leaving a build-up of grime. Use cotton swabs to get in the crevices. 
   
   Remove any bleach or fabric softener dispensers (when possible) and scrub the dispenser with your scrub brush dipped in the vinegar solution. 
   
   Finally, use your scrub brush to clean the agitator and take a peek at the top of the wash bin. Wipe with a cloth if necessary.

2. Set your washer to the hottest setting, on the largest load, and the longest wash and spin cycle. 
   
   Let the washer fill with hot water and add 4 cups of bleach. Allow the washer to agitate for 2 minutes, then turn the washer off and let it sit for 1 hour. 
   
   Head out to the kitchen and try two of our 30-minute meals — I mean, you have an hour to kill! 
   
   After an hour, turn the washer back on and let it finish the cycle.
   
3. After the first cycle has finished, turn the washer back on and fill it with hot water again. 
   
   Pour in 4 cups vinegar and allow the washer to agitate for 2 minutes, then turn the washer off and let it sit for 1 hour. 
   
   Maybe watch an episode or two of your favorite show! No point in hanging around the laundry room. 
   
   After an hour, turn the washer back on and let it finish the cycle.

Extra Tips to Maintain and Clean Top Loading Washing Machine

• Make a regular schedule — and stick to it!

You should clean your top loader washing machine monthly for best results, especially if you live in an area with hard water.

Otherwise, follow this routine at least every 3 months to prevent build-up.

• Load the machine correctly.

I hate doing laundry as much as the next person, so sometimes I just want to get it over with. Unfortunately, overloading the machine causes it to run inefficiently and puts strain on the motor.

Split loads as needed and shake out your clothes before placing them in the washer so nothing is bunched or crammed in there.

• Make sure it’s properly leveled.

There should be adjustable feet on the bottom that you can tighten or loosen so your washing machine isn’t wobbly.

Leveling the washer prevents “walking” during the spin cycles, which can damage the floor and cause additional strain on the machine.

• Leave the lid open between cycles.

This allows the drum to dry completely and prevents mold and mildew odors from developing.

However, use caution if your machines are in a garage or basement as it’s more likely that dirt and debris will land inside — meaning you’ll have to clean a top load washing machine more often.

• Properly maintain the parts.

It’s recommended that you replace your washer hose every 3-5 years.  This is something you want to put on your calendar (or on a note in your laundry room).

I’ve had to clean up the mess from a busted washer hose before… Trust me, it’s not fun!

Also, be sure to turn off the water when you leave on vacation. Hoses are constantly under pressure, and a busted water hose can cause severe water damage to your home while you are away.

Extend the Life of Your Dryer Too

• Load this properly too!

Always shake out your clothes, towels, and bedding before placing them in the dryer. This helps prevent overfilling (also a no-no) and will help everything dry faster as well.

• Empty the lint trap.

You should be doing this after every load, especially for extra-linty laundry like towels and bedding.

Every month (when you clean the washer), remove the lint trap and scrub it with a soft brush and gentle dish detergent to remove any build-up or residue.

Let it dry completely before placing it back in the dryer.

This is especially important if you use fabric softener! When those tiny holes get gunked up, it blocks air flow and reduces the efficiency of your dryer.

• Deep clean every 6 months.

Unplug the machine — safety first! Vacuum out the lint trap, along with the wall and floor behind the dryer. 

Disconnect the vent and piping from the back and check the airflow to the outside for obstructions. Proper airflow helps with the longevity and efficiency of your dryer.

How to Clean Washing Machine Top Loader FAQ

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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How to Clean a Top Loading Washing Machine

We have all the tricks on How to Clean a Washing Machine Top Loader, get rid of that funky smell, and make it as clean as new again!

Author Donna Elick

Instructions

Start by cleaning the exterior of your top load washing machine.

• Mix 1 cup of hot water and ½ cup vinegar. Dampen a clean cloth in the vinegar solution and wipe down all the surfaces. Really put some elbow grease into it, including the knobs as well.
• Open the top and wipe down the inside of the lid. Sometimes dirt and soap splash it, leaving a build-up of grime. Use cotton swabs to get in the crevices.
• Remove any bleach or fabric softener dispensers (when possible) and scrub the dispenser with your scrub brush dipped in the vinegar solution.
• Finally, use your scrub brush to clean the agitator and take a peek at the top of the wash bin. Wipe with a cloth if necessary.

Set your washer to the hottest setting, on the largest load, and the longest wash and spin cycle.

• Let the washer fill with hot water and add 4 cups of bleach. Allow the washer to agitate for 2 minutes, then turn the washer off and let it sit for 1 hour.
• Head out to the kitchen and try two of our 30-minute meals — I mean, you have an hour to kill! 
• After an hour, turn the washer back on and let it finish the cycle.

After the first cycle has finished, turn the washer back on and fill it with hot water again.

• Pour in 4 cups vinegar and allow the washer to agitate for 2 minutes, then turn the washer off and let it sit for 1 hour.

  Maybe watch an episode or two of your favorite show! No point in hanging around the laundry room.

  After an hour, turn the washer back on and let it finish the cycle

Originally published November 2013, updated and republished August 2024

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post How to Clean a Top Loading Washing Machine appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of SanDisk, a Western Digital brand.  The opinions and text are all mine.

Out Simple Solution

I have to admit; we are a tech geek family, and I totally love it!

I remember before we left on our first vacation last year I wasn’t able to get all of my work done before we left for our road trip. So, Chad totally tricked out our car as our mobile office, which allowed us to manage our entire business and our family while we traveled. And now, I will never go back!

Technology and a little plan that we have created have really saved us from unnecessary stress while traveling with our family and you are going to love it!

I was pretty impressed. My laptop was set up on a lapboard so I could write posts, schedule our social media and answer emails. I had my tablet for portable travel lists, e-books and e-magazines, my maps, photos, and videos. And of course, we had our phones and a wireless router to make it all work no matter where we were!

I love being connected and love all of the apps and options available! We use our tablet and iPad everywhere. I love having my research right at my fingertips; whether it is web-based, e-books or e-magazines. I keep my tablet on a cookbook-stand in the kitchen as I cook. And it’s super handy for making notes as I cook. I rarely use a notebook anymore. The family uses are endless.

As  my daughter has gotten older we have found a fondness for education apps. We generally limit screen time and focus on more fun activities, but road trips and airplanes are my favorite time to bring out the iPad.

But at some point over the last few years, it became apparent that some developers prefer Apple for their apps, and we were going to need an Apple device for our business.  So, we decided to add an iPad to the mix of technology in our office and at home. Not to mention it takes stellar food photos! I mean look at that ice cream. {{slurp}}

Not long after we started using our iPad, we hit our memory max, and we realized that we were going to need a memory solution. We were thrilled to have found SanDisk iXpand™ Flash Drive to help solve our memory dilemma and at just the right time. Thanks to SanDisk for sending us this drive that automatically backs up my camera roll filled with those yummy photos!

Traveling with kids can be challenging. So, when my daughter was about 1-year-old we created a travel plan that incorporated a travel surprise for her every hour to keep her engaged in the trip and busy. I even pack a timer for her to hold on to, that helps keep it fun for her.

Every hour she gets something that she can play with, do or eat. It is always something that she has not seen before or something that we don’t have at home.

I try to hold off on the screen time until I have no other choice. And of course, I am always ready to change the plan if it isn’t working.

For example, we leave for California at 9 am (it is about a 6-hour trip). As we pull out of the driveway, I present her with her first surprise. It can be a new hat, sunglasses, a water bottle or whatever I want to start the trip with. We stop for a light breakfast on the way out of town.

• 1st hour, I will give her something creative to do: a new coloring book and crayons, a drawing pad or a craft.
• 2nd hour I will give her a snack that we do not keep in our house, so it is new and exciting.
• 3rd hour we will give her something to play with. That could be a little doll, a travel game or a new dress for her favorite dolly.
• 4th hour we stop for lunch. She gets the iPad when we get back in the car. It is loaded with educational kid apps that she loves!
•  5th hour she gets to watch a new movie. 

One of my favorite features of the SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive is that I can load my daughter’s movies on the compact flash drive and pop them in when I want to, that way she can play with her educational apps and I can hold off giving her a movie until I am ready.

Heading out of town the anticipation is still driving her, so I can hold off longer on the iPad, but coming home she will usually have it by hour 3. Which could have a lot to do with Mommy being too tired from the trip. Either way, we make it there and back in one piece and that is the most important thing.

With love from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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Copyright ©2016 The Slow Roasted Italian – All rights reserved.

SanDisk is a trademark of Western Digital Corporation or its affiliates, registered in the U.S. and other countries. iXpand is a trademark of Western Digital Corporation or its affiliates. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone and Lightning are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the US and other countries. Other brand names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and may be the trademark(s) of their respective holder(s).

Western Digital Technologies, Inc. is the seller of record and licensee in the Americas of SanDisk® products.

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

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Have you ever wondered how to care for your wood cutting boards?  After
my first good quality cutting board purchase I developed a simple method
to maintaining my favorite wood cutting boards and you are going to
love it.  We are so excited to partner with John Boos to bring you this
fabulous giveaway so you can experience the amazing quality of Boos
Boards. 

Last summer I received my very first John Boos cutting board.  Today I have 6 and a John Boos butcher block.  I think I may need an intervention.  Not really.  I have a thing for great quality kitchen tools. My cutting boards are certainly on the top of that list.

I have always had a stack of cutting boards, maybe not such good quality.  But nonetheless I have had a lot.  They never stayed nice though.  They would eventually smell of onion or get dried out or cracked.  It wasn’t until my first Boos Board that I decided to research how to care for and maintain a cutting board.  I mean seriously, these are so nice that I am certain Munchkin will inherit a few when she moves out on her own.

My cutting boards virtually look like they have never been used.  Absolutely as beautiful as the first day I got them.   After I started getting better quality tools, I started paying closer attention to the care of them.   I am thrilled to share my How To Care and Maintain Your Wood Cutting Boards method with you.  Scroll to the bottom for full instructions.  It is really simple to keep them gorgeous and make them last a lifetime.

#TSRISummer is an amazing time.  This year we are partnering with some of our favorite brands to celebrate TSRI’s Sizzling Summer.  I am so excited to share one of our favorite brands with you:  John Boos
is absolutely my favorite cutting board.  Quality products that have
stood the test of time.  For 125 years and counting John Boos and Co
have been creating spectacular cutting boards that have taken the food
industry by storm.  You see their boards everywhere.  Actually I first
fell in love when watching a walnut cutting board on Food Network.  Now I have 3 walnut cutting boards of my own.  Some people collect tchotchke (pronounced Chachkis).  I collect kitchen tools.

Wood Cutting Boards from Top to Bottom – Keep in mind I also have a stack of plastic cutting boards that I use regularly for chicken, onion, garlic and chipotle peppers (they can stain a board like no other food product).

1)  Random bamboo board

2)  Cutting board tray

3)  Walnut 20x15x1-1/2 John Boos  – My favorite everyday cutting board

4)  Walnut Chopping Block 18x18x3 by John Boos – Sits right next to the stove for convenient prep to stove top

5)  Old cutting board

6)  Walnut Chopping Block 18×3 – This one will be on the center of my new table

7)  Maple 24x18x1-1/2 – Huge cutting board for the really big jobs.

8)  Cherry 24x18x2-1/4 – Huge cutting board perfect for permanent placement on a kitchen island

9)  Maple End Grain with Grips 24x18x 2-1/4 – Chad’s favorite

10) Butcher Block – Most gorgeous butcher block ever (Not shown)

{{{Drumroll please}}} John Boos has generously agreed to give away 3, count them 3, fabulous cutting boards to TSRI readers.

One of my favorite cutting boards are the convenient to use and store 20x15x1-1/2″ wood cutting boards.  We are giving away one in each wood…  Maple, Cherry and Walnut.  What is your favorite?  I am hooked on the sleek and sophisticated look of the walnut.   But, I am also in love with the sturdiness of the maple and the simple beauty and durability of the cherry.  Are you excited???

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Enjoy your Sizzling Summer!

With love from our simple kitchen to yours. 

GIVEAWAY AT THE BOTTOM

Do you  ❤ love ❤ TSRI?  Don’t miss another recipe.  Click here to Subscribe to The Slow Roasted Italian by Email and receive new recipes in your inbox every day!

================================================================

PRINT INSTRUCTIONS

How To Care For Your Wood Cutting Boards 

Clean lint free cloth (I use cheesecloth)

Spatula or lemon and salt (your preference)

Mineral Oil/Beeswax Board Cream (I love Boos Block Board Cream)

Wood cutting board

Initial treatment:  Wipe your wood cutting board down with a wet cloth and a mild detergent, rinse and allow to air dry completely.  Make sure your cutting board is clean and dry.

Apply a quarter size amount of board cream to your cutting board.  Use a lint free cloth to apply the cream in a single even layer.  Follow the grain of the wood.  Allow cream to absorb overnight and wipe off any excess cream in the morning.  Treat all sides of the board.

Repeat this process until the board no longer absorbs the cream, for a new board this may take 4 or 5 applications.

Daily care:  be sure to clean your board after use with a mild dish soap and water.  Do not soak your board.  It can absorb water and warp.  Allow board to dry completely.

You can clean your board by scraping the surface with a spatula or gently scrubbing with lemon and course salt.  After cleaning, allow to dry completely and reapply board cream.

To maintain your board you will need to treat it regularly.  How often
depends on you.  Once a month works for me, but if you use your cutting
board more often or less often you may adjust your schedule according to
your needs.

Do not allow liquid to stand on board.  Wipe clean as quickly as possible.  Take care of them and you can enjoy your boards for years to come!

PRINT INSTRUCTIONS

Recipe developed by Donna Elick – The Slow Roasted Italian

Copyright ©2014 The Slow Roasted Italian – All rights reserved.

———————————————————————————————————

GIVEAWAY CLOSED – Congrats to Wendy, Mary and Megan!

You may need to wait a moment for it to load – Only 1 mandatory entry – leave a comment on this post and confirm that in the Rafflecopter widget below.  Multiple bonus entry options.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post in partnership with John Boos.  This article contains affiliate links.  

The post How To Care For Your Wood Cutting Boards appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.