Cleaning your top load washer helps maintain its performance and prevent odors. The general process involves running a hot water cycle with a dedicated washer cleaner, and importantly, letting the water completely fill up before adding the cleaner, with the option to pause the cycle and soak, particularly with older machines.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Top Load Washer Cleaner
Using a top load washer cleaner is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a sparkling clean machine:
- Prepare the Washer: Ensure the washer drum is empty. Remove any clothes or items from the drum.
- Add Water: Set your washer to the hottest water setting and the largest load size. Begin the cycle to allow the drum to fill completely with hot water. According to the provided reference, ensure "The water has completely filled up to the top."
- Add the Cleaner: Once the washer is full of water, add the recommended amount of top load washer cleaner directly into the drum. Avoid adding it to the detergent dispenser unless specifically instructed by the cleaner's packaging.
- Run the Cycle (or Soak):
- Standard Method: Close the lid and let the cycle run through completely.
- Soaking Method (Recommended, especially for older machines): As highlighted in the reference, if your machine allows, "you can actually pause the cleaning cycle. And just let that cleaner sitting there and soak." This allows the cleaning solution to penetrate and loosen buildup effectively. Soak for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or as recommended by the cleaner's instructions, before resuming the cycle.
- Complete the Cycle: After soaking (if applicable) and running the main cleaning cycle, the washer will drain and complete the process.
- Run a Rinse Cycle: It's often recommended to run an additional rinse cycle with just water to ensure all cleaner residue is removed.
- Wipe Down: Once the cycles are finished, use a clean cloth to wipe down the inside of the lid, the drum, the top of the agitator, and the rubber gasket around the opening. This removes any loosened grime that wasn't fully rinsed away. Leave the lid open for a while to allow the drum to air dry completely, preventing mildew growth.
Why Clean Your Top Load Washer?
Over time, detergent residue, fabric softener, dirt, and minerals from water can build up inside your washing machine, even in areas you can't easily see. This buildup can lead to:
- Unpleasant odors transferred to your clothes.
- Reduced washing performance.
- Potential machine malfunctions.
Regular cleaning, typically monthly, helps prevent these issues.
Tips for Effective Top Load Washer Cleaning
- Check Cleaner Instructions: Always read and follow the specific instructions on the packaging of your chosen washer cleaner. Some cleaners have unique requirements.
- Clean Dispensers: Don't forget to clean the detergent and fabric softener dispensers, which can also accumulate residue. Many are removable for easier cleaning.
- Lid and Exterior: Wipe down the outside of your machine, especially the lid and control panel, to keep it looking clean.
- Air Dry: Leaving the lid open after every wash cycle helps air circulate and prevents moisture buildup, a common cause of odors.
Soaking Option Comparison
| Machine Type | Soaking Capability | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Older Models | Often have manual pause or specific soak cycles | Allows deeper penetration and grime removal |
| Newer Models | May have dedicated "Clean" or "Sanitize" cycles | Optimized for cleaning; check manual |
Utilizing the soak method, especially with older machines where you can pause the cycle as mentioned in the reference, can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the cleaning process.
By following these steps, incorporating the soak technique where possible, you can effectively use a top load washer cleaner to keep your machine fresh and efficient.
