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Just like top loading washers with agitator, it is important to clean your impeller HE top loading clothes washing machine occasionally.
Otherwise, limescale deposits(if you use hard water), soap scum, mold and mildew, and also nasty bacteria can get into your washing machine(especially in hard-to-reach spots), resulting in terrible odors and worsening cleaning performance.
Which brings me to what this piece is all about: How to clean a top loading washing machine without agitator
And without further ado, let’s see learn how to thoroughly clean your top-loading washing machine without an agitator(which helps maintain excellent cleaning results while keeping the washer in perfect health)
How to clean a top loading machine without agitator
Now, for the most part, top loading impeller washers have a unique clean washer cycle and it is probably the easiest way to clean the washer.
For starters, the special cycle uses higher water amounts + a recommended Washer Cleaner to clean your washer’s inside
The alternative is to clean it with Chlorine Bleach..
Let us start with the easiest way: Using Washer Cleaner tablets to clean the washer
How to clean a top loading washing machine without agitator – clean washer cycle+ washer cleaner tablets method
What you need:
Cleaning instructions step by step
Step 1:
Open your washer’s lid and remove all clothing or items.
Step 2:
Put washer cleaner tablet(just one Affresh cleaner tablet)in the washer basket (place it at the bottom of the basket).
Step 3:
Now close the machine’s lid.
Step 4:
Select Clean Washer cycle(on the panel).
Step 5:
Start the cycle- simply Press START/PAUSE to get it going and wait until it completes.
What to note about this clean washer cycle/operation
As far as this clean washer cycle/operation is concerned, please bear the following in mind:
Don’t interrupt the cycle- doing that could prevent proper cleaning
But if you must interrupt it (for whatever reason), just press POWER(and if your model is missing the “Power/Cancel” button, you need to press then hold “START/PAUSE” for about 3 seconds).
Step 6:
Once your washer’s Clean Washer cycle completes, rinse the washing machine by running a Rinse cycle.
That’s all! Your washer should now be free of musty odors and should resume working as new.
PS: After the Clean Washer cycle has finished, leave the washer’s lid open for some time- the idea is to allow better ventilation(and drying) of the machine’s interior.
Quick Tips
- Do not place washer cleaner tablets in detergent dispenser.
- Do not add detergent/other chemicals to the washer if you’re cleaning using this procedure.
While ideally, you should use washer cleaner tablets to clean your washer, at times you may want to use chlorine bleach for a deeper clean.
Below is the procedure to follow, if you find bleach the better cleaning solution:
Using chlorine bleach (instructions)
What you need:
Step 1:
Open your washer’s lid and remove all clothing or items.
Step 2:
Add 1 cup(236mL) of the liquid chlorine bleach(you add in bleach compartment/bleach dispenser).
Step 3:
Now close the machine’s lid.
Step 4:
Select Clean Washer cycle(on the panel).
Step 5:
Start the cycle- simply Press START/PAUSE to get it going and wait until it completes.
Step 6:
Once your washer’s Clean Washer cycle completes, rinse the washing machine by running a Rinse and Spin cycle(this rinses away the cleaner).
Quick Tips
Do not use more bleach than the recommended above as that can damage your washer over time.
Cleaning the outside
To clean the outside, use a soft/damp cloth (or a sponge) to wipe away spills (there could be some).
Quick Tip
Use mild soaps/cleaners only to clean the external washer surfaces as abrasive products can easily damage the washer’s finish.
Cleaning the dispensers
If you notice residue buildup in your washer’s dispensers, wipe them off with the damp cloth you used above and then towel dry.
Quick Note: Do not remove the trim or dispensers for cleaning because, in general, dispensers and trim cannot be removed.
But if your unit comes with a dispenser drawer, just remove the drawer for cleaning before or even after you have run Clean Washer cycle. Here you can use a good all-purpose surface cleaner to enhance cleaning.
How to clean a top loading washing machine without agitator –Tips to help keep your washing machine clean and working flawlessly
- Always use recommended High Efficiency(HE) detergents for cleaning. Also, about the amount to use, follow the instructions indicated by the manufacturer.
- Try to use warm or hot wash water setting on occasion(do not use cold water washes exclusively) because these do a much better job when it comes to controlling the speed at which detergent and soils accumulate.
- Make it a habit to leave your washer’s lid open between loads – it goes a long way in helping dry out the appliance and preventing buildup of smell-causing residue.
How to clean a top loading washing machine without agitator -Final words
The instructions in this article apply for top loading washing machine without agitator models like Maytag bravos XL top-loading HE low-water washer, Kenmore 25132 4.3 cu. ft. Top Load Washer w/Triple Action Impeller, and more.
Be sure to check your owners manual to see what it says about cleaning your washer….it is the best way to be sure that you’re doing it the right way.
PS: On the whole, these types of washers should be cleaned once per month (at a minimum) or every 30 washing cycles, whichever comes sooner.
ALSO READ:
How to clean sludge from top loader washing machine [Instructions]
How to load an impeller washer [Step by step]
