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Your top loader washing machine not getting clothes clean anymore? We share some fixes and tips in this guide.
So you have a top loader washing machine and you have started noticing that your laundry is not really coming out fully clean?
Well, if you can’t figure out what is causing the issue at all, below is what you should check if your top loader washing machine is not getting clothes clean satisfactorily.
Top loader washing machine not getting clothes clean – How to fix a top loading washer that won’t clean clothes fully
Can you clean it?
Here is the unfortunate truth: Even for top loaders, each load of mucky clothes typically leaves a little soil, bacteria, residue (from detergent as well as fabric softener), and hard water mineral deposits.
This residue could create odors, ugly streaks on some clothes, and leave your fabrics generally looking unclean.
So the first solution you should try is cleaning your top loader thoroughly.
Here is a step-by-step YouTube Video to help you do that.
Just to add, some washing machines have a “clean washer” setting- please run it to clean your washer (Refer to your manual for the correct guidelines but overall, it should not have clothes in it at the time you run a self-cleaning cycle).
Quick Tip: High-efficiency top-load washers need to be cleaned quite often. In fact, manufacturers recommend monthly cleaning for washers used in hot, humid areas since mold is a common problem. Your manual will probably mention something about the appropriate cleaning frequency.
Pro Tip: Affresh washer cleaner works great particularly if your washer has a cleaning cycle for Affresh!
Could it be a soap issue?
Another possible reason why your top loader washing machine is not getting clothes clean is due to a soap (or water) issue.
This is likely if your water utility changed to new supply sources- the chemical composition of the ‘new’ water may mean your detergent suddenly won’t work as well.
Accordingly, we suggest that you try a few different detergents and settle on what gives the best results.
Oh, and do not use too much detergent – it usually causes cleanliness problems since it will not be rinsed out fully at the end of a cycle.
This may sound ridiculous but it could be the fix you’re searching for: just try to add a teaspoon of the detergent (or less) in the detergent tray and check if the streaks will disappear. .
Also, do you, by any chance, have super hard water?
If so, add 1/4 cup vinegar (in with your clothes) – it helps get rid of deposits that may eventually start sticking on clothes.
Word of warning: While Vinegar can be a good substitute for fabric softeners and can also help remove stains in laundry, do not be too overzealous with it as it may cause damage to parts such as the rubber seals, hoses, and more in some washers, leading to leaks.
Try using hot water instead of cold
If none of the above suggestions work, can you try to clean with warm water instead of cold water?
Some get some luck with warm water when their washer stop getting clothes clean enough and you could be lucky too.
In a nutshell, it is important to use the recommended temperature water (for the fabric) if you want your clothes to come out spotless.
Clean the lint filter (For older models)
For top loading washers with a filter, clothes may have stains on coming out if it is clogged.
You, therefore, need to clean the filter and try to see if this resolves the issue.
The exact steps will, of course, depend on your specific washer model so refer to your owner’s manual if you are not sure how to do that.
Quick Tip: Newer top-loading washers are designed to be self-cleaning so they do not come with a cleanable filter.
Are you pretreating stains?
For stubborn stains, the issue could be you’re not pretreating the stains prior to washing.
Here is how to pre-treat stains:
You need Zout (or a good alternative).
All you need is to spray it on stains then rub the fabric(gently) together.
You can now toss it in the machine.
This is important: If you notice that something is still marked when it comes out of the washer, don’t dry it! Just treat the stain once more and wash again.
Quick Tip: If it’s an old stain, then sorry!….There is a reduced chance of success and it’s not going to come out in a normal wash (depending on what caused the stain…for example, soup stains are absolutely notorious and won’t come out if it’s not fresh).
Your washer might have a bigger fault
Have you checked if your washer is mechanically fine?
You see, there could be a bigger problem with your washer causing the issue and it is important to inspect it..
For example, most washers stop cleaning well if they are not draining properly (unclog your washer so it drains).
Top loader washing machine not getting clothes clean – More tips
Try doing multiple small loads (and never overfill it with clothes)
Another trick worth a shot is washing multiple smaller loads as opposed to one big load.
Additionally, select the “extra rinse” option for every load.
Furthermore, if your top loader model has the “deep water wash” setting like this Maytag and you’re washing towels or sheets, use it- it helps them come out cleaner.
To be clear, “deep water wash” results in a maximum fill so it performs better when it comes to rinsing soils away.
You can also try the PowerWash® cycle since it drives more powerful cleaning.
Don’t use fabric softener
For the most part, don’t use fabric softener!
Reason?
It is likely to build up (on your drains) causing your clothes to start to hold onto detergent plus the softener (and the dirt -from daily wear- too).
Instead, start putting white vinegar (1/2 cup) in with your laundry (as well as the detergent)- As mentioned earlier, it can soften the fabrics.
Try this procedure
Here is a procedure that you can try if you want everything to be washed properly by your top-loading washer:
- Start by letting the water to fill up (in the drum)- you want it to fill up to about 2” 2.
- Put the detergent cup under your flow of water – this will make it mix into water as it is going into the drum
- Allow the drum to continue to fill up until it is about halfway (based on how big is your load) while the water becomes really foamy
- Load your clothes in and run the desired cycle.
Top loader washing machine not getting clothes clean –Final words
To get clothes very clean on HE (high efficiency) washers (and most of them are HE), always allow it to run its normal length cycle.
You see, part of what makes them HE is that they’re engineered to use comparatively less water compared to old ones that clean clothes in just 30 minutes.
Now, less water translates to longer running times hence a normal load usually takes 60 – 90 minutes.
That being so, your clothes won’t get spotless in an HE top loading washer if you’re only letting it run thirty minutes.
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