You put dirty items in your washing machine and they come out clean, but your washing machine needs to be cleaned on a regular basis for it to perform at its best.
Some washing machines can develop black or brown greasy looking stains that can deposit on your clothes. This dark residue is named "scrud" is caused by a build up of detergent and/or fabric softener. You must throroughly clean your washer to remove the scrud and protect your clothes.
Here are the steps for cleaning a top loading washing machine.
photo courtesy of osseous flickr.com/photos/osseous/5184893996/Weekly Cleaning
Wipe Down
For a quick clean to your washing machine, wipe it down with basic kitchen spray cleaner and a damp rag.
Start by cleaning the cleaner parts then move to the dirtiest parts.
Don't forget to clean the lid (inside and outside) as well as the control knobs.
You can use an old toothbrush to clean the smaller cracks and crevices.
Wipe out the bleach tray and fabric softener dispenser.
You might want to use a hand held steam cleaner #ad on more dirty areas that can handle heat.
Deep Cleaning
Bleach
Using the largest load, fill your washing machine with hot water and add 1 cup of bleach. Do NOT add clothes.
Hot water can dissolve built up detergent and fabric softener residue.
Allow the washer to run for about a minute, then stop it by lifting the lid or adjusting the knob.
Let the bleach and water solution sit for about an hour to kill the germs. Drain the water.
Vinegar
After bleaching your washer, do the same thing except with vinegar.
Vinegar will loosen the dirt and grime.
Let the vinegar sit for an hour, drain it, then wipe the inside of your washer with a clean towel.
Don't forget about the agitator blades which are typically quite dirty.
The dirtiest part of your washer may be at the very top of the tub just under the washing machine shell.
Ensure that you thoroughly clean that area as well.
Remove Dispensers
If your washing machine has any removable parts, such as a bleach or fabric softener dispenser, remove them and wash them in the sink with soap and water.
Clean underneath the dispensers and in any cracks and crevices using an old toothbrush.
Washing Machine Cleaner
If you prefer, you can also use specially made washing machine cleaner #ad to clean your washer.
Cleaners are typically available at big box stores, hardware stores, and online.
Citric Acid
Some manufacturers recommend using citric acid to clean your washing machine.
Make sure to understand whether citric acid can be used on your particular washing machine before using because it can deteriorate rubber parts.
If you wish to try cleaning your top load washing machine with citric acid, add 1/2 cup of citric acid powder to your washing machine and wash a full cycle using very hot water. Run a rinse cycle afterward to ensure all of the citric acid has been removed.
Tips for the future
Run a hot water load of laundry on occasion to keep detergent and fabric softener residue a bit controlled. For extra hot water, run water in a nearby faucet until it turns hot before turning on the hot water in your washing machine.
Make sure you do NOT overuse detergent nor fabric softener. Consider reducing the amount of detergent and fabric softener you use to reduce the amount of build up. If you clothes are not very dirty, such as bath towels, consider using a reduced amount of detergent.
