If you've noticed an unpleasant odor coming from your top-load washer, you're not alone. Over time, soap scum, dirt, and bacteria can build up in your washer, resulting in unpleasant odors. Fortunately, cleaning your top-load washer isn't as difficult as you might think. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps of cleaning a top-load washer that smells, so your laundry can come out fresh and clean every time.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you start cleaning your top-load washer, you'll need to gather a few supplies. Thankfully, most of these items are probably already in your home. You'll need white vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, and a few microfiber cloths. If you don't have microfiber cloths, any soft cloth or sponge will work. Make sure you have enough supplies for several cleaning cycles if needed.
Clean the Interior
To clean the interior of your top-load washer, you'll start with white vinegar. Fill the machine with hot water and add 3-4 cups of vinegar. Run the washer on the hottest setting for a full cycle. This will help remove any soap scum, dirt, or bacteria that has built up inside the machine. After the cycle is complete, wipe down the interior of the machine with a microfiber cloth. Pay particular attention to the drum and the inside of the lid. Be sure to wipe down any crevices where dirt and grime can accumulate.
Target Tough Stains
If there are particularly tough stains or mildew in your top-load washer, you can use baking soda to target these areas directly. Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with water to make a paste. Apply the paste to any stains, mildew, or areas where mold has formed. Let the paste sit for 15-20 minutes, then use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub the area gently. After you've scrubbed the area, wipe it down with a clean microfiber cloth.
Use Dish Soap for Tough Odors
If you're still noticing tough odors after using vinegar and baking soda, it's time to turn to dish soap. Add 1/2 cup of dish soap to your top-load washer and run it on the hottest setting. This will help break down any remaining soap scum or grime that is causing unpleasant odors in your machine. After the cycle is complete, wipe down the interior of the machine with a clean microfiber cloth. Your top-load washer should now be odor-free and ready to use.
Conclusion
Keeping your top-load washer clean and odor-free is an important step in keeping your laundry fresh and clean. With just a few simple ingredients and a little elbow grease, you can clean your top-load washer in no time. Remember to clean your machine regularly to prevent buildup that can lead to unpleasant odors down the road.
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