How to clean top loading washing machine with agitator

It is important to keep your washing machine clean in order to ensure that it stays in good working order and your clothes come out clean and fresh after each load. Cleaning your washing machine regularly can reduce or eliminate soap and fabric softener that can build up over time. The washing machine’s agitator can be cleaned along with the rest of the tub. Read this guide to learn how to clean an agitator washing machine.

Can you remove the agitator from a washing machine?

Do not try to remove your washing machine agitator unless the manual has specific instructions for doing so. Regularly cleaning the washing machine tub will help keep the agitator clean. If the agitator has any product or soil build-up, wipe it down with a cleaning wipe or rag with mild soap and water.

If your washer’s agitator has a removable cap, you may be able to gently pull or twist it off and manually clean the inside with a cloth or scrub brush. If the cap does not easily come off, do not force it. Not all agitator caps are removable. If there’s any doubt, check your owner’s manual.

Whirlpool brand offers an innovative washing machine with a 2 in 1 removable agitator in case you’d like to be able to remove the agitator for easy cleaning or to make the switch between impeller and agitator.

How to clean your washing machine agitator

Clean your washing machine using the steps below every 30 cycles or as needed to help minimize detergent and soil accumulating inside your washer and around its agitator. Check your washer’s owner’s manual for model-specific cleaning steps or read on for general instructions on how to clean your agitator and washing machine.

 Supplies

• Washing machine cleaner or liquid chlorine bleach

• Washing machine wipes or rag with mild soap

Step 1: Add cleaner to the washer

Remove any items from the washer tub. Add a cleaner like an affresh® washing machine cleaner tablet1 to the washer tub. Do not put it in the dispensers. If you don’t have a washing machine cleaner, you can add 1 cup of liquid chlorine bleach to the bleach dispenser. If you have a front load washer, you may want to check your owner’s manual before putting bleach inside the tub, as it is not recommended for certain models.

Step 2: Run a cleaning cycle

Next, run your washing machine’s self-cleaning cycle, if it has one. If it does not, select a normal wash cycle and add Deep Fill or another option that fills the tub with extra water. When the cycle is over, run a rinse and spin cycle to clear away any excess cleaning agents.

Step 3: Wipe down agitator

When the rinse and spin cycle is over, open the washer and examine the agitator. If necessary, wipe down the outside of the agitator with a damp cloth and mild soap. If your agitator has a removable cap, gently pull or twist it to remove. If possible, wipe down the inside of the agitator. Not all agitator caps are removable, so check your owner’s manual to be sure. Leave the washer lid open to dry.

Can you clean a washing machine agitator without removing it?

Yes, you can clean a washing machine agitator without removing it. Unless your appliance’s manual has specific instructions for removing the agitator, do not try to remove it. Routinely cleaning the tub will help keep the agitator clean. If you see any product or soil build-up, wipe it down with a cloth, mild soap and water. If your agitator has a removable cap, you can wipe down the inside until you’ve removed all soils.

How often should you clean your washing machine agitator?

It is recommended to clean your washing machine once a month or every 30 wash cycles to control the rate at which soils and detergent may accumulate in your washer. If your washing machine has an odor or you can see visible buildup inside the drum or on the agitator, it may be time to clean it.

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When you buy a washing machine from Whirlpool brand, you're able to keep caring for the people who count on you. Plus, select models feature the Deep Fill option, Intuitive Controls and precision detergent dispensers to give you the functionality you need to tackle laundry day. 

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1. affresh® brand products and the recommending brands’ products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.