Much like other appliances in your home, washing machines need to be cleaned. After all, these machines interact with dirt, soiled clothing, hard water, minerals, and even soap residue.

If you have noticed your top-load washing machine could use a little TLC, these cleaning steps can help you clean your machine and see if more work is needed to get it back up to speed.

Gather Supplies

In order to clean your washing machine, you will need a few items. Gather white vinegar, microfiber cloths, a toothbrush, a spray bottle, and some baking soda. You should also make an appointment with an appliance maintenance specialist if you suspect that the problem is something a cleaning will not completely fix.

Turn On the Heat

Set your washer to turn on with the hottest water setting. Make sure there is nothing in the washer. Before the washer starts, add about four cups of vinegar to the washing machine's drum. Close the lid and turn the washer to the high-soil setting. Start the machine and let the water fill up the drum.

Stop the Machine

Once the water fills the drum and the cycle has started, press the pause button. You want the water and vinegar to sit inside the drum so that it can work its magic. After an hour or so, you can let the wash cycle continue until it naturally ends.

Scrub the Small Nooks and Crannies

Now is a good time to break out the toothbrush and some water to scrub loose debris in the bleach and fabric softener dispensers. Water and vinegar should be enough to get loose the debris clinging to the machine.

Start Another Cycle

Before you run another cycle with the washer, add a cup of baking soda to the drum. You don't need to stop the washer this time. Just let the washer run through with hot water on the high soil setting. The baking soda will help get everything the vinegar didn't get.

Wipe Down the Exterior

With your microfiber cloth, begin wiping down the outside of your machine. You can use some water to get clingy dust and debris off the buttons, door, and other features.

Contact a Professional If Cleaning Isn't Enough

While cleaning your machine is a good way to loosen debris and make your machine smell fresh, there are some things a professional needs to do. Call a pro today to learn more about your options for appliance maintenance for your washing machine.

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