The Whirlpool washing machine is a workhorse, keeping clothes fresh and clean week after week. But just like any hardworking appliance, it needs a little TLC to stay in top shape. A dirty washer can lead to funky odors and grime buildup and even impact your laundry results. The good news is that keeping your machine sparkling clean is easier than you think. This step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly how to do it, ensuring your washer runs smoothly and your clothes come out perfectly every time.
Whirlpool Washing Machine Cleaning: Preparation
- Gather Your Supplies: You’ll need a few basics: a soft cloth, a toothbrush or small brush, liquid chlorine bleach, white vinegar, baking soda, and, if you have it, an Affresh cleaning tablet. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother.
- Empty the Washer: Ensure your washing machine is empty before starting. This is crucial, especially if you’re using any cleaning agents.
- Check the Door Seal: Open the washer door and inspect the rubber seal for any trapped debris, lint, or foreign objects. Wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove anything stuck.
- Choose Your Cleaning Cycle: If your washer has a clean cycle, you should use that. If not, you should run a normal wash cycle with hot water and your chosen cleaning agent.
Safety Precautions
Ventilation: Ensure the room is well-ventilated when using cleaning agents like bleach or vinegar to avoid inhaling fumes.
Protective Gear: Wear gloves to protect your skin from harsh chemicals and any sharp edges inside the machine.
Avoid Mixing Chemicals: Never mix bleach with vinegar or other cleaning agents, as this can produce harmful gases.
Unplug the Machine: Unplug the washing machine before cleaning the filter or checking the drain pump to avoid electric shock.
Taking a few minutes to prepare will make cleaning your Whirlpool washer more effective and hassle-free. Ready to get started? Let’s get that machine looking and smelling like new!
Step 1: Clean the Exterior of Your Washing Machine
Time:5-10 minutes
Frequency: Weekly
Start by wiping down the outside of your washer. Use a damp cloth with a mild detergent to remove dust, fingerprints, and any detergent spills. Pay special attention to the control panel, but be gentle to avoid damaging any buttons or dials.
Step 2: Deep Clean the Detergent Drawer
Time: 15-20 minutes (including soaking time)
Frequency: Monthly
Remove the detergent drawer and soak it in warm, soapy water. Use a small brush, like an old toothbrush, to scrub away any detergent residue or mold buildup. Rinse it thoroughly and dry it completely before reinserting it into the machine.
Step 3: Sanitize the Rubber Door Seal
Time: 5-10 minutes
Frequency: Monthly
The rubber door seal attracts grime, lint, and mold. Carefully pull back the seal and wipe it down with a cloth dampened with white vinegar. A soft brush can help with stubborn areas. Be thorough—this step helps prevent unpleasant odors and ensures a tight seal.
Step 4: Clean the Filter and Check the Drain Pump
Time: 10-15 minutes
Frequency: Every 2-3 months
Your washer’s filter catches lint and small debris, so it’s essential to clean it regularly. Locate the filter (usually at the bottom front of the machine) and remove it. Rinse it under running water and use a brush to remove any trapped debris. While at it, check the drain pump for any obstructions that could impact performance.
Step 5: The Ultimate Drum Cleaning Routine
Time: 1-2 hours (depending on the wash cycle length)
Frequency: Monthly
Finally, it’s time to tackle the drum. If you use an Affresh tablet, pop it into the drum and run the clean washer cycle. No Affresh? No problem. Simply pour a cup of liquid chlorine bleach or a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda directly into the drum, then run the hottest cycle available. This will help eliminate any lingering bacteria, mold, or mildew..
Running a Whirlpool Clean Washer Cycle
Whirlpool Clean Washer Cycle With Affresh
Affresh tablets are specially formulated to tackle the buildup of detergent residue, hard water minerals, and dirt that can accumulate inside your Whirlpool washing machine over time. These tablets dissolve slowly throughout the clean washer cycle, breaking down grime and debris that regular detergent can’t reach. They’re designed to be safe for your machine’s components, including the drum, pump, and hoses, making them a preferred option for maintaining your washer’s cleanliness and efficiency.
To use them:
- Drop an Affresh Tablet in the Drum: Place one Affresh cleaning tablet directly into the washer drum. Don’t put it in the detergent drawer.
- Select the Clean Washer Cycle: Select the ‘Clean Washer’ cycle. Select the hottest water setting available if your washer doesn’t have this option.
- Start the Cycle: Close the door and start the cycle. The Affresh tablet will dissolve any residue or grime inside the drum, leaving your washer fresh and clean.W
- Wipe Down the Drum: After the cycle, use a dry cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture inside the drum.
Whirlpool Clean Washer Cycle Without Affresh: Organic Alternatives
If you prefer a more natural approach, there are organic alternatives to Affresh. These alternatives, like vinegar and baking soda, are effective, environmentally friendly, and safe for your household.
The vinegar naturally breaks down mineral deposits and dissolves soap scum, while baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive to lift grime and deodorize your washer. Together, they provide a powerful cleaning solution without harsh chemicals, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer eco-friendly cleaning methods or have sensitivities to commercial cleaning products.
Here’s how to use them:
- Vinegar and Baking Soda: Pour 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum. Add 1/4 cup of baking soda into the detergent drawer. These ingredients will help break down soap scum and deodorize the washer.
- Run the Clean Washer Cycle: Select the ‘Clean Washer’ or the hottest wash cycle available. This will allow the vinegar and baking soda mixture to clean the drum thoroughly.
- Wipe Down the Drum: After the cycle, wipe down the inside of the drum with a dry cloth to remove any leftover residue or moisture.
- Leave the Door Open: After cleaning, leave the washer door slightly ajar to allow air circulation and prevent any remaining moisture from causing odors or mildew.
Sanitize With Oxi - Whirlpool’s Sanitizing Feature
The ‘Sanitize with Oxi’ feature is a powerful tool that gives your Whirlpool washing machine extra cleanliness. This feature uses hot water and oxygen-based cleaning agents to kill up to 99.9% of common household bacteria, making it ideal for households that require a deep clean, especially after washing heavily soiled items or during flu season.
The hot water cycle works with the Oxi cleaner to penetrate deep into the fabric and drum, ensuring a thorough sanitization without relying on harsh chemicals like bleach. For best results:
- Add Oxi to the Detergent Drawer: If your machine has the ‘Sanitize with Oxi’ feature, add an oxygen-based cleaner (Oxi) to the detergent drawer. This cleaner effectively kills bacteria without using harsh chemicals.
- Select the ‘Sanitize with Oxi’ Cycle: On the control panel, select the ‘Sanitize with Oxi’ option. This cycle uses hot water and the Oxi cleaner to deeply sanitize your washer drum.
- Start the Cycle: Close the washer door and start the cycle. The hot water combined with Oxi will help kill up to 99.9% of common household bacteria.
- Wipe Down the Drum: Once the cycle is complete, wipe it down with a dry cloth to ensure it’s spotless and dry.
If you’re curious about how washers work or thinking about upgrading your appliance, we’ve got you covered. Check out our guide on how washing machines work to dive deeper into the mechanics behind these essential appliances. If you’re ready to upgrade, explore our guide on choosing the correct washing machine to find the perfect fit for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my Whirlpool washing machine?
Clean your Whirlpool washing machine once a month to prevent buildup and keep it running efficiently.
Can I use any cleaning agent for the Whirlpool clean washer cycle without Affresh?
You can use liquid chlorine bleach, vinegar, and baking soda as an alternative, but Affresh is recommended for the best results.
What should I do if the smell persists after cleaning?
If the smell persists, run another clean cycle with liquid chlorine bleach and check the rubber door seal for trapped debris or mold.
Is it necessary to use Whirlpool’s recommended washing machine cleaner?
While not necessary, using Whirlpool's recommended cleaner, like Affresh, ensures optimal cleaning and maintenance.
How do I prevent mold and mildew in my Whirlpool washer?
Leave the door slightly open after each use to allow air circulation, and regularly wipe down the door seal to prevent mold and mildew.
