Does your washing machine agitator look dingy and dirty? Deep cleaning this important component of your washer is key to maintaining cleaning performance. Over time, debris, soap scum, and mineral deposits can build up inside the agitator and hamper its ability to rotate clothes effectively. But with the right supplies and cleaning techniques, you can get your agitator spinning smoothly and looking brand new. Follow these step-by-step instructions to deep clean your agitator and restore it to peak condition!
What You Need to Deep Clean the Washing Machine agitator Agitator
Cleaning the agitator, the inner part that moves your clothes around, takes special supplies. With the right stuff, you can make it look brand new! Let’s go over what you should have on hand before getting started. We’ll break it down into an easy checklist to follow.
- White vinegar – This household staple helps cut through soap scum and mineral deposits. The acidic vinegar dissolves stuck-on gunk.
- Baking soda – When combined with the vinegar, baking soda makes a fizzy cleaning solution. It scrubs away dirt.
- Mild dish soap – A small amount of gentle soap helps lift up grease and residue.
- Soft cloths or sponges – Use these to wipe down surfaces. Abrasive scrubs can scratch the machine.
- Long-handled brush – To scrub the washing machine agitator, you need a brush with a long handle to reach down inside.
- Toothbrush or small scrub brush – For tight spaces, use a toothbrush or another small scrubber.
- Bucket – Mix up your cleaning solutions in a bucket before pouring them into the machine.
- Optional: Washing machine cleaner – Specialty cleaning tablets can boost your regular supplies.
- Empty machine – Be sure to remove any laundry before cleaning the agitator.
- Old clothes – Wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy during the process.
Now that you know what to have on hand, let’s move on to the steps for cleaning the washing machine agitator. We’ll start by getting the washer ready.
Step 1. Get the Washer Ready
Before scrubbing the agitator, you need to do a little prep work. This gets the washing machine ready for cleaning.
Follow these tips to start off right:
Take Out Any Laundry
- Make sure the washer drum is completely empty.
- Remove any wet or dry clothes.
- Double-check under the washing machine agitator for stray socks!
Removing all laundry allows you to freely clean all surfaces.
Collect Your Supplies
- Gather everything on your cleaning supply list.
- Set the items out within easy reach.
- Check each one off as you go.
Having your supplies ready saves time and frustration. You won’t have to stop mid-clean to hunt down a missing towel or brush.
Step 2. Clean the Outside First
Now we’re ready to start cleaning! Let’s begin with the exterior of the washing machine.
Here are the steps:
Wipe Down the Outside
- Use a damp cloth or sponge and mild dish soap.
- Gently wash the top, sides, front, and back of the machine.
- Rinse with a clean, wet cloth.
- This removes light dirt and grease splatters.
Starting with the exterior means you won’t spread grime from the inside as you clean.
Remove and Clean the Dispenser
- If your machine has a fabric softener dispenser, pop it out.
- Soak the dispenser in warm water and mild dish soap.
- Use a small brush or toothbrush to scrub away residue.
- Rinse thoroughly before replacing.
Step 3. Scrub the Washing Machine Agitator
Now comes the tough task: cleaning the agitator itself! This part gets very grimy.
Follow these steps to get it squeaky clean:
Fill With Hot Water
- Fill the empty washer drum about 1/4 full with hot water.
- The hot temperature helps cut through grease and residue.
Mix Cleaning Agents
- Add 1 cup baking soda and 2 cups white vinegar.
- The combo of baking soda and vinegar reacts to bubble away dirt.
Soak and Scrub
- Let the cleaning solution soak for 30 minutes. This gives time to loosen stuck-on gunk.
- Use a long-handled brush to scrub all sides of the agitator.
- Target hard-to-reach corners.
- Scrub gently to avoid damaging the agitator.
Step 4. Rinse Away Cleaners
After scrubbing the washing machine agitator, you need to rinse out the cleaning solutions.
Follow these steps:
Run a Wash Cycle
- Run a normal wash cycle with the hot water and cleaners still inside.
- This allows the agitator to move and release more grime.
- It also rinses the drum to remove loosened dirt.
Do an Extra Rinse
- Once the wash cycle finishes, start an additional rinse cycle.
- Make sure it’s on the highest water setting.
- Double rinsing ensures no cleaning agents are left behind.
Optional Extra Wash
- For extremely dirty washers, do a second wash cycle after rinsing.
- This extra wash guarantees no spots are missed.
Step 5. Final Touches
You’re so close to a sparkling clean washer! Just a couple more things to do:
Wipe Down the Washing Machine Agitator
- Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the agitator again.
- This removes any dirt and cleaning product residue.
Clean Inside the Washing Machine Agitator
- If your agitator cap comes off, take it out and rinse inside.
- Use a small brush or cloth to scrub the interior walls.
- If it doesn’t come off, pour hot water into the top opening.
- The water will rinse out any leftover gunk inside.
Check Spin Cycle
- Run a short spin cycle with the empty drum.
- Make sure the washing machine agitator spins smoothly.
- If needed, wipe the base again to remove grit.
Also Read How to replace the lower agitator in a Kenmore washer
Step 6. Reassemble and Dry
You did it! Now, just a couple of last things before using your washing machine again:
Put Parts Back
- Replace the fabric softener dispenser if you removed it.
- Make sure any other removable parts are snapped back in place.
Leave Lid Open
- Prop the washing machine lid open with a towel or scrub brush.
- This allows airflow to fully dry out the interior.
Give It Time
- Let the washer sit for at least 30 minutes before using it.
- Overnight is even better if you can wait that long!
Prevent Mold
- Leaving the lid open prevents moisture from being trapped inside.
- Trapped moisture can create mold and mildew.
Also Read How to Fix a Shaking Washing Machine: Easy DIY Solutions
Conclusion
Way to go! You stuck with the process and now have a washing machine agitator that’s sparkling clean. Cleaning the agitator takes some work. But it really improves your washer’s performance.
Follow these tips regularly to keep your machine fresh:
- Do a quick clean monthly by running an empty wash cycle with vinegar or cleaners. This maintains the agitator.
- Every six months, do a deep clean like we covered here. This prevents future buildup.
- Always leave the lid open after using your washer. This lets moisture evaporate.
- Wipe out the detergent dispensers once a month. This stops residue from forming.
- Avoid using too much detergent in your laundry. Extra suds leave sticky soap scum.
With proper care, your washing machine agitator will stay grime-free for a long time! No more struggling with dingy clothes or moldy smells.