Cleaning a "new" washer

[lordkenmore]

I've been wondering what people here do to clean the hidden parts inside of a "new" washer find before using it.

Obviously, tearing a washer apart and doing a complete restoration and cleaning is probably best. But what about those times when time or other resources don't permit that, and one wants the machine running as soon as possible?

In the past, I've assumed that a hot water wash with detergent and bleach was enough. But reading some stories here in the archives about the mess some washers are in makes me wonder if this really is enough....

 

[joelippard]

So much really depends on the condition of the machine.  If it was used for cold water washes there could be all kinds of crap in it.  I try as much as possible to exercise the rule "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".  I always thoroughly clean the outer cabinet surfaces and control panel, and also the control knobs.  Then I like to wax my machines to bring out the shine in the porcelain enamel as much as possible, some work is done by toothbrush with the cleaning.  A good hot bleach wash can do wonders to sanitize the unknown, once again it all depends on how the machine was used and treated, in some cases you must "open it up" to get rid of all the filth.

 

[cfz2882]

for mine at least,i have gotten by with just giving them a run-some of them
really foam up and try to sudslock LOL. Only two have reeked when i got them
-my neptune and a grubby 24"dd KM,a little bleach and proper use got the odors
out of those two...
I remember a thread on here with(IIRC)a coppertone late '60s BD WP that
produced icky brown water on it's test run-yuck!!

 

[yogitunes]

Always pull the agitator and clean underneath.......

most times best to pop the top and clean all areas around....but like Joe said, these areas will give you a tell tale of how the machines was or was not cared for....

Purple cleaner, 409, Spray9, Fantastic usually work best....again with a toothbrush, a scrub brush, and a cloth, just to get you started

Hot water and bleach are a given first wash...always....another hot wash with DAWN will also clean out and disolve areas of grease and sludge that can't be reached

and sometimes you have no choice but to tear out the inner tub for a complete scrub down, including recirculation hoses, and any other ports and seals.....

 

[washerlover]

I agree with the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" rule...I clean all exterior surfaces, take the agitator out and clean appropriately, pop the lid and clean around the top of the tub, etc. I always take the back and/or front off just to take a quick look and lubricate as necessary, but I usually don't go further than that unless something out of the ordinary warrants it.