Speed Queen top loader maintenance

[mp]

I was surprised that the manual for the TC5 and this website:
https://speedqueen.com/how-to-properly-care-for-your-top-load-washer/
do not mention running some sort of cleaning cycle every month or so which is recommended by so many other brands of washers. Do people do this anyway?
The webpage above (and this youtube video:

speak about cleaning the residue ring which may occur by the top holes of the washer. SQ says just to wipe the area every few weeks, but how is that supposed to help residue on the outer side of the drum which one cannot see? Presumably, if buildup will be in the drum, it will also be outside the drum.
Thanks!

 

[yogitunes]

your way overthinking it!.....

with proper washing practices and water temps....you wouldn't have a gunk issue in the first place!

my Neptunes dont have a 'Clean Washer' cycle.....never needed it, never will!

I dont leave the door open, or the dispenser door....a wipe down of the cabinet and polish on occasion, and they still look like new....

 

[mp]

Speed Queen top loader maintenance

Unfortunately my machine is in a very humid environment so that may make things worse.

 

[eurekastar]

Try a dehumidifier

 

[combo52]

Agree With Reply #1

I have never cleaned any washer I have owned in my life.

 

If your washer is getting dirty from washing clothing your clothing is NOT clean, just like a properly used Dishwasher your DW and washer insides should be about the cleanest thing in you house.

 

If you have concerns or have had problems with other washers you have owned review your laundry procedures, Always wash in the hottest  water possible, use lots of good detergent [ no cheap national brands or super cheap dollar store brands ] Use bleach at least several times a month when washing light colors and always when doing loads of cleaning clothes etc.

 

John L.

 

[mp]

Speed Queen top loader maintenance

Thanks for the responses.
A dehumidifier would be something I would consider a last resort. The buckets of water would be too much for me.
John L. : I have always used Tide. If there is a better detergent, please let me know. BTW, when you say "good" detergent, do you mean cleans better or rinses better? (My clothes rarely go in very dirty.)
I have actually never used bleach in a load. Would doing an occasional "empty load" with just bleach and hot water (no clothes) hurt the machine?
Thanks

 

[DADoES]

 
Why would running any washer without clothes cause damage to it?

Tub-cleaning cycles on machines so-equipped are always run empty of clothes.

 

[mp]

Speed Queen top loader maintenance

Is chlorine or non-chlorine bleach recommended for washing with clothes and in an empty machine?

 

[yogitunes]

maybe there was no instruction manual indicating how to perform the 'Clean Washer' cycle....

Alliance offers PDF files for any missing manuals, How to install, How to use your Machine, Care and Maintenance, Warranty...a lot of scary stuff in there to learn

Manuals & Washer Instructions for Speed Queen Products

You can find Speed Queen Washer Manuals & Instructions, installation manual or warranty bonds at our DOCUMENT PORTAL - Search for manuals to download.

speedqueen.com

 

[gelaundry4ever]

load with bleach

It wouldn't hurt to do a load of whites with bleach. I do it all the time.

 

[gusherb]

99% of cycles in my AWNE82 have been on warm or hot for the last 5 years I've had it and there's no gunk to be found in there. A proper washer needs no maintenance to keep the tub clean. Use a damp cloth to wipe off the top and plastic parts and that's it. 

 

[gelaundry4ever]

cold washing

In fact, the only time I do cold washing is when I wash dark colors. The only time I use warm or hot water is when I wash light colors or whites with bleach. I have no mold or mildew in my washer. I wash according to color and fabric, and still keep my machine up to par.

 

[iheartmaytag]

I do run a clean washer cycle

On my Maytag front loader. I leave the door open, dry the boot, open the dispenser after I am finished. I regularly use warm and hot washes, never cold and I do use Bleach with my whites. But still run a clean washer maintenance cycle about every two months.

Why? Because you would be surprised the stuff that comes out of the machine when a clean washer cycle is ran. The buildup of detergent and dirt above the splash line, the hard water crusties around the edge. It all disappears.

Whirlpool/Maytag recommends this and I feel that it is just a maintenance to keep things clean. I mean after all I clean the bathtub, and even been known to clean the sink. Both of these are used to wash, I just feel the washer needs a spritzing up every once in a while.

I use Affresh most of the time but have used Bleach, and no. It hasn't damaged the machine in the last 11 years. Besides the clean washer cycle is fun to watch. It's like Niagra Falls in a wash tub.

 

[dylanmitchell]

Run a full fill empty load with Vinegar

I run a full fill load with Vinegar one in a while. Vinegar is inexpensive and I usually have some around. It is hard on seals so I don't do it too often.