Cleaning top loader HE washer?

[Twoboos]

We got a top loading HE washer about 2 mos ago. It says you're supposed to use a Clean cycle with bleach every 30 washes. Which of course I haven't done.

But now, it's smelling funky in the laundry room so it must be time. I'm not thrilled to clean it w/bleach b/c I'm convinced the next load will come out with bleach marks.

Can I use vinegar with the Clean cycle? I Googled and found a thread on Gardenweb that you should NEVER use vinegar in the washer or dishwasher - OOPS!! I do it all the time.

How do you clean your HE washer?

[pastrygirl]

I usually use those Affresh tablets, alone on a hot cycle. But I have a front-loader, not a top-loader.

(ETA to remove my comment about leaving the door open -- that's just for front-loaders.)

[katydid1971]

I have a new HE top loader and I have used both Tide washing machine cleaner and affresh. You don't have to worry about bleach being left behind because the washer does a really good job of rinsing itself out.
This is a good deal on the tide washing machine cleaner:
http://www.amazon.com/Tide-Washing-M...7704572&sr=8-6

[Minnifer]

(ETA to remove my comment about leaving the door open -- that's just for front-loaders.)

Actually, the guys that installed my HE top loader last month told me that agitator-less top loaders are effectively the same as front loaders. So I've been leaving the door open, plus I periodically do a bleach cycle.

[cckwmh]

I use affresh with my top loader HE. Mine has a sensor that turns on every 30 washer to remind me to use the affresh. I often wait a bit longer, though.

I also use vinegar on a regular basis in the fabric softer despenser without problems. I have had the washer for 2years and no problems.

[niccig]

I have a regular top loader, and I do something like this...actually, I'm going to do it now. I'm way overdue on doing it.

http://www.diylife.com/2007/07/15/wa...chine-hygiene/

[legaleagle]

Slight hijack - for those of you that use washing machine cleaner rather than bleach, do you find it works better? My FL is 6 years old, so the self-clean directions specify using bleach, but if the cleaner works better on build up, I'd definitely use that some or all of the time. We have hard-ish water, FWIW.

[infomama]

I use the Tide packets. The only thing I don't love is that the fragrance is *really* strong. Not sure if Affresh is better or not.

[Twoboos]

Thanks for the responses! Well, it needed cleaning REALLY badly, I couldn't stand the smell in the laundry room. So I just did the bleach. Next load is whites (or things I don't mind getting bleach stains) so hopefully it won't be a problem.

It's amazing how much better it smells!! But I think I am going to look into some other solutions for next time, either vinegar or the tablets.

Oh, and I do always leave the top open, it's just a habit I have, good or bad.