Where Mold Can Live in an Upright Whirlpool Washing Machine

Front-load washing machines aren’t the only ones to get mold. Upright washing machines can too.

An internet search for the source of the smell of mold in an upright washing machine will include the fabric softener dispenser. The mold can grow on the fabric softener left over inside the dispenser.

The machine in this Ible is a Whirlpool High Efficiency upright washing machine WTW4816FW2. It is a big box “exclusive”, but I am sure that it shows up under many other model numbers.

The fabric softener dispenser in this machine is in the top of the agitator.  It can easily be partially disassembled and should be periodically cleaned. How frequently depends on many factors.

Gloves

Paper towels

Toothbrush

Baking soda

Hold the dispenser under the edge on both sides and pull up. It doesn’t take much to get it to separate. 

The dispenser itself does not come apart. A toothbrush through the top hole and warm water should dislodge the fabric softener sludge. You may want to run hot water through both the top and bottom holes. Be careful not to burn yourself.

On an older upright Whirlpool washing machine, there was a locking ring that needed to be clicked up to remove the dispenser. 

After you have removed the dispenser, look down inside the agitator. You will see the baffle. Reach in and lift it out.

Baking soda, a toothbrush, and paper towels work to clean the baffle. A folded paper towel will get the inside of the handles.

There is an o-ring around the edge of the baffle it can be rolled off and back on.

Do not remove the agitator. It is difficult to put it back together. Clean it in place. 

Baking soda and paper towels work to clean the inside of the agitator. 

Rinse the agitator before reassembly.

To reassemble, set the baffle in place and snap the dispenser down into place.

Make sure you rinse things well and cycle the machine to rinse out the baking soda.