How to clean speed queen washer agitator

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Speed Queen manufactures a number of different washer models for use in both home and commercial installations. The top-loading washers utilize a device called an agitator to spin the laundry around inside the tub. This helps expose the fibers in the clothes to all the cleaning power of the laundry detergent in the water. If needed, you can remove the agitator from a Speed Queen so you can replace it with a new one.

1. Unplug the Speed Queen washer from the outlet. If you cannot reach the socket, cut the power at the main circuit breaker. Test that the connection has been cut by trying to start the washer. When it no longer starts, you have successfully cut the power.

2. Lift the washer hood and prop it in the open position.

3. Unscrew the cap on the top of the Speed Queen agitator by turning it counterclockwise. Use a pair of pliers if it is too hard to do by hand.

4. Tap the agitator up and down with a rubber mallet. This will help jar the agitator loose from the shaft.

5. Grab beneath the agitator with both hands and remove it from the Speed Queen by lifting straight up. Keep your head away from the agitator as you do this, in case it slides off the shaft suddenly.

References

Tips

• A hard-to-remove agitator can be loosened by running a short load in the washer on the highest temperature setting. The hot water causes the plastic to expand, making removal of the agitator from the Speed Queen easier.

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Nathan McGinty started writing in 1995. He has a Bachelor of Science in communications from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Arts in international journalism from City University, London. He has worked in the technology industry for more than 20 years, in positions ranging from tech support to marketing.

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@emma darling, like I said, open the machine midway through the cycle. See if the water feels slippery. If it isn't slippery, add more detergent until it is. But, if I had to take a guess, I would say less than Line One is too little.

Regarding underdosing. I'm in the category of telling people, it's better to slightly overdose, than underdose. I don't mean pouring in 4 Cups of Detergent is okay, but with your machine, and it's deep fills & rinses, using a tiny bit more, is not going to cause problems. I'd be more concerned if you had hard water, and were consistently underdosing, tbh.

With overdosing detergent, in massive quantities, the soap will remain in the clothes, and a residue will remain in the drum and machine after the final rinse. This begins to build up a layer of scum, that attracts more scum, and then mildew. This will happen with Pods, Powder or Liquids.

But, in your case, if you leave the extra rinse cycle on -- or just dose enough to keep the water fairly slippery, and the final rinse water, from lots of suds, you should be fine.

Regarding the Tide Powder. If you are someone who hates fragrance detergent, I can say, you probably won't love Original Tide Powder or Tide with Bleach. The "Original" scent is no longer, "soapy", and it quite strong in the box. After washing and drying, it's dramatically lighter, but, definitely not a scent I particularly love. I would recommend going to a store like CVS or Target and smelling the box before purchasing it.

I would try to purchase it on Walmart's website, and have it shipped or pick it up. I would also recommend getting a box of All Free & Clear Powder for $4, and giving it a try as well. You may hate it, or you may love it, but it's a very similar formula -- and I think it's worth trying.

As for those socks --- here me out on this.

Your best solution is to get a Mop Bucket, that holds about 2 or 3 Gallons of Water, filling it with HOT Water and soaking those White Socks, and other hard-to-clean whites with a Soaking Solution of Biz Powder, or Ariel Detergent with Phosphate, overnight. This is the only solution, I've personally found that will completely clean socks. No Chlorine Bleach, or Detergent I've found, can match the results of a Overnight Soak, followed by washing.

It's worth a try, if your really serious about getting them clean.

Speed Queen washers are known for their superior reliability and performance but even these laundry workhorses can develop odor without proper maintenance. Why does my Speed Queen washer smell? Using too much detergent can leave behind a residue that develops mold or mildew. When your Speed Queen washer smells, learn how to eliminate and prevent odor with the right maintenance tips.

Eliminating Odor When Your Speed Queen Washer Smells

Once persistent odor takes hold of your washer, specific cleaning methods and supplies can successfully eliminate the smell. But before we detail how to clean a top and front load washer, it’s important to know why your Speed Queen washer smells.

Why Does My Washing Machine Smell?

There are several possible factors that cause washing machine odor, especially when they’re compounded over time.

Here’s why your Speed Queen washer smells:

• Lack of maintenance: Washing machines require regular cleanings to remove dirt and detergent residue. Without monthly cleanings, these byproducts can quickly develop smelly mold and mildew in the washer’s warm, moist environment. This is especially true in front-loading machines that use less water and have a rubber door gasket that can trap suds and debris.
• Wrong detergent: Only HE (high-efficiency) detergent can be used in front load washers. This type of detergent creates fewer suds that are more easily drained with a front loader’s reduced water usage. Using regular detergent in a front load washer leaves behind excess suds that more quickly develop mold and mildew.
• Too much detergent: Even if you use the right detergent, adding too much can still result in excessive sudsing for both top and front-loading machines. Without regular cleanings, mold and mildew quickly result in odor. Too many suds can even clog the drain hose or drain pump, requiring a professional washing machine repair.

Now that you know what causes washer odor, here’s how to rid your Speed Queen washing machine of bad smells.

How to Clean a Top Load Speed Queen Washer

Cleaning a top load washer focuses primarily on the bleach and fabric softener dispenser and the washer tub. Without regular cleanings, these components can suffer from a buildup of residue that causes odor.

These steps detail how to clean Speed Queen top load washer:

1. Remove the dispenser from the agitator by pulling it straight up.
2. Squeeze the bottom of the dispenser housing and pull it out at an angle to access the dispenser cup.
3. Soak the dispenser housing and cup in hot, soapy water for several minutes.
4. Rinse and dry all components thoroughly.
5. Use a small toothbrush to gently scrub away debris inside the agitator.
6. Replace the dispenser cup and push down on the dispenser housing until it snaps in place.
7. Wipe down the top 2-3 inches of the washer tub with a soft cloth and all purpose cleaner.

How to Clean a Front Load Speed Queen Washer

Eliminating Speed Queen washer smells from front loading machines involves cleaning the gasket, washer tub, and drain pump filter. 

Here’s how to clean a front load Speed Queen washer:

1. Open the front door and peel back the rubber gasket so the interior is exposed.
2. Remove foreign objects and wipe down the gasket with a clean cloth and hot, soapy water or a mildew cleaner.
3. Sprinkle ⅓ cup of baking soda inside the drum and pour 2 cups of white vinegar in the detergent tray. 
4. Run a Speed Queen washer sanitize cycle with hot water. 
5. Empty the drain pump filter. The Speed Queen washer filter location is behind a panel on the bottom front corner of the machine. Once the panel cover is removed, place a towel below the filter cap and slowly unscrew it. Allow all water to drain before removing the filter and rinsing it to remove debris. Replace the filter, and close the panel cover.

Washer Odor Prevention Tips

Regular maintenance and the right use and care are key in keeping Speed Queen washer smells at bay.

Follow these tips to prevent washer odor:

• Run a monthly sanitize cycle: In front-loading machines, use baking soda and vinegar or, alternatively, Affresh washing machine cleaner, on a monthly basis to eliminate tub buildup. For top-loaders, clean the dispenser housing and tub every 4-6 weeks.
• Use the right detergent in the right amounts: For both top and front-loading washers, always mesure detergent accurately and refrain from using too much. Use only HE detergent in front-loading machines.
• Clean a front load washer’s gasket after every load: Remove foreign objects and debris and wipe it down with hot, soapy water or a multipurpose cleanser.
• Remove wet clothes promptly: To prevent mildew, remove clothes from both a top-load and front load washer as soon as the wash cycle ends.

If washer odor persists, a professional eye should assess the problem. Contact Twin Appliances for expert Speed Queen washer service!

How do you clean a Speed Queen top load washer?

How do you remove the agitator from a Speed Queen top loader?