How to Run a Bleach Cycle in a Washer

Top-Loading Machines

• 1

  Set your machine for a large load and fill it with hot water. Pour in one-half the amount of laundry detergent you would normally use and allow the machine to run for a full cycle with no clothes inside.

• 2

  FIll the machine with hot water a second time and add 2 cups of liquid chlorine bleach. Run the cycle from start to finish.

• 3

  Run one final cold-wash cycle with no detergent or bleach. Open the lid of the washing machine after the cycle is complete and allow the inside to dry completely before using your machine again.

Front-Loading Machines

• 4

  Select the "clean-out cycle" or "maintenance cycle" setting if your high-efficiency machine has one. If not, set it to run a large hot cycle. If possible, select an extra rinse.

• 5

  Fill the bleach dispenser all the way with liquid chlorine bleach. Run the machine through a complete cycle.

• 6

  Run the machine through a second hot cycle with no bleach or detergent. Open the washer door and allow the machine to dry completely before using it again.