How to Clean Behind the Drum of a Whirlpool Ultimate Care II Washer

A Whirlpool Ultimate Care II washer can begin to emit a foul odor from the drums over time. Soap residue can build up, and mold and mildew can grow behind the inner drum and inside the outer drum. These problems can happen when you use too much detergent and only use the washer once a week or less. In order to eliminate the odor from the washer, you must clean behind the inner drum of the washer.

Step 1

Unplug your Whirlpool Ultimate Care II washer from the wall outlet.

Step 2

Remove the screws holding the control panel to the washer cabinet. These screws are located on the back of the washer on both sides of the control panel.

Step 3

Face the front of the washer. Grab both sides of the control panel, and rotate it up and off the top of the washer cabinet. This exposes the lid switch wire connector and the top spring-clips beneath the panel.

Step 4

Squeeze the plastic tabs on the lid switch wire connector with your thumb and forefinger. Pull the connector from the top of the washer cabinet.

Step 5

Insert a flat-bladed screwdriver into the top spring-clips where they insert into the top of the cabinet. The clips secure the washer cabinet to the rear panel. Push down on the top spring-clips with the screwdriver to release them from the washer cabinet. Pull the clips from the slots on the rear panel, and set them aside.

Step 6

Grasp the Ultimate Care II washer cabinet with both hands. Tilt the cabinet away from the rear panel to remove it, exposing the washer drums.

Step 7

Unsnap the fabric softener dispenser off the agitator by applying pressure on the sides of the dispenser. Remove the dispenser to expose the cap barrier covering the agitator bolt. Grab the tabs on the top of the cap, and pull it from inside the agitator.

Step 8

Attach a 7/16-inch socket to a socket wrench and socket extender. Hold the agitator stable while you remove the agitator bolt from inside the agitator. Use both hands to lift the agitator from the inside washer drum to expose the spanner nut on the agitator shaft.

Step 9

Position a spanner wrench onto the spanner nut. Use a hammer to hit the spanner wrench, and turn the wrench counterclockwise. Spin the wrench until you can remove the nut.

Step 10

Push down on the plastic tub ring while you unsnap the ring tabs off the outside of the outer tub. The tub ring covers the tops of the inner and outer wash drum. Lift the ring off the drums.

Step 11

Lift the inside drum out of the outside drum. Lay the inner drum upside down on an old blanket, towels or newspapers.

Step 12

Mix 3/4 cup of liquid chlorine bleach with 1 gallon of water in a bucket. Dip a nylon-bristled scrub brush in the mixture, and use the brush to scrub any scum or mold from the outside of the inside drum. Use a sponge to wipe any residue from the drum with warm water. Let the drum dry.

Step 13

Add 3/4 tablespoon of bleach to every cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray the inside of the outer drum with the bleach mixture. Scrub the drum with the nylon brush. Wipe the inside of the drum with a clean sponge and warm water.

Step 14

Reassemble the Whirlpool Ultimate Care II washer by reversing the steps you used to disassemble it. Plug the washer back into the receptacle.

Step 15

Set the washer water level for a large load. Start the washer on a normal wash for 10 minutes using hot water. Leave the washer lid open while the washer fills with water. Add 2 cups of powered dishwashing detergent to the water. Pour 2 cups of liquid bleach through the bleach dispenser located on the right front corner of the washer opening. Allow the washer to complete the full cycle.