How to remove an agitator from a whirlpool washing machine

There are many parts to a washing machine that can fail, and many of those parts cannot be accessed from beneath the machine. There are gaskets and seals around the agitator shaft and inside the agitator that can only be replaced after the agitator is removed. Other repairs, such as replacing a tub bearing, drive block or wash tub, require removing the agitator before the real repairs can begin. Some agitator removals are a bit complicated, while others don’t require any tools at all.

1. 1.

   Unplug your washing machine from the wall before you get started removing the agitator. Lift the lid on your washer to expose the agitator.

2. 2.

   Pull the fabric soften dispenser from the top of the agitator. The dispenser is held to the agitator by friction or requires you to lift up on the small ring along the bottom of the dispenser before lifting it from the agitator.

3. 3.

   Insert a flathead screwdriver along the edge of the agitator cap and the agitator. Twist the screwdriver to pop the cap from the top of the agitator. Reach inside the agitator to grab the plastic dust cap with your fingers and lift it from the agitator. Some agitators do not have caps, in which case you can safely skip this step.

4. 4.

   Connect an 8- to 10-inch socket extension to a socket wrench. Attach a 1/2 inch or a 7/16 inch socket to the extension.

5. 5.

   Insert the socket into the agitator to remove the agitator bolt from inside the agitator. Reach your fingers beneath the agitator and lift it from the machine.

   Things You Will Need

   • Flathead screwdriver

   • 8- to 10-inch socket extension

   • Socket wrench

   • 1/2-inch or a 7/16-inch socket

Caring for your family’s clothes isn’t always a one-size-fits-all task. Some loads are large and bulky, while other loads include delicate items or clothing with tough stains, such as sports uniforms. It is not generally recommended to remove an agitator from a regular washing machine. However, the Whirlpool® 2 in 1 washing machine with removable agitator allows you to quickly switch between an agitator or impeller design.

With the functionality of both an impeller and an agitator, you don’t have to fit your laundry needs to your appliance, but rather your appliance can fit to your laundry needs. Read on to learn more about removing the agitator from a washing machine. 

Can you remove the agitator from a washing machine?

It is not recommended to remove the agitator from most washing machines, and if your washing machine has a built-in agitator, it is needed to clean your clothes. It’s also not necessary to remove it to clean it.

If you think you may need to remove your agitator, or if there seems to be a problem, consult a certified technician.

Are there washers with removable agitators?

Whirlpool brand offers a washing machine with a removable agitator. This industry-first washing machine design features a 2 in 1 Removable Agitator, so you don’t have to choose between an agitator and an impeller washer. 

Washing machines from Whirlpool brand with the 2 in 1 Removable Agitator allow you to customize any load of laundry to your family’s needs. You can easily add the 2 in 1 Removable Agitator to your load or just as quickly remove it and have extra room to wash bulky items. 

What are the benefits of washers with removable agitators?

Both agitators and impellers have unique benefits. A washing machine that has both allows you to take advantage of multiple wash actions and flexible loading options.

Impellers rub clothes against each other to deliver a thorough, gentle clean. They generally allow for shorter dry times due to high spin speeds that wick away more moisture and they provide more room in the wash basket for bulky items and easy loading and unloading. Agitators rub against clothes to help remove and rinse away loose soils, which typically allows for shorter wash times, while still having a familiar functionality and design.

You may want to use the agitator for durable fabrics like denim but remove the agitator for delicate items like sweaters or to make room for bulky items.

How to remove the agitator from the 2 in 1 washing machine

Removing the agitator from Whirlpool® 2 in 1 washing machines is a simple process that allows you to customize your washing machine for delicates or sturdy items, bulky or normal loads and more. Read the steps below to remove and replace your 2 in 1 washing machine’s agitator.

Step 1: Squeeze the handle

The first step to removing the agitator from your 2 in 1 washing machine is to squeeze the handle on the agitator. This will open the spring-loaded locking mechanism that is holding it in place.

Step 2: Rotate and lift

Next, rotate the agitator counter clockwise while still holding the handle and lift it out of the washing machine.

Step 3: Reverse the process

When the agitator is removed, a spring-loaded cap will pop up to prevent clothes from getting caught or snagged. To lock the agitator back in place, simply reverse this process.

Shop Whirlpool® washers

You can choose between an agitator or an impeller with the 2 in 1 Removable Agitator washing machines from Whirlpool brand. Or shop all Whirlpool® washers including select models with intuitive controls and convenient features like the Load & Go™ Dispenser. Whirlpool brand has the right washer to best care for your family.

Learn more about Whirlpool® washers