Pulsator Roller in Washing Machines (Explained)

Pulsators are disc-shaped components placed at the bottom center of the washtub. It gently pulses water through the clothes to give gentle yet effective cleaning.

These are typically available in the top load washing machines. Some Pulsators use rollers that are usually cylindrical in shape.

In this article, you will learn about the Pulsator Rollers and their uses along with maintenance tips.

Here’s the list of topics covered in this article.

What is a pulsator roller in a washing machine?
How to clean the pulsator rollers in a washing machine?
How to replace the pulsator rollers?
Final Thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions

What is a pulsator roller in a washing machine?

A Pulsator roller is fixed to the pulsator disc and rolls in the opposite direction as the pulsator agitates.

The reverse rotation of the rollers helps to clean the clothes in an effective manner.

During a progressive wash cycle, the rollers come in direct contact with the fabrics.

As the clothes rotate in the tub the rollers roll against the direction which gives a better cleaning experience.

Pulsators and their rollers are usually found in top load washers.

Most top-loaders will have two or more rollers fixed with the pulsators. Over time these pulsator rollers can wear out.

Cleaning or replacing the pulsator rollers can be done at home using basic tools.

You may refer to the below image to understand what a pulsator roller looks like.

Image 1: This is one of the types of pulsator roller.

Image 2: The below image shows how these rollers are fixed to the pulsator in the washtub.

What are the pulsator rollers in washing machine made up of?

The material used to make pulsator rollers in washing machines can vary depending on the brand and model.

Here are some common materials used:

ABS plastic: Pulsator rollers for Samsung top load washing machines are made from custom-made ABS plastic granules. This material is known for its durability and resistance to impact, making it suitable for the rotating and agitating motion of the pulsator.
Varied material: Some pulsator rollers may not specify the material they are made of, such as the LSRP’s Universal Fit washing machine pulsator rollers. In these cases, it is best to contact the manufacturer or seller for more information about the material used.

How to clean the pulsator rollers in a washing machine?

Cleaning the pulsators and their rollers at regular intervals is of utmost importance.

Your washer deals with dirt and bacteria day in and day out.

When you schedule the cleaning of your washer, you run a clean or empty cycle.

This helps in usually cleaning the washtub areas and the drain system.

Let me tell you, that thorough cleaning of the pulsator and its assembly is equally important.

It is quite an easy task and does not eat up too much of your time.

You can clean the pulsator and the rollers at least once in three months to maintain their efficiency.

Running a clean cycle once every month is always recommended for washing machines.

This keeps most of the components clean and free from residual build-ups.

things required to clean pulsator roller

To clean the pulsator thoroughly you can simply detach the pulsator using a wrench or screwdriver.
Detaching the pulsator will give you access to its base.
The rollers can be removed using screwdrivers that are fixed behind the pulsator disc.
Simply remove them and apply a cleaning solution or white vinegar or baking soda.
Remove any lint or hair stuck around the rollers or behind the pulsator disc.
Scrub the pulsator, pulsator cap, and rollers thoroughly with a soft brush.
In a bowl fill some hot water that covers these components.
Let them sit in hot water for 10 minutes and scrub them thoroughly.
Rinse them under running water and fix the rollers.
Reattach the pulsator and the cap back to the wash tub.

Doing this will maintain the efficiency of the washer.

How to replace the pulsator rollers?

If you miss maintaining or cleaning the pulsator area, then there is a possibility of early wear-outs.

Over time with age and frequent usage the pulsator rollers can show signs of wear-outs.

Let us look at the step-by-step instructions to replace the pulsator rollers.

Step 1: Unplug the washer and turn off other supplies such as the water inlet. And then, empty the washtub. This process does not require moving the washer from its place.

Step 2: Open the door lid of your washer and locate the pulsator right at the bottom center of the wash tub.

Step 3: At the center, there will be the pulsator cap. Remove the pulsator cap by gently pushing it upwards, you may use a screwdriver to push the edge of the cap.

Step 4: Below the cap either you will find a screw or a nut with a ring. Unscrew them to pull the pulsator disc out. Here you will find the pulsator rollers fixed to the frame.

Note: This is where you will definitely notice the residual buildups, lint, and stuck clothing threads or hair. Clean the area thoroughly using cleaning solutions.

Step 5: Pull the rollers out using your fingers or through a screwdriver.

In some cases, one end leads to a tiny hole and the other to a holding bracket fixed with a screw. Remove the rollers out. Clean the unreachable area around the rollers.

Step 6: Fix the new roller with a push or use a screwdriver as per their type. Inspect the rollers by rolling them using your palm. This will ensure that they are rolling without any resistance.

Step 7: Fix the pulsator disk and push the cap on the top. Run a test cycle to check if the fabrics are clean.

Final Thoughts

The pulsator rollers are usually available in top load washers and they help to clean fabrics with less wear and tear.

Cleaning and replacing them is easy and require less time as compared to other parts of the washing machine.

Cleaning them regularly will reduce the risk of replacing the pulsator rollers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s go through some common questions related to pulsator rollers that may be helpful.

Where can I buy the pulsator roller for my washer?

You can easily find a suitable pulsator roller on online platforms such as Amazon or at the local washer service centers OR repair shops. Do not forget to order one that is compatible with your washer type. Use the model number as a reference for your search.

How many rollers does a pulsator include?

Most pulsators will include two or three rollers and they appear in round cylindrical shapes.

Can I order a single pulsator roller?

Most often the pulsator rollers come in a set. It may come in a set of 2 or 3 depending on your model type. To get a single replacement you may try your luck at the local repair shops.

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