3. Clean spills. I've been guilty of this mistake. If you spill anything on your washer, you should wipe it away with a damp soft cloth right away — don't let the spill sit for long. What's the problem (besides a dried spill being harder to clean)? Most washer tops are made of porcelain enamel or a synthetic enamel. This finish can be damaged by exposure to solutions like ammonia, chlorine bleach or any abrasive cleaners. 4. Protect the finish. If you use the top of your washing machine as a work surface, lay a folded towel on top to protect its finish.This is especially helpful when you treat stains, since stain removers can make the top of the washing machine sticky. The baked enamel finish on washers can also scratch easily. Keep any sharp tools (such as scissors) safely away. Keep any liquids away from the control panel. Liquid detergents and stain removers can damage the finish.