How do you clean a front-loading washer? We frequently assume that front-load washers are self-cleaning because their primary purpose is cleaning. Unfortunately, we don’t always realize that’s not the case until we smell a washer and it smells bad. A thorough cleaning can get rid of smells and make your machine smell better, but how should a front-load washer be cleaned?
To clean your washer door gasket and drum, follow these steps.
A Front-load Washing Machine: How Often Should It Be Cleaned?
If you have particularly heavily soiled clothes or live in a hot, humid climate, you should clean your washer more frequently—at least once a month. And of course, whenever odors are noticeable, you should clean them.
What Gives Front-load Washers A Bad Smell?
Front-load washer odors can come from the very differences that make them unique. Front-loaders use less water than top loaders, so detergent and dirt that doesn’t rinse off are more likely to accumulate in the washer drum. This dirt can harbor mold and mildew that smell bad if it isn’t cleaned frequently.
(Read More: How To Remove Mold From Inside Walls?)
Additionally, using regular detergent in an HE washer can result in an excess of suds that breeds mold in front-loading washers. Another factor that contributes to suds is using too much detergent. Last but not least, the front loader’s rubber door gasket, which stops leaks but also can collect water, is a favorite place for dirt and mold to hide.
How To Clean A Front-load Washing Machine?
Equipment / Tools
- Soft, absorbent cloth
- Small nylon brush
Materials
- Liquid chlorine bleach
- Hydrogen peroxide (optional)
- Non-abrasive household cleanser
- Mild detergent
Instructions
Clean The Door And Drum
With a soft, absorbent cloth, dry the area around the washer door opening, the flexible gasket, and the door glass. To guarantee a watertight seal, these areas need to be cleaned and maintained frequently. After each load, it is advisable to wipe these down with a dry cloth.
Spend some time cleaning the edges and inside of the door gaskets. On the underside of the gaskets, mold may start to grow if dirt and residue get trapped.
Occasionally, a grimy residue will remain on the drum after washing extremely dirty or oil-soaked items. Once removed, thoroughly rinse the drum with water after wiping it down with a nonabrasive household cleaner. Alternately, carry out the entire cleaning process once more with chlorine bleach.
The drum of your washer may become stained by fabric dye if it contains any plastic. Repeat the bleach cleaning cycle on these plastic components or clean them with a nonabrasive household cleaner. Future loads won’t pick up any dye because of this.
Clean The Dispenser Drawers
In the dispenser drawers, detergent and fabric softener can accumulate and lead to odors and functional issues. Once or twice a month, residue needs to be removed. To prevent the washer’s electronic components from being damaged, never overfill the drawers.
To learn how to remove the drawer(s), refer to your washer’s user manual. Most have a safety latch that is simple to remove. If the drawer has compartments for fabric softener and bleach, take those out of the drawer so you can clean them separately.
To get rid of any remaining traces of accumulated powders and liquids, rinse the drawer and insert it with hot tap water. Allow them to soak in hot water for 10 minutes if they are particularly caked with built-up residue, then rinse. Drawers should be allowed to air dry.
To clean the washer’s drawer opening, use a small, soft brush. Before reinstalling their cleaned drawer, check the drawer cavity with a flashlight because, if not thoroughly cleaned, the cavity can develop mold.
When the drawer and inserts are clean, replace the bleach and fabric softener inserts in the appropriate compartments. Remove all residue from the upper and lower portions of the recess. To fully flush the system, swap out the dispenser drawer and run a brief cycle—like the Pre-wash cycle—without any laundry in the drum.
Clean The Outside Of The Washer
Wipe the washing machine’s top and sides once a week or after each load of laundry as part of your regular routine. Frequently, a damp cloth will suffice. Use warm water and mild soap to wash the exterior surfaces as needed. On enameled surfaces, never apply harsh, grit-filled, or abrasive cleaners.
- Clean the door or console with diluted chlorine bleach (1/4 cup in 1 quart of water) if it becomes stained or if mildew starts to grow. Rinse several times in clean water.
- Tape and labels can be cleaned of any glue stains using a solution of warm water and mild detergent.
- Never ever store or place laundry products on top of the washer. Spills may harm the electronic controls or finish.
Run An Empty Laundry Cycle Using Bleach
Add 1/2 cup of liquid chlorine bleach to the detergent compartment of the dispenser drawer while the washer is empty, and then top off the bleach dispenser compartment with the most amount of bleach possible. Warm water should be used in the washer’s normal cycle, and the cycle should be finished.
This is a good place to end the procedure. You can make sure the bleach water is making the most contact with the machine’s hard surfaces by cleaning the details first. The wash cycle will have a better chance of killing more germs if the buildup is removed first.
Tip: Use a full cup of hydrogen peroxide in place of chlorine bleach if you prefer. or make use of a washer cleaner sold in stores. Regarding dosage and best practices, refer to the package instructions. Avoid combining chlorine bleach with other cleaners because the mixture may produce toxic fumes.
Maintain A Clean Space
These foul odors can be avoided and your washing machine will operate more efficiently if you keep it clean.
Tips To Prevent Front Load Washer Odor
In order to avoid a buildup of dirt and odor, it is best to use these techniques once a month to clean a front-loading washer:
- Run a monthly Clean Washer cycle with our recommendation for the best washing machine cleaner for front loader
- Use the appropriate amount of HE detergent for an HE machine to prevent using too much suds.
- After each wash cycle, wipe the gasket down, and deep clean it once a month.
- After a wash cycle is finished, take off wet clothing right away to reduce extra moisture.
- When not in use, leave the washer door open to allow moisture to more easily evaporate.
Everyday Maintenance For Your Front-loading Washer
You can take a few daily actions to aid in keeping your washer clean over time in addition to performing a deep cleaning once a month. Every time you run your washing machine, follow these steps:
- Take the clothes out of the washer as soon as you can following a wash cycle.
- To allow the door and drum to dry after each use, keep the washer door slightly ajar.
- Use a cloth or paper towel to clean the rubber seal and the drum.
- To allow it to dry, remove the detergent tray.
These easy steps ought to keep your washer functioning properly and your clothes smelling good!