How To Clean A Front Loading Washing Machine

Have you noticed that your clothes smell just as bad or worse after being washed in your front loading washer? It could be your machine causing the problem. Sometimes front loading machines can get a buildup of mold and mildew in the rubber gasket. Ideally this gasket should be cleaned once a month, but if you are like me it's been a lot longer than that.

There are a few different methods you can try.

1. Mix 1/4 cup of water and 1/4 cup baking soda and put that in the detergent container, then pour 2 cups of white vinegar inside of the washer. Run the machine on the hottest water setting for a normal cycle. This combination will break up any mineral deposits and mold in the machine. When the cycle is done use a scrub brush to wipe away any leftover mildew on the rubber gasket and wipe with a clean cloth.

2. You can clean this gasket with a homemade cleaner such as Multi Purpose Cleaner by spraying the cleaner on the gasket and using paper towels to wipe away the mold. Discard the paper towels after. If there is still mold remaining soak a towel in a mixture of 50% water and 50% white vinegar and wedge it in the gasket where the majority of the mold is. Let that sit for 30 minutes, then the mold should wipe away.

3. Remove the detergent dispenser and clean with the Multi Purpose Cleaner. Don't forget inside the washer where the detergent runs into the machine.

4. You can also clean the drain pump filter. This can get clogged with small items, lint, and hair over time. Check the machine's owner's manual for instructions.

After this your machine should be clean and fresh. Cleaning should be done once a month to maintain your washer. Here are a few tips to keep it clean.

Wipe down the rubber gasket and door with a dry cloth after each wash.

Leave the door open. This allows the washer to dry between loads and prevents mildew and mold growth.

Don't leave wet clothes in the washer. Empty it as soon as the load finishes.