HOW TO CLEAN A FRONT LOAD WASHER

  Are you thinking about switching from top load washer to Front load washer? Front load washers are supposed to be higher efficiency! But let me tell you there is one thing you need to know before doing the switch and it is how to clean a front load washer!

Front load washers are known to have that damp gross smell after using it for a couple months and I have figured out how to keep it clean!

Wash the Gasket to erase all Types of Build-up there:

     A gasket or washer seal is a rubber ring wrapped around the opening of your washer drum that prevents water leakage. If you look in there deeply you will see that gunky substances get accumulated there.

Generally, the residues of soaps and water leads to mold growth. If you find the black spots between the rubbers, you found the mold and mildew. However, this mess can be removed through soapy water which should be hot enough to clean all this filthy stuff.

For best results wash the gasket once a month with chlorine bleach by running a hot cycle in an empty machine before the loads. It readily helps to remove mold from the washer seal. Some washers you can pop off the gasket to clean it better! It is recommended to run 3 to 4 cycles in order to wash off the bleach completely. You can also make use of hydrogen peroxide or commercial washer cleaner instead of chlorine bleach.

Remove the Dirt and Lingering Odors from the Drum and Inside of the Door:

           While washing greasy and soiled items, the remains get trapped in the drum. It is recommended to clean the front load washing machine with distilled white vinegar and baking soda for the best cleaning process. Baking soda functions extremely well in removing all the nasties!

I love to make a vinegar and essential oil spray and spray it inside the drum or on the door facing the drum and wipe it all around with a clean rag to erase the mildews and that terrible lingering smell.

Always follow the instruction manual of your front load washer that mentions all the specific cleaning recommendations.

Scrub the Dispenser Drawers:

       Sometimes water and other residues build up in the dispenser drawers that creates an awful smell. The best way of cleaning is to take it all out and soak it for 10 minutes in case of buildup residues.

You may remove the dirt and other stains with the help of a toothbrush. On the other hand, a little soap and water work best for general cleaning of the drawer. Leave the drawer to air dry after every wash and rinse to avoid having to clean it more frequently!

Clear the Gunk from the Drain plate and Filter:

       The drain plate or filter is usually located at the left bottom in most of the front load washers. It has some vessels that catch the residual fluid from the drainpipe. The drain plate is sometimes found to be filled with water that can be drained off and the filter located there may be found to have some kind of gross that could be rinsed off under the hot water easily. After all the washing process, you can reassemble the components at their particular points.

Wipe-off the Exteriors with Rag or Wet Cloth:

          While washing clothes, make a routine of cleaning the sides and top of your washer after every laundry session to avoid stains and dyes even on the outer surface to maintain its newness. For this purpose, mild soap with warm water is all you need.

Measures to Avoid the Growth of Molds and Mildews:

• Leave the drum empty after every washing cycle
• Leave the door of your washer opened between the loads to let the machine breathe.
• Wipe down all the moisture from the gasket, drums, and doors after each wash.
• Make use of HE detergent in proper quantity following the guidelines of the manual.
• Do not leave the washed and especially wet  clothes inside the drum for longer duration
• Make use of baking soda in case the smell gets violent.

Wrap-Up:

    Clean your front load washing machine! It is easy and it will help reduce that gross smell in your laundry room!

So make sure to follow these steps in the overall cleaning of your front load washer!