Moldy Smell in Front Load Washers

Front load washers are energy efficient and save water. In some cases, they are also the source of an unpleasant moldy smell that can fill your laundry area and get on your clothes.

Mold Growth

Your laundry area is a target for mold growth because of the moisture associated with washing and drying clothes, according to Jennifer Viegas in "Fungi and Molds." Front load washers are vulnerable to mold growth and the musty smell it gives off because of their location and design. Because they use less water than traditional models, front load washers tend to develop build up of dirt inside, on which mold can feed.

Clean Up

Removing the mold will get rid of the moldy smell in your washer. If mold is growing on the outside of your washer, you can clean it with a solution of 1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water. To eliminate mold inside the washer, scrub away any visible growth with the same solution. Afterward, run a load in the washer with no clothing, and add bleach to the water.

Considerations

If you can leave the door of your front load washer open between uses, it will help keep moisture levels inside the unit low. Avoid overloading the machine, and use detergent designed for lower water levels. All this will help prevent the moldy -- and the moldy smell -- from returning, according to Jill Schoff, author of "Green Up Your Cleanup."

References

• "Green Up Your Cleanup"; Jill Schoff; 2008
• "Fungi and Molds"; Jennifer Viegas; 2004