How to Maintain an Odor-Free Front-Loading Washer

Front-load washers need regular cleaning.

Front-load washers use less water than most top-loading models, but they can be prone to mildew buildup and odors from water that collects in the seal around the drum. Removing all laundry from the machine immediately after washing reduces the moisture level inside the drum. Drying off certain parts of the machine after use and following a cleaning routine can keep your front-loader smelling fresh.

Things You'll Need

• Clean cloths or paper towels
• Chlorine bleach

Instructions

1. Wipe down the drum seal, inside and out, with a clean cloth after you have finished your last load of laundry for the day. Pull back the seal and wipe out all the folds. Remove any small items, such as coins, that may have lodged in the seal. Dry off the plastic door bubble. Leave the door slightly ajar to help the interior dry out.

2. Remove the detergent/bleach/fabric softener dispenser tray. Drain out the water, then rinse the tray and wipe it down. Let it air-dry.

3. Wipe the inner and outer surfaces of the drum gasket with a mild mixture of bleach and water once a week. Rinse it with plain water. Take apart the detergent dispenser and wash it with hot tap water once a week to remove residue.

4. Run your machine's cleaning cycle once a month if it has one. Consult your owner's manual for details specific to your model. If your machine doesn't have a cleaning cycle, add 1/3 cup of bleach to the bleach compartment, then run a hot-water wash cycle without detergent, and run an extra rinse. Repeat the process if odors remain.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your owner's manual for recommendations on preventive maintenance and cleaning for your specific washing-machine model.

• Create a washing-machine maintenance schedule and stick to it.

• Only use laundry detergent marked "HE" (high efficiency). Front-load machines cannot rinse away excess suds produced by regular detergent.

• Children and pets can crawl into the washer when the door is ajar.

• Wear eye protection and rubber gloves when handling bleach.

• Watch out for sharp objects, like pins, when wiping inside the drum seal.

References

• Whirlpool: How to Remove Odors From a Front-load Washer Without a Clean Washer Cycle
• Whirlpool: How Do I Clean my Front-Load Washer Door Seal?