How to Clean Front Load Washing Machine Scum

Regular cleaning keeps your front loading washer free of soap scum.

Front loading washing machines manufactured for residential use need less water than top loading machines. Because there is less water used to wash and rinse the clothes, perform a cleaning regimen about once a month to remove soap buildup in the tub and freshen the washer's interior. Use a cleanser made specifically for front loading washing machines, or liquid chlorine bleach cleans the tub adequately. Used by itself, bleach cuts the soap scum during a cleaning cycle.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid clorine bleach (or Affresh washer cleaner)
• Measuring cup

Instructions

1. Open the washer's loading door. Inspect the inside of the washer tub. Remove any articles of clothing or other items found inside the washer tub.

2. Open the detergent drawer. Add 2/3 cup liquid chlorine bleach to the bleach dispenser. If using Affresh, add one tablet of Affresh to the washer tub instead.

3. Close the detergent drawer and the washer's loading door.

4. Select the "Clean Washer" cycle. If your front loading washer does not have a "Clean Washer" cycle, select the "Normal" wash cycle.

5. Press "Start."

6. Allow the washer to run a complete cycle.

7. Repeat the procedure if soap scum remains in the tub.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use detergent during the washer cleaning process.

• If your front loading washer does not have a "Clean Washer" cycle, fill the bleach dispenser with liquid chlorine bleach and also add 1/2 cup of the bleach to the detergent dispenser.

References

• Whirlpool: Duet Front Loading Automatic Washer, Use & Care Guide (PDF)
• Maytag: Performance Series, Front-Loading Automatic Washer, Use & Care Guide (PDF)
• Frigidaire: Tumble Action Washer, Use & Care Guide (PDF)

Resources

• Tufts University, Office of Sustainability: Front Loading Washing Machines
• Washington State University Cooperative Extension: Front Loading Clothes Washers (PDF)