A washing machine’s purpose is for clothes to come out fresher than when they went in, right? Well, to make that happen, you need a clean washing machine. According to Martha Stewart, you should clean your front load washer at least once a month.
You have problems with your front load machine, and we have solutions. Call our team today at (253) 486-9072 or complete our online contact form. Our experts will reach out to learn more about your washing machine problems and determine how to fix them.
Method #1: How to Clean a Front Load Washer with Baking Soda
Front load washers are more prone to mold and mildew than their top load counterparts. Their design causes water, laundry detergent, and fabric softener to push against the door and accumulate in the machine’s rubber gasket.
How can you eliminate and prevent mold from building up in your front load washing machine gasket? The secret ingredient is probably already in your pantry.
Nothing cleans a front load washer quite like baking soda. Baking soda is a natural substance that restores pH balance. It is one of the best cleaning tools, as it is powerful enough to deodorize and eliminate tough dirt and grime.
1. Run a Cycle Using Baking Soda
Select your laundry machine’s sanitize or cleaning cycle. If it does not have one, set your device to the largest load size and hottest water setting. Add one cup of baking soda to the drum and let the substance work its magic.
2. Wipe Down Your Gasket
After the baking soda laundry cycle is complete, wipe down your laundry machine gasket. Spray a gentle mildew or mold cleaner onto a cloth. Rub the entire gasket region thoroughly, reaching all of its corners. Try using a toothbrush for tight and hard-to-reach spots.
3. Scrub the Dispensers
Now it’s time to target the appliance’s slide-out detergent dispensers. Carefully remove the trays from the machine. If they are not completely removable, pull the trays out as far as possible.
Wipe the trays down with warm and soapy water. Leave the trays out until they are completely dry.
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Method #2: How to Clean a Front Load Washer with Vinegar
Your front load wash machine is a High Efficiency (HE) appliance. Fox News reports that front load washers use 13 gallons of water less than other laundry devices, and save $30 a year in electricity costs.
While this is excellent news for the environment and your wallet, less water can lead to dirt and residue buildup in the machine.
The solution: clean a front load washer with vinegar.
1. Run a Cycle with Vinegar
Select your machine’s cleaning or sanitizing setting and add two cups of white distilled vinegar to the detergent tray. If your appliance does not have a cleaning option, run the largest laundry load at the hottest temperature.
2. Follow with a Rinse Cycle
After the initial cleaning cycle is done, run an additional rinse cycle. Do not add anything, and allow the water to do its job. This extra cycle will eliminate lingering stains and get rid of any unusual washing machine smells.
3. Wipe Down the Exterior
After the final rinse, shut down your machine so you can safely clean the outside.
Add one-half cup of vinegar to hot water. Use a microfiber cloth to scrub the washing machine’s control panel, door, and top surface. Pull back the rubber gasket and give it a good wipe with the vinegar solution then let the machine dry before using.
Method #3: How to Clean a Front Load Washer with Bleach
A tried-and-true method for getting a clean machine is by using bleach. The substance effectively kills mold, germs, and bacteria, making bleach many people’s go-to washing machine cleaner.
1. Run a Bleach Cycle
Make sure your front load washing is empty. Any clothes hiding in the machine may not survive the bleach cycle.
Pour one-half cup of liquid chlorine bleach into the detergent tray. Add chlorine bleach to the bleach dispenser compartment, and fill it to the highest level. If you do not have chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide can also get the job done.
Use a normal wash cycle or set the temperature to a medium wash with warm water.
2. Wipe Down the Door and Drum
Mix one to two tablespoons of bleach with hot water. Once the bleach cycle is complete, wipe down the washing machine’s exterior, gasket, control panel, and door. Use a soft microfiber cloth to avoid scratching or chipping the machine’s paint.
How to Keep Your Front Load Washer Clean
Keep your front load washing machine clean to prevent lewd smells, mold, and mildew. Try to:
- Leave your load door open after each use. Keeping the door ajar allows the drum to dry. Less water in your drum and gasket reduces the risk of mold.
- Wipe down your gasket after each laundry cycle. One swift wipe between loads reduces laundry detergent and fabric softener buildup.
- Use front load-friendly detergent. Choose detergents designed for HE laundry machines because these products produce fewer suds to decrease residue buildup in the gasket.
Need Assistance? Schedule Washer and Dryer Repair Now
Taking the time to clean your front load washer improves its efficiency and ensures your clothes come out smelling fresher than ever. But if your washer needs more than DIY cleaning, contact your local experts.
Call Top Shelf Services at (253) 486-9072 or fill out our online contact form. We will get in touch and determine the best way to get your front load washing machine up and running again.
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