At a Glance:
How to Clean a Washing Machine Tub
How to Clean a Front Load Washer Seal
How to Clean a Front Load Washing Detergent Dispenser
How to Clean a Front Load Washer Exterior
The Best Front Load Washer Features for Low Maintenance
Have you noticed a change in how your washing machine smells lately? Does it have grime or dirt you want to get squeaky clean? Or are you trying to maintain the new front load washer you just got? Regardless of your situation, we know it can be easy to neglect taking care of your washing machine. That said, mold or grime can easily build up in your appliance, creating unwanted smells and reducing its ability to function properly. But don’t despair — here is how to clean your front load washer.
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Shop Front Load WashersHow to Clean a Front Load Washer in 5 Steps
Cleaning a front load washer requires a little more know-how than a top load washer, but the good news is that the steps aren't hard. Follow these five steps on how to clean front loading washing machine models to ensure your laundry routine stays sanitary.
What Do I Need to Clean My Washing Machine?
- Chlorine bleach
- Distilled white vinegar
- Rubber dishwashing gloves
- Microfiber cloth
- Old T-shirt, rag, or towel
- Sponge or brush
- Spray bottle
Step 1: How to Clean a Washing Machine Drum
The drum is the part of the washer where you load in your laundry —but it's also a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and dirt buildup from dirty water. The best cleaning agent for eradicating these culprits is chlorine bleach. Chlorine bleach is a disinfectant, and it does a fine job in killing 99.9 percent of bacteria, mold, and mildew. It can also help remove tough stains in the drum.
✅ Pro Tip: You can also use a front load washing machine drum cleaner such as Affresh for even easier front load washer care.
Step 2: How to Clean the Gasket on a Front Load Washer
When the wash cycle is over, tend to the rubber gasket around the door — this is another part of the washer that can have an easy buildup of mold or grime. First, wipe the rubber gasket clean with a rag and, then spray the rubber gasket area with distilled white vinegar. Work in the vinegar with a clean microfiber. Cleaning the front load washer washer gasket seal is done thoroughly to ensure that there is no leftover mold or grime.
If the stains on your rubber gasket are stubborn to disappear, wear rubber dishwashing gloves and steep an old rag in chlorine bleach. Tuck the bleach-soaked rag in the rubber gasket, leaving it in for about an hour before wiping the gasket out again, thoroughly.
Step 3: How to Clean the Soap Dispenser in a Washing Machine
The detergent dispenser is the front-load washer compartment that holds the detergent and other laundry agents you use. To clean the dispenser, disassemble it and take it out. If you are not sure about how to do this, you can refer to your appliance’s user manual. Once you take out the dispenser, soak itin hot water before you scrub it with a sponge or brush dipped with a cleaning product of your choice. After clearing out any gunk from the dispenser, leave it out to dry or wipe it with a dry microfiber cloth and affix it to its rightful place in the washer.
Step 4: Wipe down the exterior
To clean the exterior of your washer, first, lightly dust the entire surface area of the washer and, then, spritz the exterior with distilled white vinegar. Wipe down the appliance with a microfiber cloth until its shine is restored.
Step 5: Rinse Our and Dry
After all the thorough cleaning you performed on your front loader, you should run a rinse and spin cycle to clear out all the cleaning agents you used. You can run the cycle at the longest time and hottest temperature to make sure any residual bleach and vinegar are gone. To prevent a mildewy smell from developing, it is important that you either wipe down the inside of the drum washer until it’s dry or that you leave the door of the washer ajar to air dry.
Front Load Washer Cleaning Tips
There's an abundance of front load washer brands, so each model should be take care of according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Witht that in mind, here are few general front loader washing machine cleaning tips to keep in mind regardless of the brand. Click the ➕ to learn more.
➕Avoid Cleaning with Abrasive Products
Bacteria and mold thrive in surfaces riddled with small crevices where colonies can grow. Using a scour pad or other abrasive cleaning products are a surefire way to create these breeding grounds, so avoid using them altogether. That also includes cleaning products such as Bar Keepers Friend, Comet, and other cleaning agents with abrasives.
➕Crack the Door Often
Yes, owning a front load washer does mean you’ll have to make it a habit to keep the door open between washes. At least until you’re sure the gasket is completely dry. The easiest way to avoid problems is by simply keeping the door open after washes. Even with front loaders with advanced technology (we detail a few below), it’s a good habit to adopt, which save hours of work in the future.
➕Use HE Detergent
One of the biggest red flags front load washer owners neglect to keep in mind is using the right detergent. HE washers only need a fraction of the soap as traditional washers, and using too much leads to suds, which turns into soap residue—and bacteria and mold can thrive off this residue. Instead, stick to HE detergent and use the recommended amount.
➕Perform Monthly Deep Washes
Regardless of the make, model, or even style (top loaders benefit from a monthly wash too), a washer needs some TLC to keep it in tip-top performance. Mark your calendar for a monthly deep wash using the washer’s hottest and longest setting. If there’s a sanitize setting, even better!
➕Remove Clothes ASAP
Life is busy, but don’t let that distract you from removing wet clothes from a front load washing machine. Forgetting once or twice isn’t a big deal, but continuously leaving damp clothes in a front loader can lead to mold and bacteria buildup.
Best Front Load Washer Features for Low Maintenance Care
Here's the good news: Front load washer brands have worked hard to make maintaining front-loaders easier than ever. Features continue to evolve with every new generation of products that hits the market, but there are currently plenty of impressive upgrades that greatly reduce common front load washer problems. Here are a few of the best front load washers when it comes to easy maintenance.
GE Mircroban: GE Profile PFW950SPTDS
The most vulnerable area to mold and slime on a front load washer is the door, so to prevent it from happening, GE partnered with Microban in an exclusive collaboration toward a more sanitary washer. What's so great about it? The lining, which is added to to washer seal, detergent dispenser, and draining system, is capable of keeping up to 99% of common laundry room bacteria dead and free from colonizing within the dark, damp folds of a door gasket. The innovation is more than just smart—it's been recognized by the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) , earning the brand and its line of Microban washers a seal of approval from the experts and the title of the best front load washer to avoid mold.
GE UltraFresh Vent System: GE GFW850SSNWW
GE continues its streak for the cleanest front load washers on the market with the addition of the UltraFresh Vent System. Working in tandem with GE's Microban seal, this exclusive venting system removes moisture with air circulation for a bone-dry gasket that prevents mold and mildew from growing to begin with. As an added bonus, the feature also helps to keep your dryer smelling fresh, so opening the door to a smelly washer is less likely to happen.
Front Load Washer with a Sanitize Cycle: Electrolux ELFW7637BT
Having a sanitizing feature on a washing machine is one of the unsung heroes of modern fabric care, but if you ask us, it's one of the most important. Aside from cheating yourself from laundry that's free of common viruses and bacteria, the sanitize feature on a front load washer serves as added insurance against mold growth. Electrolux washers, such as this front loader, offer an impressive clean with the ability to remove up to 99% of bacteria on both clothes and your favorite garments.
With name-brand laundry appliances priced for every budget, we have something for everyone — including unmatched customer service. Shop our digital catalog of home appliances today! As always, our experts are always happy to help, whether you call or visit us in-store.
Why Trust Fred’s Appliance?
Fred's Appliance is the go-to store for all your appliance needs in the inland Northwest area. Established in 1962, Fred's Appliance has been serving customers for over five decades and counting. With an experienced and knowledgeable staff, Fred's provides a welcoming atmosphere that helps customers find the best product to fit their needs, budget, and lifestyle.
When you shop with Fred's Appliance, you can be sure that you're getting the best brands at the best prices. In our store, you will find a variety of refrigerators, ranges, wall ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, and more. We also carry washers and dryers in both front-load and top-load styles. Not only are we dedicated to providing an unbeatable selection of appliances, but we are equally committed to the local community. We proudly support many charitable organizations throughout Washington, Idaho, and Montana. When you shop at Fred's Appliance, you're not only getting a great product but helping out your neighbors too!
Shop Front Load Washers at Fred’s Appliance
If you're looking for a great appliance shopping experience, shop washers online or visit one of our showrooms in Washington, Idaho, or Montana to see what a difference buying locally with an experienced retailer makes. Our appliance experts will be happy to help you learn how to clean a front load washer . Contact us today and discover the perfect appliance for your home.
Learn More: 7 Best Top Load Washers for Every Type of Household