The Best Way to Clean Your Front-Loading Washing Machine

_{Wondering how to clean a front-loading washing machine? If you feel like your washing machine smells then this easy cleaning solution is what you need.}

the best way to clean front loading washing machine -pictured woman bending down in fromt on laundry mache to empty it.

The Best Way to Clean Your Front-Loading Washing Machine

Do you have a front-loading washing machine? Have you noticed that occasionally there is an odor coming from it or that your laundry isn’t quite as clean as you would like it to be?

If so, it might be time to clean it. As soon as front-loading washing machines became a thing, my mom was the first to run out to purchase one. Right away, she noticed that cleaning would need to happen more frequently on her machine.

Maybe you have noticed it too? Front-loading washing machines have a tendency to retain water in the front door gasket. Did you know that most manufacturers of front-loading washing machines recommend that you clean them once a month to prevent odors and reduce the build-up of detergent?

It’s true! Now you may be wondering how exactly you are supposed to clean your front-loading washing machine and let me tell you it’s not hard, and you have everything you need to do it in your home already. Once this task is complete, your laundry will be cleaner and fresher than ever.

What Causes Front Load Washer Smells?

Since front loaders use less water than top loaders, detergent, and dirt do not rinse away as easily. Without regular cleaning, this dirt can harbor smelly mold and mildew. Water buildup can accumulate in the front door gasket causing black mold to build up.

Without frequent care and cleaning your clothes will end up being brute of this mold and mildew build up. Making allergies worse for many.

cleaning the gasket of a front loading washing machine with a microfiber cloth

How To Properly Clean Your Front Loading Machine

Learn how to sanitize and clean a front-load washer the easy way with this step-by-step tutorial!

What you will need to clean:

2 cups vinegar
2 cups bleach
Cleaning rag, old toothbrush, or small scrub brush
rubber gloves
small bucket of warm water

spill found in front loading washing machine

To clean your front-loading washing machine, you will need bleach or vinegar, and a soft cloth. You can also use peroxide in place of bleach if you prefer.

STEP ONE: Before you begin, make sure that the drum of your washing machine is empty.

STEP TWO: Next, remove the detergent and fabric softener trays and wash them thoroughly to remove any leftover residue. If you aren’t sure how to remove them, consult your washing machine’s user manual. Replace the trays in the washing machine.

STEP THREE: Run a wash cycle on the hottest setting with two cups of vinegar. Vinegar does an amazing job of killing viruses, mold, mildew, and odor-causing bacteria. Vinegar is also an environmentally friendly cleaning option. Once your wash and rinse cycle is complete, you are ready for the next step.

Cleaning with vinegar is eco-friendly and inexpensive to use.

STEP FOUR: Now you are going to run another wash cycle with bleach. Pour two cups of bleach into the detergent tray and run the washing machine again on the largest, hottest cycle with a rinse. The bleach in the detergent tray will take care of any residue you may have missed when you were cleaning them.

If you don’t want to use it or don’t have any bleach, you can run this second wash cycle with hydrogen peroxide instead. Please keep in mind that you may want to run one more cycle to make sure all bleach, peroxide, and vinegar have been removed from the drum.

STEP FIVE: Take a soft cloth and some vinegar and wipe down the gaskets and hinges on the door of your front-loading washing machine. You should use a soft cloth to dry the gaskets thoroughly after each load so that mold and mildew don’t have the opportunity to build up and loosen your seal.

Lastly, after cleaning your door seal and hinges, take your cloth and vinegar and wipe down the outside of the machine. This will help to keep your front-loading washing machine looking like new.

Clean Your Front Loading Washing Machine Frequently

Cleaning your front-loading washing machine once a month or so will help to keep your clothes cleaner and your washing machine and laundry smelling fresh. It can be easy to forget about cleaning appliances that clean for you, so jot down on your calendar or set a reminder for when it is time to clean it again.

Tips to Prevent Front Load Washer Odor

To prevent odors in between cleaning, here are a few extra tips you can take advantage of:

Wipe down the gasket after every wash cycle and deep clean it every month.
Remove wet clothing immediately after cleaning.
Leave the washer door open when it’s not in use so moisture can more easily evaporate.
Make sure you use HE detergent for an HE machine, in the correct amount, to avoid excess suds.

Keeping your front-loading washing machine clean is easy once you know how to do it, and there is no need to buy expensive washing machine cleaners either.