Content

• Steps
• What you need

High-performance front load washers are favored for their low consumption of soap and water. However, this type of machine requires special cleaning and drying of machine parts. If you find your washing machine smells like the usual smell in the warehouse, then it's time to do a thorough cleaning and begin washing machine maintenance. You should clean the washers and tubs regularly to prevent mold and learn how to keep the washing machine dry and clean between washing runs.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Cleaning washers

1. 

   Find the position of the washer. The washer is a rubber ring that surrounds the drum door. This is a part that works as a seal to prevent water leaks from the washer. Open the washer door as wide as possible and remove the rubber ring.
   • The washer is attached to the washing machine, but you can remove it to clean it and check if anything is stuck.

   

   
   

   Chris Willatt

   Owner, Alpine Maids Chris Willatt is the owner and founder of Alpine Maids, the highest rated cleaning company in Denver, Colorado. He received a BS degree from the University of Colorado in 2012.

   

   Chris Willatt
   Owner, Alpine Maids

   Clean the filter bag while cleaning the washer. Chris Willatt, owner of the Alpine Maids home cleaning company, said: “On front-loading washing machines, the filter bag is usually on the bottom left corner of the tub. lint and soap residue. "

2. 

   
   
   Eliminate foreign bodies. Once you have removed the washer, check to see if there is an object stuck between the washer. Sharp objects can damage the washer and washer while it operates. Always check the clothes bag and remove everything before washing. Items that are often left out in the washing machine are:
   • Hairclip
   • Nail
   • Coins
   • Staple

3. 

   
   
   Check for dust or hair in the packing ring. If hair is visible in the packing ring, the clothing has hair on it. If someone in the household has long hair or has a pet with long hair, check the hairs in the pad at least 1-2 times a week. If you find the washer is dirty, you may need to keep the washer door closed from time to time. For example, if you let your dog sleep in the laundry room, close the washer door.
   • Dirt builds up on the washer when dust or lint from the dryer or laundry room gets around and accumulates on the washer. Reduce airborne dust by changing the fiber filter bag regularly.

4. 

   Treat mold. If you see dark spots, the washing machine is probably having mold. This is because the packing does not dry between uses or too much soap residue has built up. Wet conditions create even conditions for mold growth. To get rid of mold, spray the gaskets with hot soapy water or an anti-mold cleaner. Use a towel or rag to wipe off the detergent.
   • You may need to use a lot of towels if the packing is sticky because of mold. Continue to spray and wipe until the cloth is no longer dirty.

5. 

   Deeply clean the washer once a month. To kill mold, pour 1 cup of bleach into a washing machine without clothes and run on hot water mode. Pour ½ cup of bleach into the detergent drawer or fabric softener to ensure the entire washing machine is cleaned. After the washing machine runs out of cycle, run a few more cycles without adding bleach. This step will remove the bleach smell from the washing machine before you wash your clothes next time.
   • If you still see mold after running your washing machine, you may need to wear gloves, a mask, and scrub it off with bleach. Dip a toothbrush in no more than 10% solution of bleach and scrub off the mold.
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Part 2 of 3: Cleaning the washing bucket

1. 

   Sprinkle 1/3 cup (70g) baking soda in the washing bucket. Baking soda will help remove the musty smell or smell of dirty clothes. Add 2 cups (480 ml) of white vinegar to the soap dispenser. White vinegar and baking soda will cause the drum cleaning reaction.
   • Always check the manual supplied with the washing machine on how to clean it.

2. 

   Turn on the washing machine. Run the machine cleaning cycle (if this option is available). If not, you can run the washing machine normally. Choose the highest temperature setting for baking soda and vinegar to react. Wait for the machine to run through the washing and rinsing cycle.
   • If your washing machine has a cleaning cycle, the manufacturer's manual will tell you when to add baking soda and vinegar to the machine.

3. 

   Clean the stains if the washing machine gets too dirty. Run a wash cycle with bleach if the washing machine smells bad and you suspect mold is growing inside the drum. Pour 2 cups (480 ml) of bleach into the detergent drawer, then run the washing and rinsing cycle through. To completely clean the machine, you need to rinse the water one more time and do not add anything to the washing machine.
   • Never run your washing machine with baking soda, vinegar, and bleach at the same time. These substances can create a dangerous reaction and damage the washing machine.

4. 

   Remove and rinse the detergent drawer. Remove the detergent drawer and soak it in warm water, then spray with all-purpose cleaner, wipe it off and attach it back.
   • If your washing machine has a fabric softener compartment, you should also clean and wipe it thoroughly.

5. 

   Wipe the outside of the washing machine clean. Spray multi-purpose detergent on a clean towel or rag and wipe the entire outer surface of the washer. You need to wipe off any dust, lint, and hair that might get on the outside of the washing machine.
   • Keeping the outside of the washing machine clean can prevent dust from getting inside.
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Part 3 of 3: Maintenance of front loading washing machine

1. 

   Use the correct detergent. Buy a soap that is specially formulated for front load washing machines. You should also use the recommended amount of soap (and fabric softener). If you use more than necessary, soap will build residue on the clothes and inside the washing machine.
   • Soap residue can cause the washing machine to smell and grow mold.

2. 

   Remove the clothes from the machine immediately after washing is finished. Do not leave wet laundry washed in the washer for too long to switch to the dryer. Mold and odors arise in front load washing machines faster than in top load washers.
   • If you cannot get the laundry out, at least leave the washer door slightly open to allow some of the moisture to escape.

3. 

   Dry the washer when washing is finished. Ideally, you should use an old towel to dry the washer thoroughly after each wash. The purpose of this is to remove all of the moisture on the packing so that the mold does not have conditions to grow. Open the door slightly when washing is finished to allow moisture to escape.
   • You should also dry the inside of the washer door, especially if you normally keep the door closed.

4. 

   Remove the detergent drawer and allow to dry. Even if you have a habit of cleaning the detergent drawer regularly, you should also remove it after each washing and drying time. This step will also allow air to circulate into the washing machine and prevent mold.
   • Once in the habit of removing the detergent drawer after each wash, you can quickly check for black mold or stains that need cleaning.
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What you need

• Clean rag
• Toothbrush
• Bleach
• Towel
• Rubber gloves