Content

• Steps
• Advice

If you use the front-loading washing machine, you can smell the mold of all your towels and clothes. This is because front load washing machines have many parts that can remain wet after washing cycles. There are many products that you can use to clean your washing machine, but it's best to dry the washing machine components. In addition, there are many tips to help you prevent mold smell from building up in your washing machine.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Clean the washing machine

1. 

   Clean the gasket. This is the rubber band on the door and inside the washing machine that forms a seal when the washer door is closed.
   • Use a rag or towel to clean the washer.
   • You can use hot soapy water or a small amount of mildew cleaner. If you use mildew washers, be careful because these chemical products can irritate your skin.
   • Or you can dip a rag in a 1: 1 ratio of bleach mixed with bleach.
   • Be sure to wipe around and underneath the washer.
   • You can see a lot of dirt and thin deposits around the gasket. This is one of the most common sources of mold odors in front load washing machines.
   • If the residue under the gasket is persistent and is difficult to remove with a rag, you can use an old toothbrush to scrub the hard-to-reach slots.
   • If you touch any stuck socks or clothing, you need to remove them.

2. 

   
   
   Clean the detergent tray. You can take the detergent tray out of the washing machine to make it easier to clean.
   • Soap residue and small amounts of standing water over time can cause the detergent tray to smell.
   • Remove the tray from the washing machine and clean thoroughly with hot soapy water.
   • If you can't remove the tray, use hot soapy water to clean it.
   • Use a spray or catheter to clean the slots and corners of the detergent tray.

3. 

   
   
   Set the washing machine cleaning mode. Set the longest setting to the hottest water level of the washing machine.
   • Some washing machines have a drum cleaning mode.
   • Pour one of the following ingredients directly into the washing machine's washing bucket: 1 cup bleach, 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup enzyme dish soap, or a washer cleaning product.
   • Some popular brands of washing machine cleaning products are Affresh or Smelly Washer.
   • Tide is also a washing machine cleaning powder that you can buy at the laundry product stalls at supermarkets.
   • Complete the washing machine cleaning mode. If the mold smell persists, you should install one more cycle.
   • If after two washing cycles the smell of mold persists, use another agent. For example, if you used baking soda in the first cycle, try washing machine cleaning or bleach in the second cycle.

4. 

   
   
   Call a service center. The washing machine may remain within its warranty period if there is a problem such as mold. You should check the warranty card.
   • A persistent mold smell could be caused by clogged water pipes or filter clogged, or it could also be caused by mold growing behind the drum.
   • A qualified service practitioner can diagnose problems and provide solutions.
   • If you are familiar with the washing machine, you can clean the hose and filter yourself. The water hose and filter are usually located on the small lower door in the front of the washing machine.
   • Make sure to have a bucket of water ready to catch standing water (if any).
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Method 2 of 2: Prevent musty odors in front load washer

1. 

   Use the right detergent. Most High Performance (HE) washing machines require high performance HE detergent.
   • Non-efficient detergent will create too much soap. This soap foam will leave a residue behind and start to smell.
   • Do not use too much detergent. Using too much detergent also leaves residue inside the washing machine.
   • Detergent is often a better choice than laundry detergent because detergent is less soap-bubbles.

2. 

   Avoid using fabric softener. Instead, use tissue paper.
   • Like laundry detergent, fabric softener can leave a residue inside your washing machine.
   • This residue will cause a bad odor over time.
   • Instead, you should buy clothes fragrant paper. Clothes scented paper is inexpensive and is sold at the laundry product stalls in supermarkets.

3. 

   Allow air to drain out of the washing machine between loads. This will allow the drum to dry completely, thereby reducing mold build-up.
   • Open the door slightly when not in use.
   • This allows clean air to circulate through the drum of your front load washer and dry any remaining moisture after each wash.
   • If you have children or pets in the house, avoid opening the washer door as children or pets may climb into the drum and accidentally get trapped inside.

4. 

   Immediately remove wet clothing from the washing machine. As soon as the washing cycle is finished, you need to remove the wet clothes from the washing machine.
   • Set the washing machine to sound when the wash cycle ends so you don't forget to take your clothes off.
   • If you cannot dry your clothes immediately, remove them from the washing machine and place them in the clothes basket or spread out until ready to dry.
   • This step helps to prevent excess moisture from accumulating inside the washer drum after each wash.

5. 

   Clean the washer regularly. Wipe the packing ring with a dry cloth.
   • It is best to dry the washer, the area below it, and the inside of the drum after each wash cycle.
   • This step can be a bit time-consuming and frustrating, so be sure to do it periodically at least.
   • You can also regularly wipe the washer with hot soapy water and let it dry completely. This will keep the seal ring clean and free from mold.

6. 

   Clean the washing machine once a month. Set hot water mode or washing machine cleaning mode.
   • Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent tray and set the hot water mode or washing machine cleaning mode.
   • You can also use a washing machine cleaning product like Smelly Washer, but using vinegar is more economical and just as effective.
   • After washing is complete, use a towel dipped in a mixture of hot water and vinegar to clean the inside of the drum, washers, detergent trays, and the inside of the washer door.
   • Repeat by wiping the inside of washer components with hot water.
   • Turn the washing machine on again in the hot water mode.
   • Open the washer door to allow the machine's interior to dry.
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Advice

• Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to the washing bucket after each wash. Baking soda will stay in the washing bucket until the next wash and will continue to absorb odors.
• Another way to remove odors from towels is to wash with baking soda on the hottest setting (no laundry detergent).
• Wash the detergent tray at least once a month, including where it is located.
• You can also add vinegar to the washing machine during the rinse cycle or add vinegar to the softener tray (do not use fabric softener at the same time).
• Use vinegar to deodorize and kill fungus. You can use vinegar in a wash cycle or rinse cycle. Use 1/2 cup of vinegar for one rinse like natural fabric softener.
• The detergent tray is completely removable and you can remove it by turning it upside down.