How to Clean a Front-Load Washer to Prevent Odors

How to Clean a Front-Load Washer

1. Clean the Door and Drum

   Use a soft, absorbent cloth to dry around the washer door opening, flexible gasket, and door glass. These areas should be cleaned and maintained regularly to ensure a watertight seal.

   Take the time to clean the inside of the door gaskets and the edges. If dirt and residue get trapped, mold may grow on the backside of the gaskets.

   When extremely soiled or oil-soaked items have been washed, a dirty residue may remain on the drum. Remove this by wiping the drum with a nonabrasive household cleanser, then rinse thoroughly with water. Or, repeat the entire cleaning cycle using chlorine bleach.

   If your washer has any plastic in the drum, it may become stained from fabric dye. Clean these plastic parts with a nonabrasive household cleanser or repeat the bleach cleaning cycle. This prevents dye transfer to future loads.

2. Clean the Dispenser Drawers

   Detergent and fabric softeners may build up in the dispenser drawers and cause odor and operational problems. Never overfill the drawers to prevent damaging the electronic components of the washer.

   • Consult your washer's user manual to learn how to remove the drawer(s). Most have a safety latch but are easily removed. If the drawer has inserts for the bleach and fabric softener compartments, remove those from the drawer to clean separately.
     
   • Rinse the drawer and the insert with hot tap water to remove traces of accumulated powders and liquids. If they are particularly coated with built-up residue, allow them to soak for 10 minutes in hot water, then rinse. Allow the drawers to air-dry.
   • Use a small soft brush to clean the drawer opening on the washer. Inspect the drawer cavity with a flashlight before re-inserting the cleaned drawer, as the cavity can become moldy if not cleaned thoroughly.
   • Remove all residue from the upper and lower parts of the recess.
   • When the drawer and inserts are clean, return the bleach and fabric softener inserts to their proper compartments. Replace the dispenser drawer and run an empty short cycle, such as the pre-wash cycle, to completely flush the system.
     

3. Clean the Outside of the Washer

   Wipe the outside of the washer with a damp cloth. Clean the exterior surfaces by mixing warm water and a drop of mild dishwashing soap in a spray bottle. Never use harsh, gritty, or abrasive cleansers on enameled surfaces.

   • If the door or console becomes stained or there is mildew growth, clean it with a diluted chlorine bleach of 1/4 cup in 1 quart of water. Rinse several times with clear water.
   • Remove any glue residue from tape or labels with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent.
   • Never store or place laundry products on top of the washer at any time. Spills can damage the finish or electronic controls.

4. Run an Empty Laundry Cycle Using Bleach

   With the washing machine empty, add 1/2 cup of liquid chlorine bleach to the detergent compartment of the dispenser drawer, and fill the bleach dispenser compartment with chlorine bleach to the highest level. Set the washer to the normal cycle setting with warm water and complete the cycle.

   This is a good last step in the process. By cleaning the details first, you are ensuring the bleach water is making as much contact with the hard surfaces of the machine as possible. Wiping away the build-up first allows the wash cycle to kill more germs.

   Tip

   If you do not want to use chlorine bleach, use 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide instead. Follow the package directions for the amount to use and the proper procedure. Do not mix chlorine bleach with other cleaners; the result can be toxic fumes.

5. Maintain a Clean Space

   Keeping your washing machine clean will prevent unpleasant odors and make your machine function better. Do the following upkeep as part of your ongoing routine:

   • Run a monthly cleaning cycle with hot water.
   • Wipe down the door, gaskets (get into the folds), and drum with a dry cloth after every load.
   • Wipe the top and sides of the washing machine weekly or after each load.
   • Remove residue from dispensers once or twice a month.
     

Additional Tips

• After running a load of clothes through your washing machine, leave the door and the detergent dispenser drawer open to air-dry. This will help prevent mold and odors from developing.
• Dry the drum after each use to reduce mold problems.
• Clean the glass of your front-load washer using an all-purpose glass cleaner.
• Make sure the washer is perfectly level so it drains water thoroughly.
• Avoid using liquid fabric softener to prevent mold from developing.