Front-load washing machines can easily build up mold and mildew in the rubber seals. Learn how to sanitize and clean a front load washer the easy way with this step by step tutorial!
How to Clean a Front Load Washer
One of my most visited cleaning posts is this one on how to clean a top load washing machine. I’m often asked how to clean a front load washing machine but up until our recent move to England we had never had one so I had no chance to try various methods and report back on the best way. Luckily (or unluckily depending on how you look at it) I was given the chance to clean our machine as soon as we arrived-look at the condition I found it in!
Gross right? It’s SO important to clean your washing machine!! Not only were our clothes being rinsed with dirty, moldy water but my husband and sons are allergic to mold and were wearing clothes being washed in it!
How to Clean a Front Load Washing Machine
Step 1: Remove Mold from Washing Machine
The first thing I did was grab the bleach-with mold build up this bad there was no other option. Soak some white towels in a 50:50 mixture of chlorine bleach and warm water. Tuck the towels into the rubber seal and let it sit on the mold and mildew for an hour or so. Then wipe out the gaskets-they should wipe clean at this point. Throw the dirty bleach soaked towels in the drum and run a wash cycle on the hottest wash cycle you
Step 2: Sanitize Washing Machine Tub & Clean Exterior
Pour two cups of vinegar into the drum and run another hot cycle. Next wipe the machine’s exterior with a 50:50 mix of white vinegar and water. Remove that detergent tray if possible and clean with hot water and vinegar as well.
(Sorry for the grainy picture-it was a dark rainy day…we get those from time to time here in England!)
How to Prevent Mold in Front Load Washing Machine
Your machine should be sparkling! To prevent future mold buildup leave the machine door and detergent tray open after washing and get in the habit of checking the gasket after you run a cycle and wiping it out with a spare towel. (I often find treasures like legos and coins in mine!)
You might also like these cleaning tips:
- How to Clean Your Dryer
- How to Clean and Prevent Fingerprints on Stainless Steel
- How to Clean Oven Glass
- How to Clean a Top Load Washing Machine
How to Clean a Front Load Washing Machine
Front load washing machines can easily build up mold and mildew in the rubber seals. Learn how to clean and sterilize your front load washer the easy way with this step by step tutorial!
Materials
- vinegar
- bleach
Tools
- sponge
- white towels
Instructions
- Clean the door gasket - Soak some white towels in a 50:50 mixture of chlorine bleach and warm water. Tuck the towels into the rubber seal and let it sit on the mold and mildew for an hour or so. Then wipe out the gaskets-they should wipe clean at this point. Throw the dirty bleach soaked towels in the drum and run a wash cycle on the hottest wash cycle you have-usually the whites cycle.
- Pour two cups of vinegar into the drum and run another hot cycle.
- Next wipe the machine’s exterior with a 50:50 mix of white vinegar and water.
- Remove that detergent tray if possible and clean with hot water and vinegar as well.
Notes
To prevent future mold buildup leave the machine door and detergent tray open after washing and get in the habit of checking the gasket after you run a cycle and wiping it out with a spare towel.
J. Wilson says
Do you use white or red vinegar?
Thanks!
Melissa Riker says
White vinegar! You can find it in large jugs in the cleaning section of the store usually.
Leticia says
What is the best gadget to keep the door of a front loader washer open so as not to create mold? Thank you
Melissa says
I’ve not seen or tried any Leticia but if I come across something good I will update the post. Mine always stayed open by itself. Sorry not to be of more help!
Mickie thomas says
We screwed an eye in the wall and used a bungee cord hooked tho the door to keep it open.
mfm says
Hi,
Thank you so much for the information and especially the pictures. This gives us a real idea of what we will face when purchasing the front loader. I want one very much because I am only five feet. I think this will be much easier for me. But this mess would be a bargain if you have not shown a good way to get it clean and keep it clean.
I will follow your instructions
Julie says
An effective, non toxic alternative to chlorine bleach DOES exist: Hydrogen Peroxide. It’s extremely versatile – you can find lists of some of its many uses on Pinterest. I use it for my white laundry and to clean the gaskets on my front loader. No nasty smell!!!
Melissa says
great tip Julie-I’ll give it a try! ~Melissa
Tanya says
Do you mix the peroxide with water or just use it straight on the towels like Melissa suggested with the bleach?
Theresa says
Thanks so much for the information and especially the pictures. This gives us a true idea of what we would be up against if purchasing a front loading machine. I want one so much because I am only five foot tall. I think this would be so much easier for me. But that mess would be a deal breaker if you hadn’t shown a good way to get it clean and keep it clean.
I think this next time we will try the front loading machine and use your methods to keep it clean.
Michelle says
Thank you for the tips! I’m trying this on my disgusting moldy washer tomorrow!
Melissa says
I hope it was helpful! ~Melissa
Diane says
I Will use your cleaning tips on my front load washer.
Melissa says
I hope it’s helpful Diane! ~Melissa
Diane says
I will be using your cleaning tips for my front load washer. I enjoyed your blog.
LiLi says
Thank you for your excellent cleaning tips!!!
Mari says
Thanks for your helpful advice. I’ve always left my door open after a load, but I never thought about leaving the detergent door open also. I’ve had good luck cleaning my front loader. Don’t forget to clean the inside of the detergent drawer while the compartments are removed! It helps prevent the mold from returning so fast.
Carla Skidmore says
Exactly what I have been doing since I bought my front loading machine nearly 15 years ago. I dry the detergent drawer, leave it open, and dry the gasket and leave the washer door open. Once a month I use a product called Affresh. It is in tablet form. I use the hottest water, add the tablet to the drum and run the washer for a 45-minute cycle being sure that there are no clothes in the washer. So far I have had no mold or musty odor coming from my machine.
I have an added problem as my washer and dryer are stackable in a small area in my bathroom. The newer washers and dryers are too big to fit in that area. I am very fortunate that there is a local company that will repair washers and dryers for half the cost of a new washer or dryer. I just had my dryer completely rebuilt and I will do the same when my washer no longer works.