Front-load washing machines can easily build up mold and mildew inside, especially in the rubber seals. Learn how to sanitize and clean a front load washer the easy way with this step by step tutorial!
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 Washer
Front-load washing machines can easily build up mold and mildew inside, especially in the rubber seals. Learn how to sanitize and clean a front load washer the easy way with this step by step tutorial!
Materials
- bleach
- vinegar
- white towels or old t-shirts
- rubber gloves
Instructions
- Clean the washer seal: If you have stubborn mold in the washer seal, put on rubber gloves and soak towels or old white t-shirts in bleach and tuck into the seal. Allow to sit for one hour before proceeding to the next step.
- Wipe the seal of the washer out with the towels (hands in rubber gloves of course) and then throw the towels into the wash basin.
- Clean the basin with bleach: Add 2 cups of bleach to the detergent tray and run on the cleaning cycle. If you don't have a cleaning cycle option, run on the longest, hottest cleaning cycle.
- Clean the basin with vinegar: Add 2 cups of vinegar to the detergent tray and run again on the cleaning cycle or hottest cycle available.
- Rinse the basin: Run one last cycle with just water, no added bleach, vinegar, or detergent.
- Clean the detergent tray: Remove and disassemble the detergent tray if possible and soak in warm soapy water for 10 minutes. Wipe out with a rag or sponge, then rinse and dry before returning to the washer.
- Clean the exterior: Use a damp cloth or your favorite cleaner to wipe down the exterior of the washer.
How to Prevent Mold in Front Load Washing Machine
Your machine should be sparkling! To prevent future mold buildup you can take a few steps every time you use it:
- take clothes out of the washer as soon as possible after they are done washing
- leave the machine door and detergent tray open after washing
- 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:
Skip to Instructions
Ruth Stoll says
I tried this today, despite my strong reluctance to use bleach because of lingering questions of bleach and the environment. The results were less than stellar — I’d say maybe 25% better than before the procedure. I used a lot of water and electricity for not very much result. Also, the rubber gasket looks a bit more dried out than it did before. All-in-all, I’d say this was not a worthy endeavor for me and I will not be doing it again.
Daniel Rigby says
Be careful when combining bleach with an acid like white vinegar–the combination can be deadly (seriously). I realize you’re not suggesting mixing them directly with one another, but I just want to note since they’re both the main ingredients in your method.
Makayla says
If the bleach gets all of the mold off should I still use the vinegar wash after?
Bobbiejean says
Did you dilute the bleach to the disinfectant level listed on the label or just straight from the bottle? About to try this tonight!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽 Excited
Susan says
I have only cleaned mine front load seal once and that was several years ago. I keep the door open and take out the laundry dispenser and leave the drawer its in pulled out to dry. That has helped to slow the mold growth, but not forever! I’ve put off cleaning it agaim for a while because the first time I cleaned it, it took hours and a lot of scrubbing! So, I really doubted this easy process would work. The smell was telling me, it’s past time to clean it! So, a couple of hours ago, I found your technique on Pinterest. I truly doubted it would work, but I decided to try it. I just took the bleached wet rags(I used old thin wash cloths) and tucked them into the seal for the hour (just as you recommended). I, honestly, couldn’t believe my eyes! The mold was almost entirely gone! I missed a couple of small places and I noticed the seal close to the rim of the laundry tub needed the rags tucked into it (though that part wasn’t as bad). I just now put them in for 30 minutes, but even if I look and they need thirty more, that’s so easy! I’m so thankful I found your technique and THANK YOU FOR SHARING IT! IT WORKS!!!
Erika says
I am so happy to find this I been wanting to replace the rubber part that get moldy because is supper moldy to the point I am starting to smell it in my clothes , I will try this before el replace it and might don’t have to ! Thanks
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.
Joy says
My door can’t stay open because there is a door behind it. I take a clothespin and flip it backwards on the latch of the door. It holds the door open several inches.
Melissa Riker says
Great idea, thanks for sharing!
Sai says
We use an old detergent cap and put it between the door and the rim. This keeps the door open slightly and not cause too much obstruction to the door in front
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
Leslie Hall says
will never purchase a front load again. Door gets leaky after time, the gross rubber seal, not being able to stop it mid cycle to pop in that single sock that you forgot, not to mention its a pain to have to bend over and pull the clothes out so low to the floor that they drag along until you get them in the drier. I too am only 5″1′, but I’m still opting for a new top load next spring when my tax money comes in.
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.