If you have a front-load washing machine, you know they require a lot of care and maintenance to prevent mold from forming. Sometimes, the mold spreads and it stinks to the point you consider replacing the whole gasket. Thus, cleaning front load washer is essential.
Here, we have an easy solution to this problem.
And the answer to nasty smell, dirt, and residue is periodic maintenance and cleaning. At Quick Fix Atlanta, we not only provide repairs and new installation but also do routine maintenance and offer preventive tips to help you prolong the lifespan of your appliances.
In this article, we’ll explore the easy ways of cleaning front load washer with vinegar and other accessible products.
Stay with us!
How Often Should Cleaning Front Load Washer Be Done?
Your washing machine washes thousands of clothes every month. Yet, too bad it isn’t self-cleaning and needs your attention and maintenance to keep working smoothly.
You should dedicate your time every month to cleaning your front-load washer once a month or after every 30 cycles.
Cleaning front load washer every month helps prevent mold buildup, mildew, and other residue in and around the washer drum.
However, there are certain factors involved in the cleaning frequency of your front load washer.
- If you use hot water frequently and wash a lot of clothes in each cycle. We recommend cleaning your front load washer every 3 weeks.
- Humid and hot environments can promote mold and mildew buildup in your drum and rubber seal. In such cases, it is recommended to clean front load washer every 3 weeks.
Ways of Cleaning Front Load Washer with Vinegar—A DIY Guide
Cleaning your front load washer with vinegar is one of the most effective natural ways to clean and sanitize your washing machine.
Here’s how to clean front load washer in easy steps.
Tools and Materials You Need
- Hand gloves
- Towels or cleaning cloth
- Distilled white vinegar
- Spray bottle
Preparation
- Empty the washing machine and make sure you remove all the clothes and items from the drum.
- Check out the user manual before trying out any DIY methods. While vinegar is usually safe for all appliances, some machines may have a designated cleaning cycle.
Method
Here’s how to clean the washer with vinegar.
- For standard washers, mix 2 cups of distilled white vinegar with equal parts water.
- If you have non-HE washers, double the vinegar amount. For example, mix 4 cups of distilled white vinegar with 2 cups of water.
- Pour the solution into the detergent dispenser and run the hottest and longest cycle for proper and thorough cleaning.
- Once the machine is filled with water and vinegar solution, make sure to pause the cycle for about an hour for enhanced cleaning.
- Use a cotton cloth or towel to scrub and clean the insides of the drums with a vinegar solution.
Here’s how to clean the door gasket with vinegar spray.
- Take a spray bottle and mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and white to create a diluted solution.
- Use a microfiber cloth or soft towel to spray the solution onto it. Wipe it down within the folds to remove debris, dirt, mold, and mildew.
Bonus Tips to Keep Your Front Load Washer Crystal Clean and Fresh
Front load washers are popular for leaving a little water at the bottom of the inner drum. The accumulated water goes rancid and stinks over time, if not properly drained.
Sometimes, cleaning the tub thoroughly still doesn’t make much of a difference if the water is too old.
In this section, we’ll share some pro tips to keep your front load washer crystal clean and fresh for a long time.
- Drain the water properly after each use and leave the door open between uses to allow airflow. It also prevents mold and mildew from building up.
- Wipe off excess water from rubber gaskets with a dry cloth after every wash.
- Run a cleaning cycle after every 30 washes with machine cleaning products, such as Afresh, Tide Cleaner, etc.
- Drain and clean the water pump filter.
- Clean your detergent trays after every wash to prevent mold and mildew buildup.
- After the vinegar cycle, add half a cup of baking soda to the drum and run another hot cycle. Baking soda and vinegar cancel each other and neutralize any lingering vinegar odor in your drum.
Unpopular opinion: Fabric softeners are unnecessary laundry items. They leave a nasty and sticky residue in the washing machine that may smell bad and cause mold and mildew in your machines.
Safety Measures To Follow:
- Avoid mixing vinegar with bleach. The mixture creates toxic fumes, which is bad for you and your appliances.
- Always wear gloves to clean front load washer to protect your hands from stubborn grime and chemicals.
Bleach or Vinegar—What’s a Better Agent for Cleaning Front Load Washer?
Bleach and vinegar are commonly used as popular cleaning agents. However, vinegar is highly acidic in nature and does wonders in killing mold, mildew, and everyday gunk from your washers.
On the other hand, bleach is an oxidizing agent and leaves your appliances and clothes bright and white.
Therefore, if your main concern is getting rid of mold and mildew, use bleach. For removing bad odors, use vinegar.
However, keep in mind that bleach is seriously harsh and can harm your washing machine. We recommend using bleach only when your washing machine is completely neglected and is a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and mildew.
How to Clean a Stinky Front Load Washer?
If your washing machine stinks and smells so bad, there may be water pooling in the bottom of the tank. Accumulated water in the tank is a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and mildew.
Does your dryer stink? Here’s how to clean a dryer that smells!
The easiest way to get rid of your stinky front load washer is to pour some vinegar on the damp cloth or tower and clean all the insides and front of the washer thoroughly. You can also use an old toothbrush to get to every nook and corner of your machine, including detergent and softener dispensers.
After you’ve cleaned the tub and dispensers thoroughly, use an all-purpose cleaner to clean the rubber seal around the door. Also, in a spray bottle, mix equal parts vinegar and water and clean the door until it is sparkling clean.
Lastly, leave the lid open for a few hours to allow the machine to air dry.
Get Your Front Load Washer Fixed with Quick Fix Appliances Washer Repair Atlanta.
Front load washers are challenging to keep and clean as compared to top load washers.
While the steps in this article cover all the basics of cleaning a front load washer properly, sometimes, your machine gives you a hard time.
If your front load washer doesn’t work or repair, Quick Fix Atlanta offers hassle-free services for your current appliances and future purchases. We also provide 24/7 support for your complete peace of mind.
With over 10 years of industry experience, our technicians are highly skilled in their craft and work closely with appliance manufacturers to access knowledge and the right parts for the job effectively.
Contact Quick Fix Atlanta to get your front load washer repair in Atlanta!
FAQs
Can I use something else to clean front load washer besides vinegar?
Yes, you can use commercial washing machine cleaners or check with the user manual if your washing machine has a designated cycle.
However, vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that is highly effective in cleaning front load washers.
Do all front load washers have mold and mildew problems?
No, mold and mildew appear when there is high humidity and water is accumulated for too long. With proper care, cleaning, and maintenance, you can prevent mold and mildew buildup.
What is the brown gunk in my front load washer?
The brown gunk in your front load washer is the soap scrud. It is a waxy buildup in your washer from the use of fabric softeners and detergent.
Soap scrud can stain your clothes and leave a waxy, sticky residue in your machine that may cause mold and mildew.