This is how to clean a smelly front loading washing machine with vinegar so your clothes smell fresh and the washing machine is mold-free. It's so easy!
Have you ever wondered why your clothes smell like mold after washing it in your front-loading washing machine? It’s not your detergent or fabric softener. You need to clean your washing machine. Here’s a step-by-step direction on how to clean a smelly front loading washing machine so you don’t have to keep washing your laundry!
I admit. I was like you and was drawn to the sleek and sexy look of the front-loading washing machines when they first came out. I always wanted one.
Also, ergonomically, it made more sense for my back not to bend down to get the clothes from the laundry basket on the floor and pick it up to load the top loader repeatedly.
Plus, the whole eco-friendly reasons for owning one started to make me want it even more. “You mean, I can save on electricity and water bill while a sleek and sexy washing machine cleans my clothes?” Sold!
So when my top loader went kaput after so many years, I ran to buy a pair of sleek front-loading washer/dryer. But soon after, my fantasy of having clothes washed and dried by the energy efficient, hardworking, and sexy machine became nightmarish, out of control stinky beast that made my family sick.
Smelly clothes
After about a month of using the front loading washing machine, clothes started to smell like mold and mildew after the wash. I did everything that the manual said - I used High Efficiency (HE) detergent and I didn’t overload the washing machine so I was perplexed and wondered, "why do my clothes smell like mildew after washing them?"
It didn't matter if I used extra rinse cycle. It didn't matter if I used a different detergent. Since I didn't use fabric softeners due to toxic chemicals and the strong odor, fabric softener couldn't be the issue as some sites said it could be. But still, my husband thought fabric softeners can eliminate the odor so he brought home 3 different kinds for me to try. Well, they just covered up the smell but the mildewy smell was still there. And then, I thought it was my son's athletic socks. That wasn't it either. It was maddening!
And my family is allergic to mold!
It turns out, the smelly front loading washing machine problem wasn’t any of the things I did. It was what I didn’t do.
I Needed To Clean My Washing Machine
I found out, through an exhaustive search on the internet - because the manufacturer or the place where we bought the machine was not helpful at all - that the machine that was cleaning my clothes also needed to be cleaned!! What? I need to “clean” the washing machine? I scoffed. But a further research revealed the following reasons why I needed to do that.
How does it spin?
Before I tell you how to clean your washing machine, it's important to understand how a front-loading washing machine works. This explains why you need to clean it so badly.
The drums on washing machines - top and front loaders - extract water from the clothes by spinning around an axis during the "Spin" cycle, pushing the water outward from the center to drain through the holes on the sides of the drum.
Excuse the scientific jargon here but centrifugal force is used for the water to drain. And the top loader's drum spins around an Z-axis or a vertical axis (imagine the agitator in the middle of the drum is the Z-axis) draining the water toward the bottom of the drum.
In a front loader, the drum spins around an X-axis or a horizontal axis. And when the water gets extracted around an x-axis, the spinning motion will disburse the water to the sides and not toward the bottom of the drum. So there’s always a chance that not all of the water will get completely drained.
Water Pools Around The Door
The result is water and moisture pooling in the rubber gasket that seals the door, especially at the bottom of the gasket, as shown in the picture below. See how the mildew and the sludge pools inside the gasket and clogs the draining holes?
The Perfect Environment For Mold and Mildew
The moist environment allows odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew to grow. And add some lint, hair, dust, and whatever gets shaken out of the clothes to the mix, and you have a sludge that resembles an industrial toxic waste. The toxic mildew and mold create a foul smell and slimy film, as pictured above. Gross. Toxic. Unhealthy. Did I say GROSS??
Since I found out that my dream machine is not so sexy anymore, I had to do something about it. I couldn’t throw it out since the motor was working fine. My research led me to the following steps to eliminate the odor and to clean the machine.
How to Clean
Follow these easy steps to clean your front-loading washing machine.
Tools or supplies:
- Latex or Rubber Gloves
- Paper Towel (for cleaning mold and mildew, use a paper towel and discard them)
- Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Q-Tips (to get to the holes and crevices)
- Old Tooth Brush
- Bleach (optional when mold problem is serious)
How To Clean Your Washing Machine
These 10 steps are a checklist of everything you should remember to do when you have a front-loading washing machine. Print this out or make your own checklist, but follow all these steps and you will have a smell-free washer.
Time needed: 45 minutes
Instructions:
- Use eco-friendly High Efficiency (HE) detergents. (See the update below)
Always use HE detergents. If the detergent is concentrated, use half as much. HE detergents produce less suds and have less fragrance than regular detergents. The volume of suds produced by regular detergents acts like sludge to water draining out of the tub. Also, their fragrances mix with the mildew-y water produces an even worse smell.
- Do not use liquid fabric softeners.
Avoid liquid fabric softeners. The average fabric softeners, like Downy, have toxic chemicals. Its thick and slimy film coats the machine surface, making it a perfect trap for mildew and lint. Even the eco-friendly ones like the ones my husband brought home, contribute to the foul-smelling sludge. If you need to use fabric softeners for anti-static, use dryer sachets instead. You can check out my DIY for making dryer balls out of orphaned socks.
- Unload the finished load immediately.
Do not let the wet clothes sit in the machine. If you can’t take them out in a timely manner, use the delay washing feature and time the finishing time when you can take them out right away.
- Wipe down after each wash.
Wipe out the machine after each wash. Every time you finish your load, wipe down the water and soak up any remaining water inside the gasket with a towel. Peel back the rubber door seal. You'll notice grooves where water pools and you'll find slimy gunk that formed from debris, dust, and lint from the clothes, mixed with water. Wrap a paper towel around your finger and place it in the grooves while spinning the washer drum slowly with the other hand to clean all around the gasket.
Clean the drain holes along the gasket with Q-Tips. You can also use an old toothbrush to scrub any stains stuck to the gasket. You only need a few mold spores for them to grow exponentially so don’t take a chance.
Once a week, make a solution of 50/50 vinegar/water solution to wipe the gasket clean. Don’t forget to clean the inside rim of the glass door as well as the glass. - Leave the door open.
Keep the door open when it's not in use. When you are not using the washing machine, allow the water and moisture to evaporate and not stay stagnant inside. Be careful leaving the lid open if you have young children or pets. You don't want small children or pets being trapped inside. Cats love to crawl inside crevices and this can be a perfect spot for catnaps.
- Wash empty washing machine weekly
Wash the empty washer with HOT water at least once a week. The frequency depends on how many loads of washes you do but in general, once a week of a quick cleaning without clothes or detergent should be sufficient to wash and drain any debris that are stuck to the drum.
- Deep monthly cleaning
Once a month, add a cup of Distilled White Vinegar and 1 cup of Baking Soda directly into the drum. Combining both will create bubbling action and will gently scrub any debris you can't get inside the drum for normal cleaning.
- Bleach
If the mold situation is really bad, you may need to use bleach instead of vinegar and baking soda. But make sure you run a few empty cycles just with hot water before doing a load of wash. Otherwise, you may end up with tie-dyed shirts.
- Clean the detergent compartment drawer
Read the instruction manual on how to take the detergent compartment drawer out and clean all the compartments thoroughly. Soak it in warm water with dishwashing liquid or vinegar/baking soda mix. Use an old toothbrush if you have to but clean out any stains or remaining residues.
- Clean the drain pump
This should be done about every two weeks. If the drain pump filter gets clogged with debris, the water flow will slow down, and fill up with stinky water over time. Old water that didn’t drain sits here, as does lint and other odd items. The drain pump filter is usually located at the front bottom of the washer. Refer to your washer manual as different machines have different instructions but the bottom line is that it needs to be cleaned out so that water doesn’t sit on the pump.
I didn’t have to try any special products to keep the machine from smelling after following above steps but there are products like OxiClean or Affresh that you can use to clean if the situation is beyond vinegar or bleach.
Homemade Laundry Detergent For Front-Loaders
[Detergent UPDATE] - I noticed that since I've been using this homemade powder laundry detergent, my washing machine does not get mildew-y as fast. Liquid detergents coat the surface of the machine and make it attract more lint and mildew. Since I've been using the powder detergent, my washing machine hasn't been as dirty or mildew-y. More reason why I love my homemade powder detergent formula!
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Jan Blair says
I have had a Whirlpool front loader since 2010. I have never had a smell problem. I have laundry day. This allows the washer time to dry completely. My machine came with instructions to use the appropriate cleaner in the cleaning cycle once a month. If ANYTHING I owned began to develop the slimy mess on it anywhere I would clean it. NEVER NEVER NEVER use vinegar in your front loader. It will cause the gaskets to deteriorate. The machine generally has the name of the appropriate cleaner on the machine. There is no need to perform extra cleaning if you follow manufacturers' instructions and wipe dry following last load and allow the machine to dry out. I wash my white load last weekly so any moisture left contains bleach. Please don't use vinegar in your machine.
Alexa says
We're on our 2nd front loader and have never had a problem. Our manual has a section about cleaning the machine, wipe it out, let it dry, run a clean cycle with hot water and bleach, etc.; I wasn't aware this is such a big problem.
Toots says
How many times did you have to clean your machine to get it looking brand new like in the second picture? I have always found that my clothes have a slightly mildew smell to them. I used to think it was because when we bought our first place the previous owners left their machine, but even when I bought brand new it came back and has never improved with different detergents, the little beads, nothing (both washers were/are front loaders). I have noticed a small black thing of mold on the bottom of the rubber but I had never pulled the rubber fold back and saw that there's all kinds of black under there. So gross! I just scrubbed the crap out of it with a mix of vinegar and baking soda, then some bleach. It's lighter but I assume I'm going to have to do this multiple times to get it looking like new. This washer is over 7 years old and I never knew I had to clean it (oops).
David Hawkins says
I never considered using bleach to clean out a washing machine before. I mean, it's obvious that you can use it to clean certain kinds of clothing, but the multipurpose aspect never occurred to me. My machine isn't too dirty since it's high efficiency, but I might run a cycle of bleach like you mention to stop anything I don't see. Thanks for the awesome list of tips on maintaining your machine!
Janis says
Out to the curb it went. Thought it was great the 1st few years. After doing some research I realized a lot of consumers where having the same problem. And of course the "main" problem wasn't covered under the warranty. We bought a new non front loader & matching dryer. Will never go back. They aren't very popular anymore. Hopefully, whoever still has them these tips will work. And anyone who is thinking about buying one, do your research first. By the way this is a continuation of my other comment.
Janis says
We "had" a whirlpool front loader. I also noticed mildew smelling clothes & towels also never thought it was due to the washer. A couple months ago I was getting little hard thing in my clothes that was ruining them. Then it quit draining. Turned out the rubber gasket was falling apart & getting inbedded into my clothes. They since it wasn't leaking water it wasn't covered under the warranty. They also wouldn't sell us the part to fix it ourselves. Everybody in the area said they won't touch front loaders.
lise pelletier says
My washer started to smell like something was burning only at the end of the cycle . This has happened a few times , not always , but the other day when this happened , I opened the door & smoke was coming out like crazy . I quickly removed everything I felt around the drum . There was only 1 hot spot near the bottom right side along with the rubber , the rest was cold to the touch . WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT ?????????
Ursula says
Clean out the washer door's rubber seal thoroughly with a half-half solution water and vinegar
regularly. Use Q-Tips for hard-to-clean areas. Remove any bits of hair
or fabric you may find -- these trap odors, sludge and provide a
wonderful home for mold. Wipe the inside of the drum with this solution
as well.
marieol says
after EVERY load, I wipe the hair or crud left in the drainage holes, then use on old washcloth to wipe dry the door seal. My husband made a great device to leave the door open: a magnet with a hook for the side of the machine, and a loop of cord around the door handle.It's easy to just slip thee cord around the hook... hook the cord on. I remove the tray the holds the soap (mine is easy) between loads so air can circulate, and discovered I have a small household fan that fits INSIDE the drum.... Twice a seek or so, I insert the fan and plug it in the nearby socket .... Let the fan run half an hour or so... I've had no mold. I do use baking soda in every wash.
correysmith321 says
Having avoided to clean my washer machine for two weeks ended up being stressful for me. Mainly because I was unable to figure out the problem until I call my brother to do a washer repair on the washer. Luckily for us the problem was a minor one that consisted with the detergent drawer being very dirty.
Jeffybridge says
Dr. Karen, it's interesting to see your before and after pictures! The first one is what mine looks like. I didn't know there is an easy process like this to clean the washer. I have noticed that my clothes can get stinky if I leave them in the washer a few hours after they are finished. I was thinking I may need to get it repaired, but first I'll try your tips to clean the inside.
JohnnyShi1 says
There are so many things that I forget to clean regularly. The washing machine is one of them. I am going to go check and see what it looks like as soon as I get a chance. I love when my appliances are clean.
SkyJensen says
These are some really good tips that new homeowners should know about. I had no idea that this was how you cleaned a washing machine and that you use vinegar to do it. Do you know what causes washing machines to get smelly? Dose it have anything to do with having a hard or soft water system?
lillysedrick says
It is kind of crazy how much work keeping a front loading laundry machine clean can be. This is one job that takes a lot of patience and attention to detail. However, it is definitely worth it to be able to have a laundry machine. I am just so glad that I get to wear clean clothes everyday. It is always a good feeling to be able to put on clean clothes right out of the dryer.
mmsalgado says
I have a front loading washer also and I try to keep it clean also. Just remember to also take the little drawer out where you pour your detergent, bleach and softner and wash it and clean inside the area where the drawer goes because it also gets mold. I was lucky enough to learn that from the service technician and he also reminded me that we no longer need as much detergent to do our laundry since liquid detergents are now more concentrated.
kelseyhiggins says
Thank you for the awesome tips! I love my washer, but I have noticed that it is starting to smell kind of bad and I should probably spend more time giving it the TLC that it deserves. Your tip about unloading the load immediately is something I could really work on. I'm the worse when it comes to changing the laundry. Maybe if I start turning the signal on and up high, I will get annoyed with it and go and take my clothes out of the washer instead of allowing them to sit in there!
LindaConlin says
I still have my top loading clothes washer, and hope to hell that it never gives out. I so love the "look" of the front loading washers, but never, ever, do I want to be spending as much time, cleaning a new washer, as you all have to do.
I have done the washing at my daughter' place (she has a front loading) and I find it takes longer for each wash, and the machines smell, unless you clean, etc, etc, like you mention in this post. For me, this is NOT worth it. I'd rather keep my old machine.... (hopefully .... forever).... as these new ones are NOT progress (to me)...
KentClark1 says
This information should help my family out with our washing machine. It doesn't seem to clean very well. I'm sure it is because of front loading feature. We don't really clean it. I'll be sure to clean it all later tonight.
jwaynebest says
I heard that there are many good products for sludge removal. One of my friends suggested to search online first. Once you find the right product you can start searching for the best deals.
chelseaboots says
I have been having the same problem when I bought a new top load washing machine. I had switched over to eco friendly liquid soap. Opening the detergent/softener drawer and leaving a folded up tea towel to keep the lid open helped quite a bit. Then I bought Nellie's laundry soap from Costco and the problem has left completely. We still leave the lid open so it can dry completely between laundry days. Once I run out of Nellie's (should be in about 3 years lol) I will be trying your homemade laundry detergent.
cometkatt says
we stopped having smell problems when i started using vinegar in the
rinse and NEVER leaving the door closed when not in use.. as long as its
open between uses - no smell 🙂
CaitlinAlexander says
I wish I had seen this post back when I got my top loader! I've been using Tide washing machine cleaner packets for a month or so, but it's definitely not enough to break down the nastiness in my machine. Thanks so much for all the great tips!! I'm off to do some serious cleaning! 🙂
vogueseamstress says
Thanks for putting these tips up! I did try them, but unfortunately my machine was well past this. The mold had actually grown into the plastic and I had only had the machine about a year. I did find a solution, so if its okay I will share the website, in case anyone else has as bad a problem. http://www.technofresh.com there are instructions on how to shock your machine, and a product that is reasonably priced and works wonders! I use their method and the product and my cloths stay fresh and smell great! I also use some of your techniques, like drying the gasket and door. Thanks!
ecokaren says
vogueseamstress Thanks for the link! I'm sure there are a lot of products available now for cleaning front loaders. But I find that for my machine, the steps described here do the trick. In addition to leaving the door open after wiping down the moisture, using my own POWDER detergent and vinegar solved my problem. I don't have odor or mold problem any more.
anncaste says
I have a front loader washer and dryer and I am not happy with them at all. First they don't clean my clothes as well as my old maytag washer did and my towels have a burnt rubber smell after they are dried. I wonder if there is a way to fix that? I miss my old washer/dryer pair so much!
Thanks
ecokaren says
anncaste I wonder if the burnt rubber smell has to do with your dryer?!?
desdemona20 says
OR you can do what all germans do. Leave the door open a bit and wash your towels on hot.
ecokaren says
desdemona20 I do recommend leaving the door open.
Anonymous says
I have had a front loader for several years. The only cleaning I do is to soak up the excess water after the last load (in the gasket) and leave the door open for a day. That's it. I've never had any mold or smell. I think if you do this from the time it's new, then the molds and smells never get a chance to start.
BululuStudio says
Excellent tips to keep in mind...thanks so much for sharing.
Julie says
I followed Jenn over here. This has been really helpful since, even though we have a top loader, we've been having the same problem. I'll have to take care of that tonight. Thanks!
AtHomeWithSewSuzanne says
Great feature!!! I also have a front loader, and I admit I am not so good at keeping it clean. I am adding it to my weekly to do list!! Thanks for sharing!
Dr. Karen says
Thanks for visiting and leaving me your comments.
Avlor,
It's worth the investment.
Jenn,
Thanks for your kind words. I'll check out your fridge maintenance tips. Thanks!
Terri,
Let me know how it turns out.
Karen (great name, btw)
I use OxyClean or Washing Soda with my laundry. I don't use bleach but my whites come out white. So try those two products. But, yeah, make sure your washer is clean.
Karen says
We moved last year into a house that was equipped with a washer. Ever since then I've found that our whites are not as white... am wondering now if something needs cleaning! I'm going to take a look. Thanks for a great article!
TERI REES WANG says
Fixing while I'm reading. THNX!
Jenn says
Wow this is awesome information and really timely because I just did a post on refrigerator maintenance and was considering doing an entire appliance series. Think I'm going to link to your article here on GLR today, this is so well written and researched. I'm in an apartment building and the super should be taking care of this kind of thing but now I'm not taking the cahnce. The washer will be cleaned out by me today!!
Avlor says
Thanks so much for posting about this! I've been thinking about what I'll replace my washer with (when I have the $). Good to know.