As the owner of an Appliance Repair Company in Watertown, SD one of the most often asked questions I get is, “how do I keep my front load washing machine from smelling?”
Front load washing machines are extremely popular as they have been proven to clean clothes better, come with more features and cycles, are gentler on your clothes and are more energy efficient. However, front load washing machines require more maintenance and a few tricks to avoid the number one complaint, a developed smell, that can be quite strong and difficult to rid of.
Front load washing machines are water-tight, to prevent water from spilling all over the floor while the machine is in use. This sealed machine doesn’t have an option to air out the way a top load washing machine does. Thankfully, there are several things you can do to prevent this smell from happening. Here’s how.
Leave the Front Door Open
Leave the front door of your washing machine cracked open when the machine isn’t in use. This gives the drum and internal parts a chance to dry between washings. Teach members of your family to leave the front door open as well. The more time your front-loading machine spends closed, the more moisture will build up inside and create an environment suitable for mildew. Never start a load of laundry at night before bed or before leaving the house for extended periods of time. Once the load is complete, the longer the clothes sit damp in your washing machine, the better chances you will have to develop a smell.
Open the Soap Dispenser
When you’re done using the washing machine, crack open the soap dispenser tray. Leave it open just a few inches to allow any soap residue inside to dry, and to prevent mold from growing in the cracks. Secondly, on most front load washing machines you can remove the entire soap dispenser drawer. Remove this and clean it completely, at least once a month or more depending on frequency of use.
Don’t use Fabric Softener
Regardless of what manufactures of fabric softener say, liquid fabric softener is petroleum-based, which causes it to stick to the inside of your washer and drain pipes. This means that each time you use softener, it doesn’t get completely rinsed out. This petroleum debris feeds mold and mildew, causing your washer to stink over time. Bottom line, as an Appliance Repair Technician, using fabric softener in your washing machine significantly reduces its overall life and contributes to a terrible smell.
Clean the Door
Clean the door glass and the rubber door seal (bellow) with a mixture of vinegar and water (equal parts water and vinegar). Spray the door and seal with the mixture, then wipe it clean with a paper towel. Do the same thing with the soap dispenser tray: clean it with water and vinegar and a paper towel, or a rag. Clean the cracks and crevices. Allow all surfaces to dry fully. To make your washing machine rubber door seal lasts, you really need to dry if it will be a while between loads of laundry.
The honest truth, there will come a point where your rubber door gasket will need to be replaced regardless due to holes, wear causing leaks, or to rid smell. If you feel your gasket needs to be replaced schedule your service call with Neighborhood Appliance Repair.
Run the Self-Clean Cycle
Most front-load washing machines have a self-clean cycle to clean the drum. Some machines require a special cleaner, while others are less specific. To find out what your machine requires and how to run the self-clean cycle, read the owner’s manual. If you no longer have your machine’s manual, . We’ll point you in the right direction.
At Neighborhood Appliance Repair we recommend these washer cleaning tablets, they are safe for any washing machine.
Maintain Your Machine
Maintaining your machine isn’t just a matter of keeping it clean. Although front loading washing machines tend to be well-made machines with good energy efficiency and excellent performance, they do break down from time to time. Follow the procedures in your owner’s manual for regular maintenance. If your machine needs service, schedule a service call at Neighborhood Appliance Repair.
Neighborhood Appliance Repair is a veteran & family owned business located in Estelline, SD. We provide residential appliance services to Sioux Falls, Watertown, Brookings and surrounding communities.