How To Keep Your Front-Loading Washing Machine Fresh and Clean

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

You can eliminate mold odor by mixing baking soda and vinegar.

Does your washing machine produce an offensive odor each time you open its door? Do your clothes smell of mildew and mold immediately after being washed and dried? If so, your washer might be due for an extensive cleaning to ensure no mold or mildew growth is present. Read on to learn some helpful tips on why your washer gets that mold smell and how to keep it odor-free in the future.

Why Does It Smell

Do you have a front-loading washer? Front-loaders are superior for various reasons:

• Highly water-efficient
  
• Gentle on clothing
  
• Much less expensive to operate
  
  

Though front loaders in Liberty, MO, use less water than conventional washers, they also create fewer opportunities for water to rinse away suds. The residue that remains collects dirt, lint, and other types of debris that grow mold and mildew over time, generating foul odors and dirty laundry.

Eliminate the Odor
The first step to a clean washer is to eliminate the unpleasant smells. You will need to collect several household items to get started, such as baking soda and distilled white vinegar.
Begin by filling your front loader's detergent compartment with a mixture of baking soda and water. Pour two cups of white vinegar into the dryer's drum, and run the empty machine through a single cleaning cycle. If any pesky debris remains, spray it with vinegar and scrub it with a soft kitchen sponge. Remember to contact a mold remediation specialist if residue remains after careful and proper cleaning.

Keep Your Machine Fresh
To maintain freshness, ensure you use only high-efficiency detergent in your front-loader. Conventional detergent will generate too many suds, leaving a perfect environment for future mold growth.
Always dry the drum following a wash cycle, and leave the door open when the machine is not in use. This habit will allow the washing machine to dry completely between uses.
Finally, front loaders feature a rubber seal to keep the door airtight. Regularly clean this gasket to ensure no mold or mildew is growing beneath the seal.
Proper care will keep your washing machine spotless and odor-free. Follow these tips and enjoy fresh smelling clothes for years to come.