Welcome to my blog. When it comes to taking care of appliances, it can be an art. You have to use them correctly, know how to look for signs of trouble and understand how to do simple repairs. Hi, my name is Kelsey, and in this blog, I am going to write everything I know about appliances and related topics. This is my first blog, but I have written in many other types of venues before -- I'm even old enough to have had a 'zine (if you can believe that). I live with my husband, my three daughters, and our dog. Cleaning pet hair of of the dryer and repairing blades on the blender has become my specialty over the years. Enjoy reading!
The Art of Appliance Service: An Appliance Blog
How To Keep Your Front-Loading Washing Machine Odor Free
Leevi Saari
If your front-loading washing machine has developed an unwanted odor that is causing your clothing to not smell as clean as it should after being washed, then you will be pleased to know that this is a simple problem to fix. Many older front-loading washing machines have a design defect that makes them susceptible to developing mold and mildew inside of their drums and along their drum seals. To kill the existing biological growth that you are smelling and to prevent future odors, follow this simple procedure:
Step 1: Clean the Drum's Gasket
By far, the worst place for mold and mildew growth inside of a front-loading washing machine is along its rubber drum gasket located just inside your washing machine's door opening. Since there is likely lint, coins, and hair trapped in the gasket, first you should remove these things. Once the gasket is free of other materials, then you should wash it using a solution of bleach and water. Don't forget to wash anywhere under the gasket that you can reach since this is a very likely place for mildew growth.
Step 2: Wash a Load of White Towels Using Soap and Bleach
Once you have washed the gasket, then you need to wash the rest of the washer's drum with bleach. The best way to accomplish this while not wasting water is to wash a small load of white towels and use both a high-efficiency laundry soap and bleach for the load. Wash the towels with hot water so both the towels and the machine's drum receive a good cleaning.
Step 3: Make Sure Future Loads are Washed Using High-Efficiency Detergent
If you have not been purchasing laundry detergent that is specifically designed for use in high-efficiency front loading washing machines, then you need to do so from now moving forward. This type of laundry detergent is designed so that it will not gunk up the inside of your washing machine's drum. The extra soap scum from other types of laundry soap will contribute to unwanted washing machine odors and should be avoided.
Step 4: Make It a Habit to Always Leave Your Washing Machine's Door Open When it Isn't in Use
Finally, it is very important that you leave the door to your washing machine open when you are not using the machine. The open door will allow air to circulate throughout the drum and will help to prevent future mold and mildew growth. Just following this last simple step will greatly improve the odor issue that you currently have with your washing machine.
If you're not able to eliminate the problem on your own, talk to your local washing machine repair contractor.
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