How to Clean Your Front Loading Washer
First, let me start by saying this is not about which is better, top loading or front loading. I have a front loading washer, I need to clean it. I thought my elbow grease could help some of you too. So let’s see how to clean your front loading washer.
My washer is overworked and takes a beating. But that’s what is supposed to happen isn’t it?
The exact one we bought has been upgraded to this now….but the “Load and Go” detergent dispenser is the same. I love this feature! I add my detergent once and hit start. BOOM! **I do have to add fabric softener, if I want to**
Ok – let’s get to it then.
1 – Run a “clean” cycle with bleach only
This will remove any reside from the HE laundry detergent. If your washer doesn’t have a “clean” cycle, chose the hottest, largest load setting you have.
2 – Wipe the gaskets
This can be gross, but it is necessary. I have dogs so there is always dog hair in this area. Peel the gasket back from the drum and wipe with a bleach and water combo.
3 – Wipe the door
Often neglected, the door can harbor all sorts of residue. Use the bleach water to wipe the door and the seals surrounding it.
4 – Remove the detergent drawer
Most front loaders have removable detergent drawers. Once you remove this drawer – the real work begins.
5 – Wash the drawer contents
Warm water and mild soap (like Dawn) will do the trick. If it looks like mine did, you might want to use bleach water. Using the scrub side of a sponge, get the detergent reside and mold/mildew out of there. I used a toothbrush in certain areas. There are little nooks and crannies everywhere!
6 – Scrub the inside of the detergent drawer
This is disgusting. No matter what I do, it ends up like this. I have to clean this area every few months. I used a sponge and toothbrush to scrub the little pieces of the inside. It only took me about 10 minutes to do this part.
7 – Let everything air dry
This is important because putting the pieces back in wet just adds to the current problem. How is mildew and mold grown??? Right….wetness….see how this works.
8 – Put everything back
When you get all the pieces back in, make sure you run an empty load. It will get all the yuck left over out of the drum. I ran two empty loads just to be sure I didn’t have any bleach left over.
Wanna see before and afters!!?!??
Now – here is the secret to keeping it relatively gross free…leave the detergent drawer and drum door open when not in use.
I use Real Simple’s washing machine cleaner with every new laundry session. Simply spray the drum, let it sit for 30 minutes, then start your first load. I have had zero issues with smelly clothes since I started using this stuff!
Unless I leave the clothes in the washer too long…oops….If I do that, I wash the load again with vinegar. I pour the vinegar in the bleach area of the detergent drawer. Mix it with laundry soap and the load is so fresh and so clean-clean.
After all that cleaning, I still have to wash clothes….BORING! Read here to see how I making washing, drying, and folding a science.
Do you have a front loading or top loading washer? Which is better……really????
Happy Cleaning,
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