How to Clean a Front Load Washer (The Right Way!)

The front-loading washer, ah. Water-efficient, sleek, and a little diva when it comes to upkeep.

You’re not alone if you’ve ever opened your washer and noticed an unpleasant odor. Although front-load washers are fantastic at washing clothing, if they are not properly maintained, they can also become havens for mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors.

We’ll assist you through the following:

✅ Top products and do-it-yourself ways to clean your front-loading washing machine
🧽 How to clean the rubber seal of mold (yep, we’re heading there)
🌿 Natural methods for machine deodorization
🚿 Advice for correctly cleaning the rubber front gasket

Together, we can transform that musty machine into a sparkling, fragrant powerhouse!

🚨 What Causes Front Load Washers to Become So Unclean?

Before we start cleaning, let’s examine the causes of this. Front-load washers have an efficient design, but they can readily retain moisture, particularly in the rubber gasket or door seal.

The top three culprits:

The Culprit	The Reason It’s an Issue
🦠 Mildew and Mold	Rubber seals trap moisture, making them the ideal breeding site.
🧼 Detergent Debris	Too much detergent leads to the accumulation of soap scum and muck
👚 Remaining Fabrics	Odor and residue are produced by fabric softener, hair, and lint.

The good news? Your washer can remain spotless with a little regular maintenance.

🧴 Which Item Works Best for Cleaning a Front-Loading Washer?

When it comes to cleaning supplies, you have a few choices. While some people swear by homemade mixes, others adore commercial cleaners.

🥇 Top Cleaning Products:

Use of Cleaner	Pros	For
White Vinegar	Natural, affordable, and deodorizing	Rubber seal, door, and tub
Baking Soda	Power to scrub and deodorize	Seal and drum
Peroxide of Hydrogen	Mildew/mold remover	Drawer for detergent and seal
Commercial detergent pills (e.g., Affresh)	Simple yet effective	Thorough cleaning of the inner drum
Use bleach sparingly!	Eliminates stubborn mold and disinfects	Sturdy mold on rubber sealing

⚠️ Steer clear of combining vinegar and bleach as this might produce harmful fumes!

😼 In Detail: Cleaning a Front-Loading Washer

This technique is effective regardless of how old your washer is or—for example—”well-loved.” 😊

🧽 Step 1: Clean the Rubber Door Seal (Gasket)

This is where mold prefers to hide.

Methods for Mold Removal from Rubber Seals:

To check for accumulation, lint, hair, or mold, pull back the seal.
Apply a mixture of:
- One cup of white vinegar
- Half a cup of water
- A few drops of essential oil (tea tree is excellent) are optional.
Use an old toothbrush or a microfiber towel to scrub. For tough spots, apply a paste made of baking soda and water.
Apply hydrogen peroxide or diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) to any visible mold.
After thoroughly cleaning, leave the door open to allow air to escape.

🧽 Step 2: Wash the Drum

Let’s now discuss the interior where clothing spins.

Option 1: Baking Soda + Vinegar Method

Fill the detergent dispenser with two cups of white vinegar.
Pour a half-cup of baking soda straight into the drum.
Select the longest and hottest cycle (often “tub clean” or “sanitize”) in the washing machine.

Option 2: Using a Commercial Washer Cleaner

Fill the drum with an Affresh or comparable pill.
Utilize the “clean washer” cycle.

🧽 Step 3: Clean the Detergent Dispenser

Detergent and softener residue frequently causes this drawer to get gunky.

How-To:

If removing the tray is difficult, consult your handbook.
Soak it in vinegar and hot, soapy water.
Clean nooks and crannies with a toothbrush.
Rinse, pat dry, and replace.

🧽 Step 4: Clean the Outside

Show the outside world some love:

Use a gentle cloth and vinegar-water spray or all-purpose cleanser.
Clean the door, the control panel, and the space around it.
For that renewed gleam, pat dry with a microfiber towel ✨

🌿 How Your Front Load Washer Can Be Deodorized

Do you still smell something funky? Try one of these suggestions for natural deodorizing:

Once a month, run an empty hot cycle with vinegar.
Before a cycle, add a few drops of lavender or tea tree oil to the drum.
To absorb odors, keep a small bowl of baking soda inside or close to the washer (in between uses).
In between washes, leave the door open!

🗓️ How Frequently Should Your Front Load Washer Be Cleaned?

Task	Frequency
Clean the rubber seal	Every week
Empty the detergent dispenser	Every month
Start the cleaning cycle	Every month
Clean the drum and seal thoroughly	Every two to three months
Use vinegar to deodorize	As needed or once a month

🔁 Bonus: Easy Maintenance Advice to Avoid Odors

A small amount of prophylaxis is quite beneficial!

✅ Do’s:

After every wash, leave the door open.
Take out the clothes as soon as possible.
Make sparing use of HE (High Efficiency) detergent.
After each wash, remove any remaining moisture from the seal.

❌ Avoid:

Avoid overtaxing the machine.
Avoid using non-HE detergent since it leads to accumulation.
Odd scents will only get worse if you ignore them!

🧼 Quick Cleaning Routine Cheat Sheet

🧽Spray the Rubber Seal (Weekly)

Use an all-purpose cleaner or a vinegar-water mix to spritz the inside of the rubber gasket.

💡 Tip: Check for hidden gunk by gently pulling back the rubber. Use a toothbrush or soft cloth for deep spots.

🧼Wipe Down Inner and Outer Drum Lip

Carefully wipe the inner edge of the drum and outer rubber lip—this area collects lint and soap residue fast.

🧠 Pro Tip: Wrap a thin cloth around a butter knife to clean hard-to-reach crevices under the seal.

🌬️Leave the Door Ajar

Always leave the washer door open after every use to let air circulate and prevent mold growth.

📌 Bonus: You can also prop the detergent tray open slightly to improve airflow.

💧Dry After Each Load

Use a soft towel or microfiber cloth to dry the seal and door glass after each cycle.

🔍 Optional: Check and wipe the detergent dispenser area if it looks damp.

🧴Monthly Drum Clean

Run a hot wash cycle with either vinegar + baking soda or a commercial cleaner tablet to refresh the drum.

📆 Set a reminder every 30 days to help keep odors at bay!