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Learn why your front loader washing machine smells and how to remove odor from a front loader washing machine in this washer troubleshooting guide
An annoying and pretty common issue with front load washing machines is: It smells. Very badly.
The good news is: It was not designed to get smelly. Never!
So, what exactly is happening?
Look:
Don’t worry- there are things you should be doing to your front loader to prevent it from stinking terribly (it may smell like sewage, mold and mildew, etc.)
Even better, most of them are quite straightforward.
So below is why your front loader washing machine smells and how to remove odor from a front loader washing machine..
Why your Front loader washing machine smells
The primary reason why your front loader washing machine is having that funky smell is mold.
And that is the biggest downside of front loaders vs top loaders: Front loaders generate mold and usually end up developing a really unpleasant smell.
The most frustrating thing is clothes start smelling like it at some point!.
But why does that happen?
Well, the biggest culprit when a front load washer smells like sewage is typically the rubber seal (on the door)- that rubber thing where its door closes.
You see, many front loaders trap water in the rubber seal (when not properly maintained) and form mold so fast.
And this is our guess if your front loader washing machine smells nasty.
Which brings us to the most important section of our talk: What you should be doing (or not doing) to avoid funk finding its way under your washer’s rubber seal..
Now, the most basic maintenance that every owner of a front loader washing machine should always do to keep it from reeking is wiping out the rubber seal (door gasket) after every use!
And that is what we want you to try first.
How to clean front loader washing machine rubber seal
Please watch the YouTube video below by GE if you are not sure how to do it
(Even if your machine is not a GE, you’ll get excellent pointers on how to clean the gasket if it is often getting so gross and smelly).
Here is the thing: That’s not the only fix that works – below is what else you should try if your top loading washing machine smells like mildew.
How to get rid of smell in washing machine front loader
Here is how else you can quickly get that pungent smell out of your machine if wiping the seal does not help..
Clean it deeply
Cleaning your washing with vinegar helps avoid mold, mildew, and even soap scum growth- and that is the best prevention step if you want to prevent odors.
Watch this YouTube Video by Live Well Jess for the general steps.
Just to add, some washers feature a self-cleaning cycle that you should run once a month (or once every few months- refer to your manual).
You should run it as recommended to prevent the issue.
Another effective method when mold builds up inside is cleaning it with bleach…
Here is how to clean front load washer with bleach.
How to prevent front load washer from smelling
In this last segment, we shall share with you some tips that can help you prevent the smelly mess from occurring (which means your clothes will come out of the machine spotless and with a nice scent):
Clean the machine frequently
This is perhaps the most crucial preventive maintenance necessary for top loaders if you don’t want it to get smelly.
So run a cleaning cycle (it’s provided in most front loaders even though the steps vary depending on the model) or clean it as described earlier.
Also, be sure to rinse the door gasket after each use and you’ll be less prone to mildew/mold smell.
Yeah, we know it’s another chore but it’s really a lifesaver when it comes to front loaders.
Leave the washer door open
The door should be left open after you have used the machine to allow air so it fully air dries (mold only forms when there’s moisture).
We cannot emphasize enough how important this is- Do not ever close the door shut after washes.
And if you must close it, you have to be sure the washer is completely dried out before you do it, otherwise it will smell.
You can even pull the soap/softener drawer out (as the cavity where it goes can get moldy too) and put it in laundry tub after use.
Pro Tip: If you need something to keep your washer door open to promote proper drying, you can try this small door holder (it’s made of a strong magnet that keep the door open enough).
Stop using fabric softeners
Here is the bitter truth: Your beloved fabric softener is mildew food!
That’s because fabric softeners tend to be overly thick (most are petroleum-based and usually contain animal fat) for front loading washers so using it actually encourages mildew buildup.
So, stop using fabric softeners and try white distilled vinegar instead- it’s a great natural fabric softener.
If you want to go that route, just add vinegar –about 1/2 cup/load (depending on load size)- to your fabric softener dispenser.
That way, it will be dispensed during the rinse cycle.
Add Borax to laundry loads
If you’re worried that you might forget to clean it, adding Borax to laundry loads will virtually stop the problem of mold build-up.
Simply add 1/2 cup to each load.
Add a little commercial strength ammonia (in each wash load)
Another step that can be useful in getting rid of smells on clothes in HE front load washers is adding commercial strength ammonia (just 1-2 cups) in each load.
Ammonia is not just a super effective deodorizer but also helps kill mildew in fabrics.
Wrap up
Let’s face it: the biggest reason why your front loader machine is smelly is because you have not taken the simple preventative maintenance steps we have mentioned in this article.
In a nutshell, your front loading machine will always get moldy and start smelling like hell if you ignore steps such as leaving the door ajar and cleaning it, no matter how good its quality is.
You now know.
ALSO READ:
How to remove odor from washing machine easily
