Banish Mold from Your Front-Load Washer: A Fun and Easy Guide

Why do Front-Load Washing Machines Get Moldy?

Front-load washers have become incredibly popular, but their design makes them more susceptible to mold. Their doors need a watertight seal to prevent leaks, and the rubber gasket used for sealing becomes an ideal hiding place for mold and mildew.

In contrast, top-load washers have loose-fitting metal doors that don’t seal tightly, allowing the drum to dry out quickly between loads. That’s why mold isn’t as common in top-load machines.

To make matters worse, our laundry habits contribute to the problem. Soapy suds and liquid fabric softeners leave behind residues that invite mold colonies to thrive. Even energy-saving cold water cycles and eco-friendly detergents aren’t enough to banish established mold. Enjoy these Front-load washer cleaning tips.

Tips to Clean Front-Load Washer Mold Bid adieu to mold, mildew, and unpleasant smells with these simple steps:

1. Wipe the gasket: Spray a rag with mildew cleaner and wipe the gasket thoroughly, reaching behind it as well.
2. Scrub the dispensers: Remove the slide-out detergent dispensers and clean them with soap and water. If they don’t slide out entirely, wipe them as thoroughly as possible.
3. Choose the “sanitize” cycle: Look for a “sanitize” cycle on your washer’s settings. Run this empty wash to clean the drum, and add a cup of bleach, a cup of baking soda, half a cup of enzymatic dishwasher detergent, or a residue-busting washer pellet for an extra boost.
4. Call a professional: If your washer still smells after trying these tips, hire an appliance repair technician to disassemble the machine and clean behind the drum.

How to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Front-Load Washer

Front-load washers may require a bit more maintenance than their top-load counterparts, but with some preventive measures, you can keep mold growth under control:

1. Keep the drum dry: Leave the front-load door ajar without fully opening it when not in use. Remove clothing promptly after each cycle and wipe down the gasket to help the drum dry out.
2. Opt for high-efficiency detergent: Front-load washers are considered high-efficiency (HE) machines. Choose HE-designated detergent to reduce suds and experiment with using less soap to minimize residue buildup.
3. Skip liquid fabric softener: To minimize residue that attracts mold, ditch the fabric softener. Use dryer sheets or dryer balls in the dryer to keep your clothes soft instead.
4. Use bleach occasionally: Once a month, run a hot water cycle with bleach. You can do this with an empty load or add sturdy work towels, outdoor fabrics, or muddy gardening clothes.