Have you noticed a musty smell or some buildup around the door of your front-load washer? Your nose isn’t deceiving you, and your washer is definitely in need of a deep clean. Their design is great for saving water and energy, but it also makes them more likely to trap moisture and detergent. With more attention to maintenance, you can clean your front-load washer easily and get it looking (and smelling) like brand new!
Why Front-Load Washers Need Extra Maintenance
You might be thinking: how can a washer get dirty? The whole point is that it cleans! Well, here’s the explanation. Front-load washers are efficient, but their side-door design and tight rubber gasket hold onto water and detergent more easily than top-load washers. This makes them more likely to develop mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors compared to top-load washers. For example, Whirlpool washers are often known to have a tighter gasket, making it harder to clean water out of.
The buildup of product and the potential lack of airflow cause these annoying growths to continue festering. This can affect how your clothes smell and how well the machine works. Many people even ask, “why does my front-load washer smell?” The answer almost always comes down to hidden residue and moisture that need regular cleaning. If the smell lingers even after cleaning, that’s usually a sign it’s time to call in a professional for washer repair.
Why Cleaning Your Front-Loader Alone Won’t Cut It
The tricky part is that not all buildup is easy to reach. While wiping the gasket and running cleaning cycles helps, mold can still hide even deeper inside the washer. That’s why many homeowners turn to an appliance repair professional when DIY cleaning doesn’t solve the problem. This is the best way to make sure the whole machine is fresh and safe to use.
Front-Load vs. Top-Load Washers: Differences That Make For Separate Maintenance Styles
| Feature | Front-Load Washer | Top-Load Washer |
| Door Location | Opens from the side with a tight rubber seal | Opens from the top with a looser closure |
| Water Use | Uses less water per cycle | Uses more water per cycle |
| Airflow | Limited, so moisture often gets trapped | Better airflow, dries out faster |
| Common Issues | Mold, mildew, detergent buildup, musty odors | Soap residue, occasional minor odors |
| Cleaning Frequency | Needs cleaning about once a month | Needs cleaning every 3 to 6 months |
How To Clean a Front-Load Washer
Now that you understand why front-load washers often need a little more attention, here’s how you can clean them on your own before they get worse. To clean your front-load, it does require a few more steps than with a top-loader. Here’s a complete step-by-step guide to cleaning your front-load washer:
Step 1: Run a Sanitize or Cleaning Cycle
The first order of business will make your cleaning a whole lot easier and quicker. While you still want to pay close attention to the way you clean your washer, it doesn’t hurt to get a little help from the machine itself:
- If your machine has a sanitize cycle, use it! It runs hotter than a regular wash and kills lingering bacteria.
- Add a washing machine cleaner, or make your own by pouring 2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum. Vinegar works by breaking down soap scum and killing odor-causing bacteria, so don’t worry, the vinegar smell disappears once the cycle is done!
- For extra power, sprinkle half a cup of baking soda into the drum before starting. The baking soda will neutralize odors and gently scrub away any residue that water or vinegar can’t get rid of.
- Run the cycle on the hottest setting available so that it kills any bacteria living in your drum.
Step 2: Clean the Gasket (Door Seal)
The sanitizing cycle gave you a head start, so here’s where you should start to put in your own elbow grease:
- Pull back the rubber seal around the door.
- Wipe away visible dirt, lint, and soap scum with a warm, damp cloth.
- For stubborn spots, mix equal parts vinegar and water, dip a cloth in it, and scrub.
- If you spot front-load washer mold, use a toothbrush with a paste of baking soda and water to scrub the grooves.
- Dry the gasket with a clean towel when you’re done so there’s no lingering moisture.
Step 3: Clean the Detergent Drawer
- Remove the detergent drawer (check your machine’s manual if you’re unsure how). Some older models like Miele washers don’t have removable detergent drawers so it might be harder to clean.
- Rinse it under hot water to remove detergent buildup.
- Scrub the inside compartment where the drawer slides in; this area often hides mold.
- Dry thoroughly before sliding it back in.
Step 4: Wipe Down the Drum and Door
- Once the cleaning cycle finishes, wipe the inside of the drum with a dry microfiber cloth.
- Clean the inside of the glass door to remove streaks or soap residue.
This step will make sure that you’re not cleaning counterproductively and leaving any solution or excess moisture behind.
Step 5: Clean the Drain Filter (if your washer has one)
- Locate the drain filter, usually at the bottom front of the machine behind a small panel. The filter’s job is to catch lint, coins, and small debris before they clog the pump so it might be holding some less-than-pleasant-smelling things.
- Place a shallow container or towel under it, then open it carefully. Water may spill out so keep your container or towel steady to catch any leakage.
- Remove any lint, coins, or debris.
- Rinse the filter under hot water and replace it.
If you find the filter is clogged repeatedly or water still isn’t draining properly, that’s often a sign of a bigger issue inside the machine. In that case, calling a pro is the best move to prevent further damage.
Step 6: Keep It Dry
- After every wash, leave the door cracked open to let moisture escape.
- Wipe down the gasket and drum regularly to stop mold before it starts.
A full deep clean like this should be done once a month. Lighter maintenance, like wiping the gasket and leaving the door open, should be done after every few loads. For busy households, cleaning your front-load washer can save you from more problems in the future.
Signs It’s Time for a Deeper Clean
Even with routine care, sometimes you’ll need to go further. Look for these red flags:
- Strong odors that don’t go away after cleaning
- Mold spots you can see around the gasket
- Clothes smelling less than fresh after a wash
- Standing water (water that doesn’t drain out and just sits at the bottom) in your washer that is left in the drum
If you notice any of these, DIY cleaning is probably not enough. That’s usually when a professional can step in to reach the hidden parts of the washer you can’t clean yourself.
Calling in Front-Load Washer Cleaning Backup
You can clean your front-load washer at home, but deeper issues may need expert help. If mold is spreading where you can’t reach, if the washer is making weird sounds, or if there’s water leaking around the washer door, it’s time for a certified technician at Just Call to step in. We can take apart hidden areas of the washer and restore it fully.
Front-load washers are excellent for saving water and energy, but they need more cleaning than top-load machines. Their design makes them prone to odors, residue, and mold. Having a thorough front-load washer cleaning routine can extend the life of your machine and keep your laundry smelling fresh! And if DIY steps aren’t enough, a professional can help you tackle the tough spots you can’t reach.