How To Clean a Front Load Washer and Stop the Smell

There’s a particular kind of frustration in taking freshly washed laundry out of the machine only to find it smells musty. Your clothes went in dirty. They came out squeaky clean. So why do they smell worse?

Almost always the answer is the washer itself. Front loading washers are efficient, gentle on clothes and use less water than top-loading machines. But the same sealed design that makes them effective also creates the conditions for mold and mildew to grow if the machine is not properly maintained.

In this guide we’ll show you exactly how to clean a front load washer, how to get rid of the smell and how to keep it from coming back.

Table of Contents

1. Why Front Load Washers Develop Odors

2. How to Clean a Front Load Washer Step by Step

3. How to Prevent Front Load Washer Smell

4. Maintenance Schedule to Keep Your Washer Fresh

5. Why Choose Varouj for Your Front Load Washer

6. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why Front Load Washers Develop Odors

During the wash cycle, front-load washers seal tight to build pressure and tumble clothes. That tight seal, especially around the rubber door gasket, traps moisture after the cycle ends. That moisture has nowhere to go, and that becomes the environment mold and mildew need to grow.

Several factors make the problem worse:

• Using too much detergent: Excess detergent won’t rinse away completely and can leave residue behind in the drum and gasket. Over time, that residue fuels mold growth.
• Using non-HE detergent: Front-load washers need high-efficiency (HE) detergent. The regular detergent makes too many suds for the machine to rinse out completely.
• Leaving the door closed after washing: A closed door never lets the moisture and heat escape from the drum. This is one of the most preventable causes of front load washer smell.
• Infrequent drum cleaning: In case you leave the drum, gasket and detergent uncleaned, that to regularly, you are calling soap scum, lint and residue in your machine.
• Leave the door open after every wash: Even if the door is slightly open, it makes enough room for air to circulate allowing the moisture to escape.
• Use the correct detergent and amount: Always use HE-rated detergent and follow the dosage on the packaging. More detergent does not mean cleaner clothes. It means more residue.
• Remove laundry promptly: Leaving wet clothes in the drum for extended periods contributes to odor. Transfer to the dryer or hang to dry as soon as the cycle finishes.
• Wipe the gasket regularly: A quick wipe after each wash takes less than a minute and prevents mold from taking hold in the gasket folds.
• Run a cleaning cycle monthly: Both the LG WM3400CW and Whirlpool WFW6605MC have dedicated drum cleaning programmes. Using them once a month keeps buildup under control before it becomes a problem.
• Peace of mind with every purchase: Every front load washer comes with a warranty and full authorized dealer support.
• Knowledgeable, experienced staff: The team at Varouj has the expertise to help you choose the right machine for your household and answer any questions before and after purchase.
• Over 33 years serving customers: Varouj has been providing customers with all their appliance needs since 1989.
• Best prices on front load washers: As an authorized dealer buying direct from manufacturers, Varouj passes the savings on to you.

Understanding the cause makes the solution much more straightforward.

2. How to Clean a Front Load Washer Step by Step

A deep clean includes 4 areas: the drum, the door seal, the detergent drawer and the drain pump filter. Work through them one by one.

Step 1: Clean the Door Gasket

Pull back the rubber gasket around the door and look at the inside folds. This is the most common place for mold to gather. Wipe the entire gasket with a cloth dampened in a mixture of warm water and white vinegar or a commercial washer cleaning solution. Watch out for the folds at the bottom, where water likes to sit.

Step 2: Clean the Detergent Drawer

Take the detergent drawer out completely. Most drawers slide straight out or have a release tab. Rinse under warm running water and scrub with a small brush to remove any built-up detergent or fabric softener residue. Let it dry completely before putting it back in.

Step 3: Run a Drum Cleaning Cycle

The majority of modern front load washing machines have a special cleaning cycle. For instance, this is the Tub Clean programme on the LG front load washer WM3400CW. The cycle on the Whirlpool WFW6605MC is called 'Clean Washer with Affresh'. Run this cycle with a commercial washer cleaner tablet or two cups of white vinegar directly into the drum. Do not add laundry at this point.

Step 4: Clean the Drain Pump Filter

The drain pump filter is accessed through a small access panel in the bottom front of the machine. When you open it, water will run out, so place a towel and shallow tray underneath. Take off the filter cap. Rinse the filter with running water. Screw the filter back in tightly.

Step 5: Wipe Down the Drum and Door Glass

After the cleaning cycle is complete, wipe the inside of the drum and the door glass with a dry cloth to remove any loose residue. Leave the door open for at least an hour to allow the drum to dry out completely.

Looking for a front load washer that is easy to maintain? Shop front load washers at Varouj →

3. How to Prevent Front Load Washer Smell

Cleaning the machine is one part of the solution. Changing a few habits is the other.

• Leave the door open after every wash: Even if the door is slightly open, it makes enough room for air to circulate allowing the moisture to escape.
• Use the correct detergent and amount: Always use HE-rated detergent and follow the dosage on the packaging. More detergent does not mean cleaner clothes. It means more residue.
• Remove laundry promptly: Leaving wet clothes in the drum for extended periods contributes to odor. Transfer to the dryer or hang to dry as soon as the cycle finishes.
• Wipe the gasket regularly: A quick wipe after each wash takes less than a minute and prevents mold from taking hold in the gasket folds.
• Run a cleaning cycle monthly: Both the LG WM3400CW and Whirlpool WFW6605MC have dedicated drum cleaning programmes. Using them once a month keeps buildup under control before it becomes a problem.

4. Maintenance Schedule to Keep Your Washer Fresh

Consistency is what keeps a front load washer smelling clean long term. Here is a simple schedule to follow:

Neither the LG WM3400CW nor the Whirlpool WFW6605MC requires any special tools or products to maintain. Both machines have been designed to make routine cleaning accessible, with cleaning cycles built into the programme selector.

5. Why Choose Varouj for Your Front Load Washer

• Peace of mind with every purchase: Every front load washer comes with a warranty and full authorized dealer support.
• Knowledgeable, experienced staff: The team at Varouj has the expertise to help you choose the right machine for your household and answer any questions before and after purchase.
• Over 33 years serving customers: Varouj has been providing customers with all their appliance needs since 1989.
• Best prices on front load washers: As an authorized dealer buying direct from manufacturers, Varouj passes the savings on to you.
  
  Ready to upgrade your laundry setup? Shop front load washers at Varouj →

6. Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my front load washer?

Weekly for the gasket, monthly for the drum. Some front load washers such as the LG front load washer WM3400CW and Whirlpool WFW6605MC have dedicated cleaning cycles built in.

What causes front load washer smell?

Trapped moisture in the door gasket, detergent residue in the drum and drawer, and leaving the door closed after a wash. Excessive or non-HE detergent will exacerbate the problem.

Can I use bleach to clean my front load washing machine?

Yes. Put a little in the bleach dispenser and run a hot cycle. Never mix bleach and vinegar. Monthly maintenance is enough with a washer tablet or white vinegar.

Why does my front load washer still smell after cleaning?

First check the drain pump filter; it's often missed. Also check gasket folds carefully, as mold there may need a second clean to clear fully.

Your next front load washer is at Varouj. Browse front load washers at Varouj →