6 Steps to Clean Front Load Washing Machines


Don’t let scum build up in your washing machines. Follow these simple steps to clean your washers.
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Does your laundry room smell musty? If so, it could be coming from your washing machine. If not properly maintained, front-loader washers can harbor mildew and gunk, which creates a stinky smell that may attach to your seemingly clean clothes. 

Unfortunately, it’s not just the smell that stinks about this situation. Mold spores on clothing can lead to respiratory issues or allergy symptoms to those who might be susceptible. 

Your washer is designed to wash dirty clothes, but it can’t wash itself. Did you know it’s recommended that you clean your washer once a month? Did you know that you need to clean your washer’s filter every four months? 

Luckily, you can both deep clean and regularly maintain your washing machine quite simply. The best part is that you are likely to have already most of the items you’ll need for this task right at home.

What You Will Need

  • Microfiber cloth
  • White distilled vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Multi-purpose cleaner
  • Bleach
  • A scrub brush
  • A medium-sized bowl. 

How to Clean Your Washing Machine

1. Wipe It Down

Use a damp microfiber cloth with the multi-purpose cleaner to remove any dust or detergent from the outside of your machine. Keeping the outside of your machine clean will keep it looking as good as new!

2. Remove and Clean Detergent Compartments

The slide-out compartments where you pour in your laundry additives are removable. Slide the detergent tray completely out of your machine. You may see that they are full of detergent and fabric softener residue. This sticky combination creates a common area that is likely to form mildew.

Once removed, you can use the scrub brush and cleaning solution of your choice to remove any soap scum or mold from the containers. 

You will also want to use a cloth to wipe out the inside of the washer where you removed the compartments. Wipe to dry all the parts thoroughly or let them air dry before placing them back into the machine.  

A woman preparing the settings and detergents before using washing machine.

3. Remove and Scrub Filter

Some people are shocked to learn that their washer has a removable filter that needs cleaning at least once every four months. This filter is typically located on the front of your machine, close to the floor. If you aren’t sure where it’s hidden, you can look it up in the owner’s manual.

Start by removing the cover from the filter compartment. Get a medium-sized bowl ready to catch the water that you are going to drain from the hose. Remove the small drain hose and twist off the cap while holding it over the bowl. Allow the hose to drain completely. This is typically around a cup or so of water. Once drained, replace the cap and snap the hose back into place. 

Now, you can unscrew the filter and remove it. Once out, you will likely find that the filter is covered in soap scum, hair, and mold. There may even be a lost coin in there! Take the filter to the sink and scrub it well with the scrub brush and cleaning solution. 

Once the filter is thoroughly scrubbed, you can return it to the filter compartment. Wipe out the compartment to ensure you don’t leave any spilled water behind. 

A woman sorting through her dirty laundry.

4. Wipe Down the Drum

Now that the outside of your washer is back in tip-top shape, you are ready to clean the inside. 

Use a microfiber cloth with white distilled vinegar to scrub the inside of the empty drum. Pay close attention to any crevices and around the door. 

A hand wiping the dirt of a dry washing machine drum.

5. Clean the Gasket

This is probably the most important step. Because it’s hidden from your everyday view, it’s often the most overlooked. 

Front load washers are known to collect all sorts of gross residue inside the front gasket. Detergent scum, hair, dirt, and moisture collect here and become stagnant, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew.  

To solve this issue, you will need to pull open the gasket around the front of the washer and clean inside of it. Start with a microfiber cloth and diluted vinegar. If you find that mold and mildew are persistent, even with frequent wipe downs, you may opt to try bleach instead. Just be aware that chemicals could wear down your gasket over time, so dilute them when possible and always make sure to rinse and dry the gasket out completely after you scrub.  

A person holding a water spray and clean cloth.

6. Run a Clean Cycle

After you have manually scrubbed all the parts of your machine inside and out, it’s time for one final step to help freshen it up: the clean cycle!

Place two cups of baking soda into the empty drum and one cup of white vinegar into your machine’s detergent dispenser. Next, run a cleaning cycle or a hot water washing cycle. 

The baking soda will help disinfect and remove any odors in your machine and loosen any caked-on residue. 

The vinegar will clear out the detergent lines and help to thoroughly rinse the drum while also sanitizing. 

A woman pouring a liquid detergent into the washing machine dispenser.

You may have been horrified to learn that you are supposed to clean certain parts of your washing machine manually, but as you can see, it’s pretty simple! With simple items you already have around the house and these easy instructions, that musty smell is sure to go away and leave your clothes smelling fresh again!

Sarah Wolfenstein
Sarah Wolfenstein is a mother of three and is skilled at DIY projects, design, and cleaning and organization. She never accepts a mediocre job - she is always challenging herself to make things appear better than even professionals with many years of training. Sarah has always strived for perfection in all her projects. She is also very active on Pinterest , where she posts tutorials, ideas, and home decorating tips that are simple enough to even be done at home by anyone with a moderate amount of experience doing basic DIYs.
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