How do I keep my front load washer from smelling?

Do you take your clothes out of the washer right away? Because I do everything that you do and I’ve never had a problem with smelly clothes.

Hi Peggy,

Yup, that is sure a smelly thing to have in your house.

What you need to do is look at where the water leaves your washer-the actual drain area. You will have to pull back the soft plastic gasket that is around the opening of the washer,this is at the bottom of the front on the body of the machine. That area is usually the cause of the smell, look and see of there is anything there that you can clean. I would suggest white vinegar with blue dawn dishsoap, you can use a rag or a soft toothbrush.

I had this problem too and that is what I did and it took care of it. Also I leave my washer door wide open as well as the slide out part where you add soap/bleach,fabric softener...be sure that is clean and air dried. Yes, this is a clunky way to have a washer in your room, but I have found this works. We had a front loader before we replaced it with this new 1 and had no problem with it, this one is a pain to have. I like the fact it saves water, but the volume of water it uses to clean and rinse clothes seems to be scant, relying on the friction of the clothes rubbing together to get clean rather than increase the water level. I guess the solution is to have a top loader where you can control the water levels and the everything else you need to, if you have the space. Our problem was space, we needed the stackable w/d.

If the smell still remains, call the manufacturer and have the make and model numbers ready so they can help you troubleshoot.

Best to you.

Are you able to leave the door open between loads? If so, you won’t have any problems. Leaving it open keeps it dry and bacteria won’t grow and smell.

Clean the gaskets with white vinegar. They are getting moldy which is why everything stinks. Pull out your owners manual or look it up on line, then wipe out after every load. If you live in a humid climate, that exacerbates the situation and you might consider a dehumidifier in your laundry room.

Hi Peggy - This is a great step-by step article on how to clean your washing machine and get the stinky smells out - regardless of whether it's HE, top or front loading. Hope this helps and happy laundry day! Hugs, Holly

https://pinkfortitude.com/clean-your-washing-machine/

PS - We have a FREE eBook with recipes for all of my homemade and all-natural cleaners. You can download it here --> https://pinkfortitude.com/thank#GreenClean

you have to use a dry rag and wipe in the gaskets and around them -I NEVEER HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ANY SMELL