How To Clean Your Front Load Washer
Question: How many of you have ever thought about cleaning our appliances? Admittedly, I never did - until I got a front load washer. After using it a few months, it began to smell. All those months of cleaning nasty workout clothes and food-covered kid's clothes was taking its toll. Luckily, with a bit of cleaning, I had it back in working order in no time.
How long does it take? Depending on how dirty your washer and dryer are, it can take several hours. The most basic clean-up requires a minimum of 1 hour.
How often should you clean your washer? Basic maintenance should be done every other month for optimal performance. More in-depth cleanings should be done every six months.
How long does it take? Depending on how dirty your washer and dryer are, it can take several hours. The most basic clean-up requires a minimum of 1 hour.
How often should you clean your washer? Basic maintenance should be done every other month for optimal performance. More in-depth cleanings should be done every six months.
For basic cleaning, fill the bleach container in your detergent drawer and run the hottest cycle available. Many HE washers have a Clean Cycle. If so, use this cycle. I recommend doing this once a week/every other week depending on much you use your washer.
For those nasty, stinky washers, do the above. Once completed, mix 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup water together and pour into the detergent compartment in the detergent drawer. Next, add 2 cups of white distilled vinegar to the washer drum. Run the hottest cycle and allow the baking soda and vinegar to do it's magic.
Once finished, scrub the inside of the drum with a non-abrasive sponge (the blue ones) and clean the inside seal of the washer. The seal is where the majority of the nastiness from the front load washers come from.
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Using hot water with bleach is pointless because hot water decomposes the active ingredient in the bleach and makes it useless. http://www.info.gov.hk/info/sars/en/useofbleach.htm I will say I have had front load machines for over 7 years now and never had a problem with mold or mildew. I leave the door cracked unless the machine is in use, I soak out the detergent drawer in hot water once or twice a year, and if the gasket gets any crud on it I spray it down with a homemade vinegar cleaner and wipe clean with a rag. Wouldn't have any other kind of machine!
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Combining vinegar and baking soda, which is what you are doing as the wash cycle begins, neutralizes both the vinegar and the baking soda. You end up with a mixture that has all of the cleaning power of plain water.
Frequently asked questions
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How do you get rid of the mold and mildew?
How do you remove the filer at the bottom front to clean?
I have whirlpool front end washer and can get the detergent Door open Somehow it is Locked how do I get it unlock