Front loading washing machines have great qualities. As with any other appliance though they do require care on ocassion in order to keep them functioning smoothly. One important part of maintenance is cleanliness and the prevention of odors.
The following are tips on how to keep a front load washing machine clean and odor free.
1. Use only the recommended amount of detergent or less to each load of laundry. Adding extra detergent to dirty clothes will not make them any cleaner. What it will do is clog up the dispensers and possibly the machine's hoses.
2. Leave the door to the washing machine open when not in use. If kept closed moisture will be unable to escape.
3. Rub a cloth inside the machine after finishing laundry for the day. Also dab a cloth under the rubber seal in the door to collect water which can build up after each wash. At least once a week use a solution of equal parts water and vinegar.
Use this to clean the inside of the machine including the glass and under the rubber seal.
4. Clean the soap dispenser. Detergent can build up overtime leading to residue build up.
5. Use vinegar instead of fabric softener. Vinegar will not only leave laundry soft and smelling clean but will also help to kill bacteria and prevent odors.
6. If you normally use the washing machine on cold water settings try to do a load on the hot setting from time to time. Because these machines use less water, cold water is not efficient enough to clear out the soap that may collect in the hoses.
Hope you find these tips helpful!
6. If you normally use the washing machine on cold water settings try to do a load on the hot setting from time to time. Because these machines use less water, cold water is not efficient enough to clear out the soap that may collect in the hoses.
Hope you find these tips helpful!
19 Comments
We are going to need to buy a new washer soon and I'm really trying to avoid a front loader. I have 9 kids and tons of laundry and don't want to have to worry about links or smells.
ReplyDeleteWonderful tips! My front end loader is awesome but it does not smell the best at times! Visiting from FB BLOG opps
ReplyDeleteThose are some great tips. Makes sense with the extra soap clogging up the machine.
ReplyDeleteMichelle F.
Hmm never thought of using vinegar in with the clothes. Don't really want to smell like a pickle though LOL
ReplyDeleteI do leave the washer door opened so it can dry out, but it still smells... so maybe I'll try the vinegar and run it in hot water.
These are some great tips! My dream is to have a front load washer some day. I think that may be next on my "to save for" list.
ReplyDeleteI hate smelly washers because they create smelly clothes. I use vinegar a lot because it gets the smell out of my boys clothes. Never though of it helping to clean the odor out of the washer.
ReplyDeleteThose are great tips. I haven't had mine for long, so that was really helpful!
ReplyDeleteThese are all good tips. I've heard the rumors about odors and was curious as to how that could be prevented.
ReplyDeleteI do all of those things too because I don't want my front loader to stink. My husband read the manual and found that there were two areas that could open on the machine too and he found some pennies and gunk in there so just as added idea. I use vinegar in every load and the for the comment above, everything smells clean and fresh and never smell the vinegar even before they are dried. I also do a prewash when my stuff is really dirty because it doesn't seem to beat up the fabric as much as the top loader with the center post did. It helps a lot with the cleanliness and I have never had to clean the detergent spot out :) I also bought the cleaner made for the front loader but I don't think that it did anything that the vinegar didn't do so I don't get it anymore.
ReplyDeleteThanks, was just thinking about this, ha-ha!
ReplyDelete:) Danica
Great tips! We have a front loading washer and I do sometimes notice an odor.
ReplyDeletewonderful tips. Yes we should take care of our home appliances so they will last for years.
ReplyDeleteThese tips are very helpful! I'm going to need to go and check the seal on mine. I haven't cleaned it since I bought it about 2 years ago.... uh oh.....
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I use these on my front loader and I have never had a problem.
ReplyDeleteI'm always impressed when I learn new ways to use vinegar. I like your tips and will try them if I ever get a front loader.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips-- I have a front loader! thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips...thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I have a front loader machine and I try to do all the above monthly.
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