How to Clean Your Washing Machine Front Loader

Most people do not even realize that their front loader may require deep cleaning, but it’s imperative to perform this task once per month to keep things smelling fresh. Regular commercial cleaning of your front loader washing machine prevents odours and moulds from forming.

Mould and odours can be detrimental to your cleaning routine and are common in most washing machines. Knowing how and when to clean your washer is crucial to maintaining a high level of cleanliness and sanitation.

When to Clean Your Washer

We mentioned that cleaning your front-loading washing machine monthly is vital to keep things smelling clean and fresh. Even though you may not think it needs a wash, you should still do it to eliminate build-up from the machine’s internals.

By scheduling a monthly cleaning routine for your washing machine, you can prevent odours and mould from forming on the inside of the washer.

How to Clean a Front Loader Washer

Below, we discuss how to clean a front-loading washing machine and highlight the requirements for sanitation.

Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Here is what you are going to need when performing a deep clean on your front loader washing machine:

• Toothbrush
• Microfiber cloth
• Spray bottle
• Baking soda
• Distilled white vinegar

Performing the Clean

The first step is making sure that the drum is empty. You can then remove any attachments, clean the tray, and detach the detergent dispenser. Once these items are cleaned, you can put them back in their original spots.

Performing the next step requires cleaning the door glass that faces inside of the drum and the gasket around the washing area. Add one gallon of water to three-quarter cups of chlorine bleach and wipe the above surface thoroughly with this solution.

Most front-loading washing machines have a cleaning cycle, which you can use after cleaning the inside of the drum. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions as some recommend particular cleaning products when performing a cleaning cycle. 

In most cases, you can use distilled white vinegar or liquid chlorine bleach, but it is crucial to check out the most suitable products for your particular machine.

When your front-loading washing machine’s insides are cleaned, and the cleaning process is complete, you can proceed to wipe the glass door, lid, plus around the opening. You can use a soft towel or cloth during this process, and once complete, leave the door ajar so that things can dry.

How to Clean with Baking Soda and Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are natural ingredients that can clean various surfaces, including inside your front-loading washing machine. Cleaning the glass door, gasket, and soap dispenser are vital if your front loader is smelly or doesn’t have a clean cycle. 

Below are the steps to perform a basic vinegar and baking soda clean for your front-loading washing machine.

The initial step is ensuring that the drum is empty, as you don’t want the clothes to come in contact with the mixture as it may make colours run. 

Next, you can sprinkle a cup or half a cup of baking soda inside the machine. Then, one cup of purified white vinegar is added to the detergent slot to combine the two ingredients.

Lastly, run the front-loading washing machine on the hottest setting and allow the vinegar to combine with the baking soda to clean your equipment.

How to Keep Your Washing Machine Clean

There are a few simple things that you can do to help prevent mildew, mould, and smells from building up in your front-loading washing machine. When putting together a cleaning routine for your front loader, consider the following steps.

If you are complete with a load, make sure to leave the door open to dry the inside of the machine naturally — allowing air to enter the drum assists in eliminating smells and helps in the cooling process.

Once the washing cycle is over, be sure to remove any clothes as leaving them in may result in mildew and mould build-up in the material or your machine. Mildew and mould build-up are the most common bacteria that form in washing machines and can easily be wiped up with a vinegar baking soda solution.

Ensure to wipe up any moisture on the gasket, lid, and drum, which can lead to mould forming in the machine. Another often overlooked thing is using the correct amount of detergent when washing your clothes.

When you use the wrong amount of detergent, you force the washing machine to work harder than it has to and may cause an overflow of cleaning solution inside it. It also means your washing is going to be filled with more soap, and clothes may require another wash to relieve the fabric from the excess detergent.

If your washing machine is not in use, you can use a spray bottle to spritz the inside of the drum. Once you have done that, you can wipe it with a soft towel or microfiber cloth, covering the entire area. 

Using white vinegar is one of the best ways to reduce build-up, remove hard water stains, and eliminate grease effortlessly from the inside of your front-loading washing machine. Don’t forget to leave the door ajar once you have done your wipe, as it helps release the smells and build-up naturally.

It is crucial to have your washing machine serviced if you suspect something is wrong with the internals. Problems such as a leaking gasket or faulty door can hinder the performance of the equipment and lead to other issues inside the machine.

Contacting a professional washing machine repair business is crucial if you find yourself in the above situation.

Conclusion

With the information provided to you in this article, you can build a cleaning routine that keeps your washing machine and keeps it smelling fresh. Mould and mildew build-up don’t need to be a pain in the butt or hard to clean.

You can keep your front-loading washing machine in pristine condition with just the simple combination of white vinegar and baking soda. Be sure to perform cleaning once a month, and you are sure to eliminate odours and mould for the long term.

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