Keeping your front loading washer clean and smelling fresh is a snap when you follow these two simple steps.
Don't forget to clean the seal between door and the basket.
- Leave the door cracked open after every use. This allows air to circulate throughout the basket preventing mildew buildup and odors from developing. (This is especially true if you frequently use your machine.)
- As a regular maintenance routine, run your washer through its cleaning or maintenance cycle every couple of months or as recommended by the manufacturer. This is a special cycle that takes your washer through a process designed to clean the interior of your machine. (Check your user manual for instructions.) If your washer does not have this cleaning cycle or is a top loading machine, you can purchase commercial products that are specifically designed to be used to keep it clean and smelling fresh.
Don't forget to clean the seal between door and the basket.
- Open the washer and remove any clothing or items left behind. Be sure to check under the rubber seal between the door and the basket.
- Once any items are removed, inspect the rubber seal for signs of stains or mildew. Be sure to pull back the rubber seal to inspect its underside. If stains are present, wipe these areas with warm water and vinegar or with a diluted chlorine solution. (3/4 cup chlorine to 1 gallon of water.)
- If using the chlorine solution, make sure the area is ventilated and you wear protective gloves. Let the cleaning solution stand for five minutes, then wipe it down and dry it thoroughly with a dry cloth. When completed, run the machine through its cleaning maintenance cycle.
One last tip to prevent laundry room floods. Replace the water inlet hoses to your washer every five years. Replace them sooner if you see bulges, kinks or the beginning of small leaks.
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