A front load washer is an essential appliance in most households. However, the lingering smell caused by the build-up of mold and mildew can be quite off-putting. This smell can permeate through your clothes, leaving them with an unpleasant odor. Fortunately, there are several straightforward ways to get rid of this stubborn odor. In this article, we will give you some tips on how to clean a stinky front load washer.
Step 1: Clean the Gasket
The first step in getting rid of the stinky smell in your washing machine is to clean its gasket. Over time, the gasket accumulates dirt and detergent residue, which can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. To clean the gasket, mix equal parts of baking soda and water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste on the gasket and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Scrub with a toothbrush and wipe with a clean cloth. You can also use a commercial cleaning solution to clean the gasket.
Step 2: Clean the Drum
The next step is to clean the drum. You can use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to clean the drum. Start by adding two cups of vinegar to the detergent dispenser and running the washer on the hottest cycle. Once the cycle is complete, add half a cup of baking soda to the drum and run another hot cycle. This will help to get rid of any leftover dirt and grime in the drum. You can also use a commercial washing machine cleaner to clean the drum.
Step 3: Clean the Dispenser
The dispenser is another part of your front load washer that can collect dirt and detergent residue. To clean the dispenser, remove it from the machine and soak it in a solution of warm water and dish soap for about 15 minutes. Scrub with a toothbrush and rinse with clean water. If your dispenser is very dirty, you can also use a mixture of water and bleach to clean it. However, be sure to rinse it thoroughly before reinstalling it in the machine.
Step 4: Maintain Your Washer
Maintaining your washer is the best way to prevent the build-up of mold and mildew, which can cause the stinky smell. You can do this by leaving the washer door open after each wash to allow air to circulate and dry out the drum. You should also remove wet clothes as soon as the cycle is complete and wipe down the gasket and drum with a clean cloth. Additionally, you can run a hot cycle with vinegar once a month to keep your washer clean and smelling fresh.
Conclusion
A stinky front load washer can be a headache to deal with. However, with the tips we've outlined above, you can easily get rid of the odor and keep your washer clean and fresh. Remember to clean the gasket, drum, and dispenser regularly, and maintain your washer to prevent the build-up of mold and mildew. With these simple steps, you can enjoy using your washer without worrying about the stinky smell.
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