How to Clean and Maintain a Front-Loading Washing Machine
Keep your front-loading washing machine odor-free with these easy cleaning and maintenance steps.
Mold and Odors Ruin Laundry Quality
Your front-loading washing machine produces musty odors or leaves clothes less fresh due to mold and mildew buildup. X users and r/CleaningTips members often report slimy gaskets or smelly drums, especially in high-efficiency models like LG or Samsung. Neglecting maintenance risks costly repairs or poor laundry results. This guide shows you how to clean and maintain your washer in 30 minutes, ensuring fresh, clean clothes.
Assessing Washer Condition
Check the gasket, drum, and detergent drawer for black spots, slime, or odors. Run a short cycle with no clothes—does it smell? Common issues include mold in the rubber gasket, detergent residue, or clogged filters. Gather supplies: white vinegar, baking soda, microfiber cloths, and a toothbrush. Confirm your washer model (e.g., Samsung WF45T6000AW) for specific filter locations.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Step-by-Step (30 Minutes)
These steps eliminate mold and odors from your front-loading washing machine. No special tools are needed.
Step 1: Clean the Rubber Gasket (8 Minutes)
Open the door and pull back the rubber gasket. Wipe it with a microfiber cloth soaked in 1:1 white vinegar and water. Use a toothbrush for crevices. Dry thoroughly. I cleared mold from my LG washer’s gasket this way, and the smell vanished.
Step 2: Run a Cleaning Cycle (10 Minutes)
Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the drum (no clothes). Run a hot cycle (e.g., “Sanitize” or 60°C). Then, add ½ cup baking soda and run another hot cycle. X users report 80% odor reduction after this method. Open the door afterward to air dry.
Step 3: Clean Detergent Drawer and Filter (8 Minutes)
Remove the detergent drawer (check manual for release). Soak it in warm water with vinegar, scrub with a toothbrush, and dry. Locate the drain filter (bottom front panel), place a towel underneath, and unscrew it. Clear debris and rinse. Clogged filters cause 30% of odor issues, per appliance forums.
Step 4: Test and Inspect (4 Minutes)
Run a short rinse cycle and sniff for odors. Inspect the gasket and drum for remaining spots. If issues persist, repeat the vinegar cycle or check for drain hose clogs (consult manual). A clean washer should smell neutral and leave clothes fresh.
Ongoing Washer Maintenance
Run a vinegar cycle monthly and wipe the gasket weekly. Leave the door and drawer open after use to prevent mold. Use HE detergent sparingly to avoid residue. A 2025 Samsung update added self-clean alerts—enable them via Settings. For tips, search X’s #CleaningTips hashtag.
More Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
For other household cleaning challenges, see our guides on cleaning oven glass doors without streaks or removing mildew from bathroom tile grout. Explore the Cleaning & Maintenance category for more solutions.