How to Keep Your Front Load Washer Clean
When front load washers hit the market back around 1999 – many of them had mold issues around the front rubber boot. This caused odor issues that would transfer to fabric and if you had this happen to you, you were soured by the machine and wanted to switch back to a traditional top load washing machine. Today, front load washers are better than ever. Manufactures have done many things to rectify this issue. Now the front rubber boot (door seal) has a drain so water doesn’t sit and get stagnant. The rubber is also made of a bacterial resistant rubber to prevent this from happening.
Whirlpool and Maytag have a “Fan Fresh and Fresh Hold” feature. When the wash cycle is complete a fan turns on and tumbles the clothes every six minutes. This is a great feature if you can’t put the clothes in the dryer as soon as the cycle is finished. It keeps the wet clothes from sitting too long and actually helps facilitate the drying process in some fabrics.
Electrolux washers have a vanilla scented rubber boot.
LG has very high ratings in consumer guide reports.
GE has a 4 way dynamic venting system to turn on when you are finished doing laundry. It completely dries the inside of the machine.
Most front load washers today have a steam cycle which are certified to reduce over 95% of allergens, dust and pet dander and sanitize cycles that kill bacteria. Most also have a clean washer cycle.
If you have a machine that is starting to show signs of mold or an odor, here is what you can do to get rid of it:
- Put a 1/2 cup of Cascade dishwasher detergent in the tub with some old rags
- Put a 1/2 of bleach in the bleach dispenser.
- Select the longest, hottest washer cycle and an extra rinse
- Repeat if necessary
Other things you can do is leave the door and the dispenser drawer open when not using. Wash with hot water and bleach at least once a week to keep the machine clean. There are also washing machine cleaners you can use. Tide and Affresh are both good ones to use but I still think hot water and bleach is best. Front loader still do a better job at cleaning that top loaders. Don’t be discouraged if this has happened to you. Follow the tips provided and I am sure this won’t happen again. If you have more questions or would like to see our selection come visit us at Masters Wholesale.
