How to Clean A Front-Loading Washing Machine

[Anonymous]

We have a four year old front-loading machine. We tend to leave the door open to let it dry between uses, and the machine has been fine until about two weeks ago. The suddenly it started smelling like a swamp and seems to be getting worse by the day. The entire laundry room stinks now, plus the smell is wafting down the hall.

We've cleaned all the filters and checked for trapped hair and lint etc. We noticed some grey mold spots on the lower half of the rubber seal that goes around the door, so we sprayed it with vinegar and Oxyclean (different days, not at the same time) and tried to scrub it off, but neither worked. Meanwhile, the smell seems to be getting worse, though we're not seeing any additional mold spots. Just the original ones..

What should we try next? Bleach? Do we run a cycle with it, or do we let it sit for awhile on the moldy areas and inside the wash area? Or both? What about Tilex or Lysol all-purpose spray cleaner? Do they work for rubber or might they actually harm it?

Or is there somewhere else we should be looking for pooling water?

Maybe it's time to call the service department to have them come out and take a look. Has this been helpful for anyone?

[Anonymous]

I use th ride washing machine cleaner once a month. It's a target. You can also try a white vinegar solution to hot water, but don't add vinegar to bleach. I have had luck getting the funky smell out with just the tide washing machine cleaner. You may need to run on extra hot a couple of cycles- meaning repeat the process.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I use th ride washing machine cleaner once a month. It's a target. You can also try a white vinegar solution to hot water, but don't add vinegar to bleach. I have had luck getting the funky smell out with just the tide washing machine cleaner. You may need to run on extra hot a couple of cycles- meaning repeat the process.

Sorry that's Tide. Darn phone

[Anonymous]

Run a hot water chlorine bleach wash (I do all my whites). Repeat if necessary until you don't smell any mold. Open the door and let the washer air out overnight. Do this once a week.

[Anonymous]

Have you tried something like this? http://www.glistencleaners.com/Washer-Cleaner-and-Deodorizer

[Anonymous]

So you haven't done regular cleaning monthly as instructed in the owner's manual? It may be too late to play catch up.

[Anonymous]

10:43 again. It also helps to keep the washer door open after every wash.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So you haven't done regular cleaning monthly as instructed in the owner's manual? It may be too late to play catch up.

No, it's not. I have successfully done the bleach wash on other people's washers that have had the moldy smell for months. You just need run about 3 loads. Keep the door open in between washes.

[Anonymous]

I read that borax works well.