How To Clean A Front Load Washer With Mold

Sep 13, 2016 · Modified: Jun 3, 2021 by · This post may contain affiliate links ·

collage of how to clean a front load washing machine

Front-load washing machines can easily build up mold and mildew inside, especially in the rubber seals. Learn how to sanitize and clean a front load washer the easy way with this step by step tutorial!

One of my most visited cleaning posts is this one on how to clean a top load washing machine. I'm often asked how to clean a front load washing machine but up until our recent move to England we had never had one so I had no chance to try various methods and report back on the best way. Luckily (or unluckily depending on how you look at it) I was given the chance to clean our machine as soon as we arrived-look at the condition I found it in!

Front Load Washing Machine seal with mold

Gross right? It's SO important to clean your washing machine!! Not only were our clothes being rinsed with dirty, moldy water but my husband and sons are allergic to mold and were wearing clothes being washed in it!

Active Time 20 minutes

Additional Time 3 hours

Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Materials

bleach
vinegar
white towels or old t-shirts
rubber gloves

Instructions

Clean the washer seal: If you have stubborn mold in the washer seal, put on rubber gloves and soak towels or old white t-shirts in bleach and tuck into the seal. Allow to sit for one hour before proceeding to the next step.
Wipe the seal of the washer out with the towels (hands in rubber gloves of course) and then throw the towels into the wash basin.
Clean the basin with bleach: Add 2 cups of bleach to the detergent tray and run on the cleaning cycle. If you don't have a cleaning cycle option, run on the longest, hottest cleaning cycle.
Clean the basin with vinegar: Add 2 cups of vinegar to the detergent tray and run again on the cleaning cycle or hottest cycle available.
Rinse the basin: Run one last cycle with just water, no added bleach, vinegar, or detergent.
Clean the detergent tray: Remove and disassemble the detergent tray if possible and soak in warm soapy water for 10 minutes. Wipe out with a rag or sponge, then rinse and dry before returning to the washer.
Clean the exterior: Use a damp cloth or your favorite cleaner to wipe down the exterior of the washer.

Need help keeping track of your cleaning? Try this:

Cleaning Checklist Bundle

white towels in front load washer gasket

How to Clean a Front Load Washing Machine, including how to remove and prevent mold build up inside the gaskets. Great cleaning tips!

How to Prevent Mold in Front Load Washing Machine

Your machine should be sparkling! To prevent future mold buildup you can take a few steps every time you use it:

take clothes out of the washer as soon as possible after they are done washing
leave the machine door and detergent tray open after washing
get in the habit of checking the gasket after you run a cycle and wiping it out with a spare towel (I often find treasures like legos and coins in mine!)

You might also like these cleaning tips:

How to Clean Your Dryer
How to Clean and Prevent Fingerprints on Stainless Steel
How to Clean Oven Glass
How to Clean a Top Load Washing Machine

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