How to Clean a Front Load Washing Machine Quickly & Easily

ByEmma Vanderlyn
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Front load washing machines are amazing for saving water, energy, and getting clothes extra clean. 

But if you’ve had yours for a while, you may have noticed a not-so-fresh smell, or even mold and mildew around the rubber gasket. 

That’s because these machines trap moisture in hidden areas—and without proper maintenance, they can quickly build up grime.

The good news? With the right method, you can get your front load washer sparkling clean, smelling fresh, and running efficiently again.

Table of Contents

How To Clean A Front Load Washing Machine: Step-by-Step

Here’s a complete step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Start with an Empty Machine

Before you begin, make sure there are no clothes left inside the drum. A completely empty washer ensures your cleaning cycle works effectively.

Step 2: Run a Hot Cleaning Cycle

The first step is a deep rinse to remove dirt, detergent residue, and light buildup. You have two great options:

  • White vinegar method: Add 2 cups of white vinegar into the detergent tray (you can also pour some into the bleach and fabric softener compartments).
  • Washing machine cleaner tablets: These are specially formulated, inexpensive, and easy to use.

Set your washer to:

  • Normal cycle
  • Hot water
  • Heavy or large load setting (so the drum fills fully with water)

Press start and let the washer run its full cycle. This step loosens buildup and prepares the machine for detailed cleaning.

Step 3: Detail Clean the Rubber Gasket

The gasket (the rubber seal around the door) is the most common place mold and mildew collect. Here’s how to clean it:

  • Mix a DIY cleaner:
    • 1 cup white vinegar
    • 1 cup warm water
    • 1 teaspoon Dawn dish soap
  • Spray the solution all over the gasket.
  • Use a microfiber cloth and a toothbrush to scrub inside the folds and crevices.
  • Rinse with a damp cloth and repeat until the gasket looks fresh.

👉 Pro tip: This can take some time depending on how dirty your machine is, but it’s worth the effort.

Step 4: Clean the Drain Pump Filter

Most front load washers have a small access door near the bottom. Behind it is a drain hose and filter that often collects lint, coins, hair, and detergent sludge.

  1. Place towels on the floor to catch any spills.
  2. Pull out the small drain hose and let the water drain into a shallow dish.
  3. Unscrew and remove the filter (usually counterclockwise).
  4. Rinse it thoroughly under running water.
  5. Use your vinegar cleaning mix and a toothbrush to scrub away stubborn buildup.

Once clean, reinsert the filter, tighten it, and close the access panel.

Step 5: Wash the Detergent Drawer

Detergent and fabric softener can leave sticky buildup inside the tray. To clean it:

  1. Remove the detergent drawer (most slide out after pressing a small tab).
  2. Take apart any removable inserts.
  3. Rinse everything under warm water.
  4. Spray with your vinegar mix and scrub with a toothbrush or sponge.
  5. Wipe the slot inside the washer before reinserting the drawer.

Step 6: Treat Stubborn Mold or Stains

If you notice dark stains that won’t come off with vinegar alone, try a mold and mildew gel cleaner.

  • Apply the gel directly to affected areas.
  • Spread it evenly with gloves.
  • Let it sit for 3–5 hours (or overnight for tough stains).
  • Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
  • Repeat if needed until the stains are gone.

Step 7: Final Touches & Preventative Maintenance

Now that your washer is sparkling clean, here’s how to keep it that way:

  1. Wipe the gasket after every wash to remove moisture.
  2. Leave the door open (or prop it open with a magnet) to let air circulate.
  3. Run a cleaning cycle once a month with vinegar or a cleaning tablet.

By doing these simple steps, you’ll prevent odors, mold growth, and keep your washer running like new.

How Often Should You Clean a Front Load Washing Machine?

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: “How often should I actually clean my washer?” The answer depends on how frequently you use it, but as a general rule, a monthly deep clean is the sweet spot for keeping a front load washing machine fresh and efficient.

Here’s a simple cleaning schedule to follow:

  • After Every Wash: Wipe down the rubber gasket with a dry cloth to remove moisture and lint. This small step prevents mold from developing in the folds of the seal. Leave the washer door slightly ajar to allow airflow and drying.
  • Weekly: Remove and rinse the detergent drawer under warm water. This prevents sticky detergent buildup and mold from forming inside the dispenser.
  • Monthly: Run a hot cleaning cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar or a washer cleaning tablet. Follow this by detail-cleaning the gasket, detergent drawer, and wiping the inside drum.
  • Every 2–3 Months: Clean out the drain pump filter, which often traps lint, coins, and debris. This not only keeps your washer odor-free but also ensures smooth drainage.

If you live in a humid climate, have hard water, or do laundry multiple times per week, you may need to clean more often. Conversely, for smaller households with lighter laundry loads, stretching deep cleans to every 6–8 weeks can work.

The key takeaway? Consistency is everything. Treat your washer like any other appliance that requires maintenance—clean it regularly, and it will reward you with years of odor-free, reliable performance.

Best Cleaning Products for Front Load Washers

When it comes to keeping your front load washing machine fresh and free from mold, the right cleaning products make all the difference. Luckily, you don’t need a cabinet full of specialized solutions—just a few reliable options that tackle buildup, odors, and mildew effectively.

1. White Vinegar

This natural powerhouse dissolves soap scum, neutralizes odors, and kills bacteria. Pour 2 cups directly into the detergent tray and run a hot cycle for a deep clean. It’s safe, inexpensive, and eco-friendly.

2. Baking Soda

Excellent for deodorizing, baking soda can be sprinkled directly into the drum before a hot cycle. It works especially well when paired with vinegar for a one-two punch against stubborn smells.

3. Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets

Brands like Affresh or Tide Washing Machine Cleaner are convenient, pre-measured, and formulated to break down detergent buildup and biofilm. These are great if you prefer a hands-off approach.

4. DIY Vinegar + Dish Soap Mix

A spray made with vinegar, water, and a teaspoon of Dawn dish soap is perfect for scrubbing gaskets, detergent drawers, and filters. The soap helps cut grease and detergent film.

5. Mold & Mildew Gel Cleaners

For stubborn black stains, a specialized gel cleaner is worth having. Unlike liquid sprays, gels cling to vertical surfaces, giving the solution time to penetrate and lift mildew stains.

👉 Tip: Avoid using bleach regularly, especially on stainless steel drums, as it can corrode surfaces over time. Save it only for extreme cases.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning a Washer

Cleaning a front load washing machine may seem straightforward, but certain mistakes can reduce the effectiveness of your efforts—or even damage the machine. Here are the most common errors to avoid:

1. Using Too Much Detergent

High-efficiency front load washers require much less detergent than traditional machines. Overusing soap leads to residue buildup inside the drum, gasket, and detergent drawer, creating a breeding ground for mold and odors. Always measure carefully and use HE detergent.

2. Skipping the Drain Filter

Many people clean the drum and gasket but neglect the drain pump filter. This small component collects lint, coins, and debris. If ignored, it can clog, cause odors, and affect water drainage. Regularly remove and rinse the filter to prevent problems.

3. Closing the Door Immediately After a Wash

One of the most overlooked causes of mold growth is trapping moisture inside the washer. Always leave the door slightly open after a cycle to allow air circulation and faster drying.

4. Only Cleaning Visible Areas

Mold often hides in folds of the gasket, inside the detergent drawer, and around the drain filter. Cleaning only the visible parts leaves behind hidden bacteria and mildew. Be thorough with scrubbing all nooks and crannies.

5. Using Harsh Chemicals Improperly

While bleach can be useful occasionally, overuse can damage stainless steel drums and rubber seals. Stick to natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda, or use washing machine-specific tablets for safer, effective cleaning.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning a front load washing machine may sound tedious, but once you know the steps, it’s straightforward—and the payoff is huge. A fresh-smelling washer means fresh-smelling laundry, fewer repairs, and a longer lifespan for your machine.

Commit to this routine once a month, and you’ll never have to deal with that dreaded “washer smell” again.

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