Clothes Washing Machine Maintenance

Front loading washing machines are fairly commonplace now because of their efficiency when it comes to water and energy use. Additionally, they can often hold more laundry, allowing them to do bigger loads than traditional laundry machines.

Front loading washing machines are fairly commonplace now because of their efficiency when it comes to water and energy use.  Additionally, they can often hold more laundry, allowing them to do bigger loads than traditional laundry machines.  For all of these reasons, many people have chosen to purchase a front loading washing machines.  But, front loading washing machines need maintenance, just like any other washing machine.  In addition to normal maintenance needs, front loading washing machines also have a reputation for accumulating mold and mildew, which also leads to a very bad smell.  But, you do not have to be one of the many that have encountered that problem.   By following some basic maintenance tips, you can help your washing machine run efficiently and avoid that awful mold smell.

Use the Right Detergent

• Front loading washing machines are designed to only take energy efficient laundry detergent, labeled as HE Laundry Detergent.  HE laundry detergent is sold right next to traditional laundry detergent so beware of purchasing the wrong laundry detergent and accidentally using it in your front loading washing machine.  Traditional laundry detergent produces more suds which can build up in the drum of your washing machine and lead to mold over time.  Additionally, it could actually cause mechanical problems in your machine if you regularly use the wrong detergent.

Remove Clothes Immediately

• We have all been there, we start a load of laundry, the machine cleans the clothes and then we accidentally forget to switch the laundry from the washer to the dryer.  Letting damp clothes sit in the laundry machine will keep water sitting in the machine and will lead to an inevitable mildew smell.

Keep the Door Open

• Just like leaving wet clothes in the machine will to a mildew smell, so will closing the door right after you pull wet clothes out.  Leave the door open to the machine and allow the inside of the machine to air dry so that you can avoid mold and mildew from accumulating.

Check the Hoses

• On the backside of your washing machine is a hose attached from the wall to the machine and it is important to ensure that the hose does not have any kinks or bends in it.  If the washing machine hose has a bend and forms a leak, you could possibly flood your home.

Keep It Level

• Washing machines move around a lot when spinning clothes and doing the work necessary to get clothes clean.  Get out your level, set it on top of the machine and check to make sure that the machine is still level.  Many machines have adjustable legs or ways of keeping yoru machine level so that it does not rock back and forth and cause damage to your machine and home.

Clean the Door Seals

• The seals around the door of your front loading machine need to be cleaned regularly (once per month is ideal) because the flap on the seal frequently accumulates water, grime and debris (such as hair) and becomes moldy and smelly.

Clean and Deodorize

• Every few months it is a good idea to run your machine with hot water and some white vinegar to properly clean and deodorize your machine.  It will help get all parts of your drum clean and after you can wipe down the inside of the drum with a dry towel.