It’s easier than you think to keep your front load machine clean! Today’s tip is showing us how to keep our front load machines clean without using harsh chemicals. In our quest to be frugal along with the desire to remove as many harsh chemicals from our home as possible, we searched high and low and found a few ways to take care of a common household problem.
First, you need to understand what makes the washer smell. Unlike top loader washing machines, front loaders don't drain completely every time a load of laundry is done. Think of a soda can. If you poke a hole in the bottom, and let it drain out, it will all drain out--like a top loader does. But if you turn it on its side and poke a hole there, there will be a bit left over in the can. Sort of like a front loader.
Whenever possible, *leave the door open. This allows moisture to escape. After a wash, the tub is warm and wet: allowing mold and mildew to grow. When you close the door you are just letting the water go further down the tub and sit. Leaving the door open will allow it to evaporate, and, at the same time, allow fresh air in.
When you are done with that days loads, run a cloth over the inside of the washer. I keep a bin of old cut up towels in the laundry room (I keep one under the kitchen sink as well) for easy clean ups. I use one of these to wipe down the glass on the inside of the door. Don't forget to peel back the rubber door seal and clean in there.
A major task, I also clean the drain pump filter. The drain pump filter gets filled up with stinky water, as well as whatever was left in pockets. The old water that never drained sits in here, with those other items. Your drain pump filter is usually located at the front bottom of the washer. I just open my drain plug, place a hose near the drain pump and into a bucket to empty. This water is heavy and flows fast, you need to be ready.
A major task, I also clean the drain pump filter. The drain pump filter gets filled up with stinky water, as well as whatever was left in pockets. The old water that never drained sits in here, with those other items. Your drain pump filter is usually located at the front bottom of the washer. I just open my drain plug, place a hose near the drain pump and into a bucket to empty. This water is heavy and flows fast, you need to be ready.
I also will run the machine empty (of clothes) with bleach and run it, remember empty, on its hottest cycle. Then, to be sure that the bleach is out, I run it again empty with it's plain water. I am paranoid of bleaching the next load. Then, when all this is done, remember your new step to wipe the tub down and *leave the door open.
*Leaving the washer open is dangerous for kids and small pets. Be careful.
