04/15/2025
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WHAT is that smell!? It may be your front load washer. A common problem with front load washing machines. Due to the horizontal orientation of the basket, and a thick rubber gasket these machines retain a lot of moisture which is breeding ground for bacteria and odors. Here are some tips to keep your front load washing machines smelling like new!
-Leave the door and dispenser open when not in use. This will facilitate air flow through the machine. A customer of mine made a simple clamp out of foam and tape (see picture), and there are products online to accomplish this as the door naturally wants to shut.
-Run the clean wash cycle with a tub cleaning product per your manufacturer instructions. The enzymes in the product will help break down organic waste like bacteria, will also reduce suds. If you want to keep this process all natural, distilled vinegar will break down suds but does not contain the enzymes that bust bacteria.
-Run loads as they come so you are cycling the machine daily or almost daily. This will circulate out standing water that much more frequently. If you are a once-a-week laundry doer (guilty) that gives odor bacteria a week to grow inside of your machine.
-Clean the filter housing. This is not offered by every manufacturer, but if you have an access at the base of your machine, follow the instructions in the owner's manual to clean out the filter housing. This can also prolong the life of your drain pump.
-Clean the gasket. The gasket is the big rubber piece that seals your door to the wash tub. Water and debris can settle in this piece. I recommend wiping it out when you have finished laundry for the day.
If you need assistance with any of the above, call Irondequoit Appliance Repair for service at 585-281-5424!