How to remove odors and smells in a front load washer
Front load washers are prized for their efficiency and gentle cleaning, but they can sometimes develop unpleasant odors that affect laundry freshness. Learn how to identify, prevent and help eliminate pesky smells in your front load washer. From musty odors to sewage-like scents, this article covers potential causes and practical solutions to keep washers clean and clothes smelling great. Read on to discover how to tackle front load washer odors effectively and maintain a fresh-smelling laundry routine.
Why does my front load washing machine stink?
If you've noticed unpleasant smells in your front loader washing machine, you're not alone. The very design that makes front load washers efficient and gentle can also increase the chances of smells developing if not properly maintained. There are several common reasons why this can happen, but the good news is that it's usually easy to fix and even easier to avoid altogether. Here are three potential causes of a smelly front load washer:
1. Trapped items
One potential culprit behind a stinky front loader is trapped items. Small articles of clothing like socks or other debris such as lint and coins can get caught in the rubber gasket around the door. If not removed promptly, these items can trap moisture and lead to musty smells in a front load washing machine. To prevent this, make sure to check the drum and gasket after each wash and remove any trapped items.
2. Moisture retention
The rubber gasket that seals the door can accumulate water, dirt, and soap scum over time, becoming a breeding ground for mildew and bacteria. Wiping down the gasket and leaving the door open to air dry can help get rid of excess moisture. On occasion, you can also deep clean the washer’s gasket. Some washing machines are designed to help combat excess moisture with features like the Dry Drum Cycle from Whirlpool brand. Simply select the cycle once you’ve removed your laundry and a powerful fan reduces excess moisture from the drum, rubber gasket and door.
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3. Stagnant water and moisture
Another reason for front loader smells is stagnant water or moisture. If you leave wet clothes in the washer for too long without running a cycle or tumbling, the water can become stagnant and develop a musty smell in your front load washer and on your clothes. To avoid this, always remove your laundry promptly and leave the door slightly ajar between washes to allow for proper air circulation.
Opting for a washer that periodically tumbles clothes after they’ve finished washing can help increase airflow and reduce stagnant moisture. Features like the 12-Hour FanFresh® Option on select Whirlpool® Washers go a step further with a built-in fan that activates after the wash cycle is over, tumbling clothes for up to 12 hours.
4. Residue buildup
Over time, detergent and fabric softener residue can accumulate inside your machine, leading to odor problems. To combat this, regularly clean your front load washer, including the drum, door seal and detergent dispensers. It’s also important to use the right kind of detergent in the proper amounts. Only use HE detergent in HE washers and be careful to adjust the amount per each load.
5. Clogged pump filter
If odors remain after checking the reasons above, the issue may be a build up of lint or other debris in the washer’s pump filter. On some washer models, the pump filter can be cleaned, which should be done occasionally. Check your Owner's Manual for information on your specific model.
6. Plumbing issues
If all of the above fails to dissipate odors, or your front load washer smells like sewage, you may have a plumbing issue. It’s recommended to consult a professional to determine if you’re dealing with a clogged P-trap, vent pipe, drain or something else.
By addressing these potential issues, you can help keep your front load washing machine smelling fresh and clean. Remember to follow your appliance manufacturer's guidelines for maintenance and cleaning to ensure optimal performance. If the odor persists or you have any concerns, it's always a good idea to consult the manufacturer or a professional.
Identifying the source of odors in front-Load washers
If not properly maintained, some front load washers could develop unpleasant smells that can linger on your laundry. Different odors require different actions to remove them. Identifying the source of these odors is crucial to effectively eliminating them and keeping up with a fresh-smelling washer.
Front load washing machine smells moldy
The airtight seal on front load washers can trap moisture, creating an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth. If you notice a moldy smell in a front load washer, it's likely due to moisture that’s been trapped and stagnant for some time that has begun to develop into mold or mildew.
How to remove moldy smells in a front loader
Thankfully, moldy odors in your washer usually just require a deep clean to remove and are even easier to prevent in the first place. To help prevent odors, quickly wipe down the washer gasket and door with a dry towel after each load. Additionally, leave the door open after each use to allow for air circulation. Every 30 cycles or so, deep clean the gasket, door, and drum of your washer using a mixture of mild detergent and warm water, a washing machine cleaner, or a diluted bleach solution.
Note: Some front load washers are not compatible with bleach. Always check your manufacturer’s cleaning instructions for your model.
Front load washing machine smells musty
A musty front loader smell may be due to wet laundry that has been sitting in the washer too long. It could also be the result of detergent and other residue buildup in the washer’s interior or detergent dispensers.
How to get rid of musty front loader smells
To prevent this, promptly transfer your laundry to the dryer after each wash cycle, or select a post-wash tumbling cycle if you can’t get to it right away. If you detect a musty smell on laundry, rewash your load as soon as possible, then promptly dry it. If you primarily wash laundry with cold water, try running a hot water cycle from time to time. The hot water can help wash away residue from detergent and fabric softeners in addition to musty odors. Lastly, don’t forget to include the detergent dispenser in your periodic deep clean.
Front load washer smells like sewage
Sewage odors in front-load washers are much less common but can be due to a clogged or improperly installed drain hose, P-trap or filter.
How to fix sewage smells in your washer
Check the drain hose for any blockages or kinks, and ensure it is securely connected. If the problem persists, it's advisable to consult a professional plumber for assistance.
By identifying the type of odors in your front-load washer, you can take steps to tackle the smells at their source as well as prevent them from forming in the future. Regular cleaning, proper maintenance and good laundry practices will help keep your washer smelling its best, so you can enjoy clean and fresh clothes with every wash. Read on for some quick tips and best practices to help keep odors from returning.
6 Easy steps to prevent or eliminate odors from your front load washer
Front load washers are a convenient and efficient way to keep your clothes clean. Follow these quick tips for daily maintenance and the occasional deep cleaning to avoid or remove bad smells in your front load washer.
1. Clean the rubber gasket door seal
Quickly wipe gasket with dry towel after each wash cycle
Occasionally wipe down with warm water and mild detergent mixture
Gently scrub all crevices to remove dirt and grime
Rinse with clean water
Dry thoroughly
- If needed, deep clean with a diluted bleach solution
2. Clean the detergent dispensers
Remove dispensers from the machine
Wash in warm, soapy water
Use a small brush or toothbrush for stubborn residue
Rinse thoroughly and dry before replacing
Repeat every 30 cycles or if you notice musty smells
3. Run a clean washer cycle
Follow manufacturer's instructions for your model
Use a specialized cleaner such as affresh® Washing Machine Cleaner2
Perform roughly once a month, or every 30 wash cycles
4. Carefully measure detergent
Use only HE detergent for HE washers
Adjust amount per load size, type and soil level
Follow dosing recommendations from the manufacturer
5. Transfer wet laundry as soon as possible
Move clean loads to the dryer promptly
Select post-wash tumbling if you can’t
Rewash clothes that have become musty
6. Leave the door open after washing
Run a dehumidifier if in a humid location
Alternatively, consider a washer with a drum drying cycle
By following these simple steps, you can say goodbye to odors and smells in your front load washer. Remember to check all cleaning product and manufacturer's instructions for specific cleaning recommendations and product compatibility.
Are there any front load washers that don't smell?
Any washer can start to smell if not maintained, but some models now have features that can help combat the formation of odors. Look for washers that offer increased airflow, automatic detergent dosing, antimicrobial treatments and more to help keep odors at bay and laundry smelling great. Some of these features include:
Antimicrobial door seals
Because the door seal, or gasket, is where moisture is more likely to get trapped, antimicrobial treatments here go a long way in preventing odors. Select Whirlpool® Washers now offer antimicrobial protection on the rubber door seal which helps keep your washer fresh by preventing the growth of odor-causing bacteria and mold.
Post-wash tumbling
Another feature that helps prevent odors from forming is post-wash tumbling. After the wash cycle is complete, some front load washers can tumble the laundry periodically to prevent it from sitting stagnant and developing musty odors. This gentle tumbling action helps keep the laundry fresh until it's ready to be unloaded.
In addition to periodic tumbling, the FanFresh® Option on select Whirlpool® Front Load Washers uses a built-in fan to keep your just-washed clothes fresh until they're ready for the dryer, using less energy than you would re-washing your clothes.1
Drying cycles in your washer
One of the main causes of front load washer smells is excess moisture in the washer’s interior and gasket door seal. Some front load washers now include a special cycle to dry out your machine’s interior. The Dry Drum Cycle from Whirlpool brand uses a powerful fan to reduce excess moisture from the drum, rubber gasket and door. After you take the clothes out, close your washer door and select the Dry Drum Cycle.
Automatic detergent dosing
One sneaky culprit of front loader odor could be using too much detergent which can lead to residue build-up and foul smells. It’s also one of the easiest mistakes to make when doing laundry. Some washers now take the guesswork out of dosing by doing it for you. Load & Go™ Dispensers from Whirlpool brand store enough detergent for 20-40 loads of laundry3. Simply select your load options, then let your washing machine accurately measure just the right amount of detergent for each load and dispense it at the right time.
Clean washer cycles
Look for a front load washing machine with a cycle designed to clean the interior of your machine. This is an ultra convenient way to stay on top of detergent buildup, mineral deposits and other odor-causing residues. affresh® Washing Machine Cleaner2 is designed deep clean and help remove odor-causing residues and grime daily loads leave behind.
Shop front load washers with fresh features
Discover Whirlpool® Washers with the FreshFlow™ Vent System. Get the first fan-powered system with antimicrobial protection designed to help keep your clothes and washer fresh. It's a trio of freshness features including the Dry Drum Cycle, FanFresh® Option, and Antimicrobial rubber seal.
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1. Based on rewashing an 8 lb load on Normal cycle.
2. Based on an 8 lb load. Actual dispenser capacity varies by model.
3. affresh® brand products and the recommending brands' products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
