Are your clothes coming out of the wash less fresh than before?
Or is there a funky smell wafting from your front load washer?
Don’t blame the laundry — it’s probably time to deep clean your front load washing machine.
Regular cleaning keeps your washing machine in top shape.
Stick around and we’ll tell you how to clean a front loader washing machine!
How Often to Clean | Before Cleaning | Cleaning the Rubber Gasket | Cleaning the Interior | Cleaning the Filter and Drain Pipe | Cleaning the Exterior | Tips to Keep It Clean
What Is a Front Loader Washing Machine?
Front loader washing machines are a household favourite for their efficiency.
They open at the front and have a rubber gasket around the door to keep water sealed in.
You’ll need to bend down or crouch to put clothes into a front loader, unlike top load washers that you fill from above.
Front load washers usually have bigger drums, use less water and energy, and clean better overall – making laundry day a breeze!
Why Clean Your Front Load Washer
Over time, your front load washer can get grimy with residue from laundry detergent and fabric softener.
Mould and mildew can also grow in hidden spots — like underneath the rubber gasket — and cause a foul smell!
If left unchecked, your washer won’t work as efficiently and might not fully clean your clothes.
Excessive build-up can also stain fabrics and damage the machine.
Give your front load washer some TLC — a clean washing machine keeps your laundry fresh every time.
How Often Should You Clean Your Front Load Washer?
Deep clean your front load washer monthly, especially if you use it more than once a week.
Stick to this cleaning routine to keep your front load washer in tip-top shape:
- After every cycle: Wipe the drum and rubber gasket dry.
- Every two weeks: Clean the detergent drawer and wipe down the exterior.
- Monthly: Do a deep clean.
For routine upkeep, consider hiring a professional house cleaner to refresh your front loader, handle laundry, and tidy your home.
Before Cleaning Your Front Load Washer
Before cleaning your front load washer, always unplug it for safety.
Only plug it back in when you’re ready to run a cleaning cycle.
Be sure to empty the drum, and gather these materials to clean your front load washer:
- Baking soda (or bicarb soda)
- Distilled white vinegar
- Dish soap
- Microfibre cloths or any soft cloths
- Old, clean toothbrush
- Shallow basin
Avoid liquid chlorine bleach and other harsh cleaners as much as possible. They can corrode the washer surfaces if left on too long.
How to Clean the Rubber Seal on Your Front Load Washer
The rubber seal (or gasket) on your front load washer creates a watertight barrier between the door and the drum.
However, it can trap moisture and let mould and mildew grow.
To avoid this, wipe the rubber gasket dry after each cycle and do a deep clean once a month.
Step 1: Prepare your cleaning materials
Mix 3 parts white vinegar with 1 part water in a spray bottle.
Grab an old toothbrush, microfibre cloth, and rubber gloves (unless you want your hands smelling like vinegar!).
Step 2: Check underneath the rubber gasket
Gently pull back the folds of the rubber gasket to check underneath.
Remove any debris like buttons or coins, then wipe the underside dry with a soft cloth.
Step 3: Spray with vinegar
Spray the rubber gasket and the area underneath with your vinegar solution. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
If you see black spots, those could be mould or mildew. But don’t worry — vinegar can help remove them.
Use a toothbrush to scrub the vinegar solution into the folds, then wipe it clean with a microfibre cloth.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, then dry everything off.
Step 4: Tackle stubborn mould
If your front load washer’s rubber gasket has stubborn mould or mildew, try scrubbing it with a toothbrush dipped in diluted oxygen bleach.
You can also run a hot cycle with one cup of oxygen bleach in an empty machine to loosen the build-up before brushing.
Then run up to two regular cycles to clean out any bleach residue or smell from the washer.
Note: Avoid using products with chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite), as they can corrode the rubber seal.
How to Clean the Front Load Washer Interior
With the gasket clean, it’s time to tackle the inside of your front load washer.
Over time, the detergent tray, door, and drum can collect residue from hard water minerals, laundry dirt, and soap scum.
Note: Check the owner’s manual for specific cleaning cycles or instructions. Otherwise, these steps are perfect for general cleaning.
Step 1: Clean the detergent tray
Remove the detergent dispenser — usually at the top of the machine. Then soak it in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes or longer.
Scrub away any scaling or residue using an old toothbrush and dish soap.
Rinse and dry the dispenser, then return it.
Step 2: Clean the front load washer drum
Wipe your front load washer drum with a damp cloth to remove dirt and dust.
Sprinkle half a cup of baking soda onto the drum.
As an optional step, you can pour two cups of white vinegar into the detergent and bleach tray.
Run a hot wash cycle. Let the whole thing run fully, including the rinse cycle.
For an extra fresh finish, run a regular cycle to remove the vinegar scent and rinse out any leftover residue.
Step 3: Clean the inside of the door
Wipe the interior side of the washer door using a cloth dipped in warm, soapy water.
For tougher residue, spray the door with vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it clean.
Step 4: Let it dry
Leave the washing machine door open to let everything dry.
You can also wipe the inside with a dry cloth to speed things up.
How to Clean the Filter and Drain Pipe on Your Front Load Washer
The filter on your front load washing machine catches lint, hair, and small debris that could clog the drain pump.
Meanwhile, the drain pipe expels soapy water from the washer after each cycle.
Clean your front load washer’s filter and drain pipe monthly to ensure proper drainage.
You’ll need a shallow basin and some microfibre cloths for this.
Note: Some front load washers — particularly high-efficiency models — have a self-cleaning pump. To clean these types, just run a monthly cleaning cycle and deep clean the interior.
Step 1: Find the filter and drain pipe
The filter and drain pipe are usually right next to each other.
In most front load models, you’ll find them behind a small panel at the bottom front of the machine.
Step 2: Drain excess water into a basin
Lay out some cloths on the floor, and place a basin underneath the panel of your front load washer.
Pull off the drain pipe’s cap, and let water drain into the basin.
Brace yourself — some nasty grime could come out!
Next, unscrew the filter very slowly. Be prepared for water to spill out as you do so.
Catch it all in the basin until it stops.
Step 3: Clean the filter
Take out your front load washer filter and remove any lint or hair.
Spray the filter with vinegar then use an old toothbrush to scrub it clean.
For stubborn build-up, soak the filter in hot, soapy water for 10 minutes then scrub and rinse.
Step 4: Reassemble and test
Close the drain pipe tightly and replace the filter.
Run a quick cycle to make sure your front load washer is working properly.
How to Clean the Front Load Washer Exterior
Clean the exterior of your front loader washing machine every 2 weeks to keep it looking pristine.
You can do this while it’s running a cycle or after it’s done.
Step 1: Wipe your front load washer
Grab a dry cloth and wipe down the washer’s exterior surfaces to remove dirt and dust.
Step 2: Deep clean the front load washer exterior
Dip a cloth in warm water mixed with white vinegar or lemon juice, then use it to wipe down the washer’s surfaces.
You can also use mild dish soap and water.
For that extra sparkle, rub half a lemon over the surface — it smells great too!
Step 3: Scrub away stubborn stains
To treat stubborn stains on your washer’s exterior, mix baking soda and warm water to make a paste.
Dip an old toothbrush into the paste and scrub the stains away, especially along grooves and around knobs.
Use a damp cloth to remove the baking soda paste, then wipe everything with a clean, dry cloth to avoid water spots and streaks.
Voilà! Your washer is clean and gleaming inside and out.
Tips to Keep Your Front Loader Washing Machine Clean
Avoid a smelly washing machine and keep it fresh with regular cleaning.
Here are more tips to keep your front load washer looking and smelling its best!
Use the right amount (and type!) of detergent
Too much detergent creates extra suds that stick to the drum and rubber gasket.
Check your washer’s manual or the detergent’s label to figure out the right amount of detergent for your load size.
Also, look for high-efficiency (HE) detergents. They’re designed for front loaders and rinse out better to avoid build-up.
Remove clothes right away
Leaving wet laundry in the drum is like sending an open invite to mould and mildew.
Take your clothes out as soon as the cycle’s done to keep things fresh.
Air it out
Once you’ve emptied the washer, leave the door open to let the interior dry.
Or wipe down the interior and the rubber gasket for quicker drying.
If you’ve got curious kids or pets, make sure the laundry room is off-limits when the washer’s door is open!
FAQs About Cleaning Your Front Load Washer
Need more tips about cleaning your front load washing machine? We’ve covered the most common questions below!
What is the best way to deep clean your front load washing machine?
Use natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda to deep clean your front load washing machine. You can also use a mild dish soap.
Have an old toothbrush, a few microfibre cloths, and a shallow basin handy.
Be sure to clean these parts:
- Rubber gasket
- Drum
- Detergent tray
- Filter and drain pipe
- Exterior
Can I put vinegar and baking soda in my washing machine to clean it?
Yes! Vinegar and baking soda are natural, effective cleaners.
They can break down residue and banish odours from your front load washer.
For a deep clean, sprinkle half a cup of baking soda into the drum and add two cups of white vinegar to the detergent tray.
Then run a hot wash cycle and wipe the drum dry with a soft cloth.
Note: Some prefer mixing vinegar and baking soda, while others find them more effective individually. Feel free to experiment to see what works best!
What is the best cleaning solution for a front load washing machine?
The best cleaning solution for a front load washing machine is a mix of white vinegar and water or a baking soda paste.
These are non-toxic, eco-friendly, and effective against mould, mildew, and soap scum.
You can use commercial washing machine cleaners, but avoid those with chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite).
Instead, choose products with oxygen bleach (sodium percarbonate). It’s a bit stronger than baking soda but safer than bleach.
Always follow product instructions to protect your washer!
