Get Rid of Front Loader Washer Stink!

While doing the laundry can be thankless, it can now be "stank"-less as well! Get your front loader smelling - and performing - like new again!
#laundry #washingmachine #frontloadwashingmachine
Do you love your front loader washer, but it gets really stinky? Don't just cover up odors - we'll show you how to eliminate them and keep the stench at bay!
There are 3 main areas in your washer where odors can start - they are all easy to access and quickly get rid of moisture where mold and bacteria can really flourish.
If you have a REALLY stinky washer now, spritz the three areas with highly diluted bleach water (a teaspoon in a standard spray bottle filled with water) before wiping them down, as well as running a complete cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar being put in the dispenser area.
If you have a method you use that has worked really well for you, share it in the comments below!

[@biddydibdab9180]

I used to have a top loading Maytag and my clothes never smelled over the 30+ years I used it. I never had to go through the hassles described in this video. Now I have a front loader and the clothes always stink. Funny that our labour saving conveniences just give us extra work.

[@petrusslaghekke485]

Just leave the door open after washes to air it out. Never fully close the door when not washing clothes.

[@americacachetona8019]

@@petrusslaghekke485 ido leave it open, but… I guessI need dry it too?

[@UsandEveryoneWeKnow]

How weird, this is the only type of washing machine that I've ever known in the UK, and none I've had ever had a bad smell. Out of interest do you use liquid or powder detergent?

[@biddydibdab9180]

@@UsandEveryoneWeKnow Liquid.

[@UsandEveryoneWeKnow]

@@biddydibdab9180 that might build up a gunk inside, I've only ever used powder myself. Who knows, a theory though.

[@galechicago325]

Our apartment has all the latest and greatest stuff. The front load washer that’s smelly. The toilets that have to be flushed 3 times. The low flow shower head that takes 28 minutes to rinse my hair. The “Nest” thermostat that turns off the heat or a/c for the entire apartment except when someone walks past the thermostat, then it turns on. The fire alarm that goes off when there is no fire, cooking or smoke. The burglar alarm that runs down “10-year” batteries every six months. Luckily we have many good maintenance men who work here! Because it takes a village to keep an apartment in good working order!

[@hansgrubber5753]

Jay, here is another good tip. When you pull the Landry detergent tray out, look at the inside with a flash light at the ceiling of the tray slot reservoir and you will find tons of mold and mildew in there. Took me about 2 hours to clean it when I first discovered it. Nobody ever bothers to look at the reservoir ceiling and they normally just look down the detergent reservoir. I used a Clorox mold and mildew shower cleaner with a long firm bristle brush due to my hand and forearm being too big to fit in the reservoir opening. Any strong household cleanser will do as well. I prefer a cleaner with bleach to help kill the stuck on mold and mildew. After cleaning my washer reservoir I ran my HE washer in a clean cycle to get rid of any cleaning chemicals that went down the reservoir.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Great tip! Thanks for the info. I looked this morning when I pulled out the drawer and there was nothing. Whew!! I'll keep checking on a regular basis from now on! Best to you, Dirt Farmer Maggie

[@lmo1131]

@@DirtFarmerJay I just checked ours. WHOA! Nasty, nasty, nasty. .. . This is not going to be fun....

[@stephenbrown7545]

@@lmo1131 You can try spray bleach and a circular brush like you use for cleaning the wheels on your car.

[@DustinBarlow8P]

Good call, I looked in mine and the mass of gunk, opened it's eyes and said it wanted my soul! Lol not really but it was a mound. Welp back to it, good luck with your Score at Nakatomi Tower!

[@angelistringfellow]

@@DustinBarlow8P 🤣🤣🤣

[@franklinkarrass5830]

These companies should supply this info in the manual, or a separate leaflet when you make the purchase. I found this extremely valuable. Thank you.

[@Telluride7324]

LG does. It says run a vinegar cycle once per month.

[@Yardieboss]

Pro tip: on every cycle do an extra rinse. After removing the laundry leave open the drum and detergent doors. The stink is usually caused by remaining detergent and/ or fabric softener below the drum. Older washing machines used more water in a cycle so the usually didn’t stink. New eco friendly machines use so little water that softeners an detergents can build up and start to stink in the machine. Greetings from Germany :)

[@5lo0odee]

I don’t know why KZbin recommended this video to me, but it might’ve been the best recommendation of the month! Thank you!

[@jmatt98]

KZbin knows you have a stinky washer

[@yosemitesam9322]

@@jmatt98 😂

[@rhollyday]

Front loaders use much less water, so they don't rinse well. This is why they require "HE" soap to rinse out easier, but even with HE detergent it still doesn't rinse out all of the soap. The residue of soap and dirt that's left behind feeds fungus and causes the stink. The residue is not just in the machine, it's in the clothes too. They stink when they get damp. Pollution laws took the phosphorus out of the consumer laundry detergents and made it much harder to rinse, even though commercial laundries still use phosphate detergent. Add the "power of phosphates" back into the detergent by adding 1 teaspoon of trisodium phosphate (TSP) to the wash tub before each load. Clothes are cleaner because all the soap and dirt rinses out completely. The washing machine doesn't stink because the phosphorus kills fungus and rinses away all the residue that acts as food for germs. For those who have tried everything else, like leaving the washer door open, special cleaning cycle with cleaning tablets, bleach, vinegar, borax, none of it really stops the smell. TSP works! Just make sure you use the real, plain old TSP in the red box, not the "phosphate-free TSP" in the green box.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Rich, thanks for the great insights. Best, DFJ

[@marzander1]

Rich do I add it in the drum , or can I put it in the soap dispenser along with the powdered detergent?

[@apAvocado]

@@marzander1 put it in the drum

[@wendywarnick1750]

I have had a high efficiency front loading washer for 25 years (an Asko) and it has never ever had a smell problem. When I got the machine I read the manual, which told me "Never leave the washer door closed when it is not in use." I followed the directions. I have cleaned the drain filter about 4 times in 25 years, and I run some vinegar through the machine (with my laundry) every once in awhile. No mold, no smell, ever. My washer has one feature that seems to be unique to the brand, and is different from any other front loaders I know about-the door seals directly to the drum and does not have a giant rubber gasket to collect moisture, hair, bacteria, and slime. Flawless operation for 25 years. #Ifeelblessed.

[@PrincessMicrowave]

What brand is that! I haaate my gasket. It is not simple to clean, it's nearly impossible to do it thoroughly

[@buca9696]

@@PrincessMicrowave to do a thorough cleaning of the gasket unfortunately you need to take the whole damn thing apart.

[@missmatt2010]

I believe this place to be the real location of most people smell problems due to the drain in the gasket

[@fr3atlast448]

I have a Bosch HE washing machine, front load. The stench coming from it was horrible! We tried everything...cleaning, air drying, vinegar, bleach...😡 nothing would last...the smell kept coming back. FINALLY!! A fellow blogger friend of mine, Dad...owned a repair shop in Canada. She saw my post about my washer stinking so asked her Dad what could be done...it was simple!! STOP USING LIQUID DETERGENTS! So, I did, and it Worked! Within a week, after using powder detergent, no...more...stink! I still leave my door cracked open after washing, also the detergent tray, but, no more smell! But, trust me...the next machine I get will be a top loader!! Old fashioned but never any stench! ♥️♥️♥️

[@princessrejoicing9097]

Did all of the suggestions for keeping the washer clean and wiped down, using a small amount of detergent, and also removing all the excess moisture.... didn’t change a thing!!! Washer still stunk! BUT... the ONE thing that finally made my washer not stink AT ALL was switching to powder laundry detergent. I think that will work for everyone still struggling with a stinky washer. Give it a try!😊

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Sharon, thanks for sharing your experience and helping get the word out! As a matter of practice, we too use only powdered detergent, in addition to making sure let the machine dry out between laundry days, and running a tub wash cycle with bleach water about every month. Thanks for taking time to write! Best, DFJ

[@Anamarie157]

@@DirtFarmerJay I agree with all these tips, I always use powder instead of thick washing liquid detergent...but people who have just switched over may need to do a few hot 90 degree washes to get rid of existing build up... It's the thick liquid detergent that is the main cause of sludge build up..

[@judyhuber5093]

We did the same thing, BIG difference.

[@Marlene-ii9zw]

Thank you, will give a try

[@BonnerBB]

This WORKED!!!! THANK YOU!!!!

[@sandymagnan8823]

We had a top loader Maytag for over 35 years that never had a single problem. Raised two kids and you know how much cloths went thru that machine . . . TONS ! All we ever did was put clothes in, put detergent in . . . . and turn it on. This top loader never ever stunk up the laundry room or the house with funky moldy rotten smells. A few months ago we made the mistake of buying a new Maytag front loader and donated the old reliable top loader to the good will store. Our new front loader starts to smell like an open sewer after a few days of not being used. We tried running it empty with a quart of bleach as a disinfectant. That worked until we ran the next load thru it and then after a few days the stink comes back. We tried leaving the door open, but then the inside light and control panel stay on continuously. Plus the open door gets in the way of people walking thru the laundry room. Don't know what to do with this machine. Maybe we will try powdered detergent. We are very disappointed with this new Maytag

[@MKD-dd6ng]

They SUCK, plain and simple. Spin the drum out as much as possible. Keeps water from sitting in there. We do it after we take our clothes out. The door should just sit up against the latch without closing. Most are magnetic. Let's some air flow in. Follow videos suggestions. I was told by an appliance guy to do it every 2 weeks. The more, the BETTER. He said keep the bottom drained, and run those cleaners in them. (Affresh tablets or the liquid bleach stuff by clorox) It's a maintenance cleaner. Anyways, good luck. If I ever find an oldschool washer again....I'm gonna jump on it and hang on with dear life!!!!!!😞🤕

[@cleme2558]

You have also changed your washing style. At least one or more loads a day compared to 1 or two a week. Just saying. I just run drain and spin cycle.

[@michaeladamcik7475]

I had top loader Maytag for 33 yrs. Now a front loader. Worse machine ever. Getting a top loader Maytag or Speedqueen.

[@orithfrankel2151]

I not only keep the door of the machine open after I’m finished using it, I unplug it easily from the wall each time, so no light remains on and there’s no current running through it in the off hours.

[@apAvocado]

@@orithfrankel2151 That's very smart! By doing that, you are preventing power surges and lightning from destroying your machine.

[@ercost60]

Thanks, you just talked me into keeping my old top loader washer going for another 20 years. Much easier than all this daily nonsense maintenance.

[@michaell6645]

This is over kill. I have same model as his, you basically just leave door open to dry after the last wash of the day, add cleaner tablets every few months.

[@michaell6645]

Also, these front loaders can do a load of towels wash and dry in about 30 min total, and 1 last min outfit in about 20.

[@Sheila-cm4jy]

Well, ercost60, you can keep it another 20 years as long as it doesn't break down and you can no longer get parts! That's what happens to old appliances - they work great until something breaks and can't be fixed! I'm nursing a GE toploader along in its 19th year and cross my fingers every time I do a load that this will not be my last and I have to shop for a new front loader! ;)

[@fishhead3333]

If you are washing daily, you will not have to do all this because mold or smell will not have time to form. When you only wash like once a week you need to do this.

[@crand20033]

@@michaell6645 True, I do that I and don't have any mold.

[@robertblakey1937]

I solved the odor problem on my front loader in 2 minutes.......I called Lowe’s and they sent out a new top loader the same day! I found that no matter how diligent you are in cleaning....you’re still going to get mold, mildewing and stinking. Nice video though!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for watching. Sorry you had such a bad experience. We've had a great experience with ours. Best to you and your top loader! DFJ

[@mariacuevas8331]

I'm so happy to hear someone that DOESN'T suggest mixing vinegar and baking soda. My faith in humanity is restored

[@mistenaelliott8307]

Why?

[@zowie8888able]

I've used that combination for easily cleaning things like greasy oven doors. I'm interested to know why not a washing machine.

[@AxlAX]

They cancel each other out, duh. Believe the science people.

[@gregsimpson621]

LG says not to use vinegar! Use bleach in the bleach dispenser and use the "tub clean" monthly. I do that monthly, along with draining the water from the reservoir and filter. And, your correct that LG recommends wiping the door glass after every wash. It also has a magnetic on the door so it stays slightly open. Good video.

[@JohnRice-qp6on]

If you push down on the blue tab in the soap dispenser, you can pull the entire drawer out. This allows complete cleaning of the dispenser and the “cave” in which it resides.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Dvr Jon - you are correct. We do that as well and in retrospect, it would have been additive to include that in the video. Thanks for your insight! Best, DFJ

[@brucetalley3798]

I remove the dispenser drawer after my last load is finished, and I leave the washer door open with a fan blowing air into the washer while my last load is in the dryer.

[@malcolmgeffon8072]

Bruce Talley how do you remove it?

[@JohnRice-qp6on]

@@malcolmgeffon8072 Go to 2:30 on the video. Look at the blue tabs inside the drawer. One is labeled "Push". Push it down, and pull the entire drawer out. When replacing, you have to insert the drawer and again, push the blue tab down, then push the drawer all the way in. Release the tab, and the drawer stays in place.

[@brucetalley3798]

@@malcolmgeffon8072 My machine is made by Whirlpool. I pull out the dispenser tray until it stops. On the top of the tray near the back there is a raised tab that prevents it from sliding out any further, but I can push the tab down (it actually has the word "PUSH" printed on the tab), and while holding it down I can continue sliding the tray forward and remove it completely from the machine. To reinstall, I simply align the tray in the slots and push it back in.

[@politicaljunkie4ever]

I always leave the door open after a load. Never had a problem. Easy peasy.

[@ron0126]

Same here. We also have a fan in the laundry room that blows air towards the washer.

[@VladTheImpalerTepesIII]

I do the same when I dump a load. :)

[@JohnHill-qo3hb]

@@VladTheImpalerTepesIII I laughed so hard now I have to get rid of a load....

[@VladTheImpalerTepesIII]

@@JohnHill-qo3hb Remember to keep the door open when you're done.

[@OneLiterPeter]

Bingo, been doing that for the last 8-10 years or so. Never a problem.

[@lauragillespie189]

Oh, my, goodness, I’ve never cleaned that little drawer - in 4 years! Now I’m scared to open it! My washer is getting CLEANED today! So much appreciate your video.

[@krissp8712]

How did it go? :)

[@len9483]

@@krissp8712 I think she died from the smell? Maybe someone should check?

[@TheNYgolfer]

A few tips from an Appliance Tech. When someone tells you how great a front load washer is, stop believing anything else that they say. No way can a front load washer clean your clothes as well as a top loader with a full agitator. If however you insist on a front loader , here are a few tips to add to the great tips given in this video to help with the stink. 1. Make sure the front loader you choose has an access door (Like the LG in this video) to allow you to clean the filter and has the little hose so you can drain all the water out of the machine. Many manufacturers bury the filter/pump assembly inside the machine with no access panel. The machine has to be taken apart to get to the filter. Crazy as it sounds , most do this. 3.Make sure the washer has a "self clean" cycle. This cycle will fill the washer with a LOT more water than normal which helps clean the tub more thoroughly. 3. Unless you use your machine daily, use that little hose to drain the machine . Yeah I know it's inconvenient , but this will leave no water in the machine that bacteria can grow in. Bacteria grows fast. Ever leave your clothes in the washer over night because you forgot to put them in the dryer , then decide to just throw them in the dryer anyway and then wonder what that stink is when you wear the clothes? That's just after 12 hours. Imagine what grows in your tub after a few days of disuse 4. STOP using fabric softener. That crap will stick to the outer tub like glue and so will dirt and scum. A nice brew for a bacteria colony . If you insist on using it , a teaspoon is all I would recommend or use fabric softener sheets in the dryer. I wouldn't use either. More chemicals on your body. 5.STOP using crazy amounts of detergent and make sure it is "He" detergent. If you see more than a VERY SLIGHT amount of soap bubbles during a wash , you are using too much. Experiment. All detergents are no the same. Tide is very concentrated and just a few tablespoons might be too much. Recommendations by the soap manufacturers are overkill since they sell more that way. Like the instructions on shampoos " apply shampoo, wash, rinse and repeat". Yeah right! 5. As many have commented already, leave the door open (fully open if possible) but also leave the dispenser drawer open. This maximizes air circulation to help dry out the washer 6. The white vinegar tip is great. Pour white vinegar into every compartment in the dispenser drawer and a cup full into the machine directly. Then run a self clean cycle . If you don't have a self clean cycle just run the longest cycle available. Do this once a month.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

TheNYgolfer - thanks for weighing in. I appreciate you sharing your experience. Sounds like you are in the industry and that carries some weight. I agree with almost everything you say. I do differ on your characterization that front loaders can't clean as well as a tub of water with an agitator in it. I'm sure you are aware that commercial laundry machines in resorts, hotels and hospitals are large versions of front loaders. The cleansing action is accomplished with a tumbling action and water/detergent being rinsed through them, rather than setting in a tub of water and being agitated. Thank you for taking to time to create your well-written thoughts and share it with our viewer family. The best to you and yours - DFJ

[@TheNYgolfer]

​@@DirtFarmerJay - Thank you for your response. I cannot speak for commercial units since I have no experience with them. I can only speak for domestic units, one of which you used in this video. I'm sure there must be a big difference in how a $800 front loader for home use works vs a $6000 commercial unit or a $20,000+ hospital unit. A home use front loader does not clean as well as a top load , full agitator unit. This is not just me talking, but hundreds of customers as well as most people commenting here and on other youtube channels regarding this topic. As one customer told me when I switched her from a front loader to a top loader then asked her a few weeks later how the new washer is doing , " Finally clean underwear". It gave me a bad mental image but it drove the point home for me..lol When you say in a top loader the clothes just "sit in a tub of water and get agitated", this is true for High Efficiency (usually Energy Star rated ) top loaders that use a wash plate instead of a full agitator. Top loaders with a full agitator and manually adjustable water levels do it differently. Unless you overload the machine , the clothes will circulate through the full tub of water , from top to bottom continuously while the agitator creates turbulence in the water. So the soapy , turbulent water , flows through the clothes, while the clothes flow through the water . They do not just sit there. Folks hold on to your "old school" top loaders as long as you can. Mine is 30 years old and has been repaired twice. If you have to buy new, get one with a full agitator and a manually adjustable water level switch so you can select a full tub of water. Unfortunately today's units are all electronically controlled so don't expect to get 30 years out of them. 5 years before they start breaking (if you're lucky) , same for the front loaders.

[@justinnimmo1651]

wow from one tech to another ---front load is better technology period end of discussion but since you seem unconvinced....ever seen a scaled up version of a top load?? CAUSE THEY DONT EXIST!! how does everyone in commercial laundry get their linens cleaned? let me tell you. FRONT LOAD!!! just because some of the appliances arent doing a good job (likely user errors) doesnt mean that the technology of washing clothes is better in an old super inefficient top... also you have water left in the hose of a top load too..but you have no way to get the water out. what is this post about? front load vs top? its not even close. Top loads were created first....thats the only thing they have going for them. 1800's -1908 it was a good run toploads, but its been front tech winning since then this isn't even close i promise you

[@bext-sq9os]

@@justinnimmo1651 yes!! coming from Britain we don’t usually have top loads and I wouldn’t really want one 😐 front loads are great 😁

[@RealDarkFilm]

I own a laundromat. It does have commercial grade, hard mount (bolted to the floor) front load washers. Other than the fact that it is classified as a front load machine, is the ONLY thing it has in common with it's domestic, HE front load washer counter parts. The difference? The commercial machines use water. You can see the water level in the door window, and furthermore I can adjust water levels. HE front load water usage is fixed. In my commercial front loaders, the clothes get washed, twice, with a pre-wash cycle, and a wash cycle, plus three deep rinses with a higher water level setting. Say whatever you gotta tell yourself to make you feel better about your purchase of a front load.

[@TheSunGoethDown]

I am just finding this video in Feb 2020. I have had my front loader for 10 years and never knew about that filter! My washer had a smell even with keeping the door open. I paused the video and went to check my filter. Ewww! It was all gunked up! I found a dime though! Thanks for this video!

[@orithfrankel2151]

🤣😆🤣🤪

[@fernarias]

Full water top loaders for the win. Cleaner clothes, longer lasting, no maintenance. I always leave the top open and it smells clean all the time. I've had my current washer and dryer since 2005 (made in the USA).

[@Detroitblue]

I have a Kenmore 70 series. circa 1991. I bought it used after a divorce when my daughter was a baby now she is 19. The first time I repaired it after a decade the transmission chuck wedge thing snapped. This is stop a gap to protect the transmission from overly heavy loads. It was then I learned about the rich history of reliability of this design. I learned about the agitator innovation and all that. There was a time in American where we made things to last and be easily repaired.

[@mpp7010]

I’ve had my front loader about 3 years, pretty happy with it, never looked under that rubber gasket until today, it was a horror show! Cleaned it out best I could.

[@Libertygal74]

We’ve owned ours for 11 years. I leave the door open 24/7. Pretty soon our clothes and towels were starting to smell NASTY. I ended up replacing the door boot seal. Better now! I will try these tips to hopefully keep it from getting so nasty again.

[@colleenovo1084]

OMG. This is so helpful. I hate the front loader in my house and the fact that is makes out clothes smell yucky is one of the biggest reasons. I've used the washing machine cleaner and it didn't help much. I think it is crazy I have to do all these things to a front loader. Never had this issue with a top loader. But I appreciate your video. Now I know how to get rid of the smell.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for watching and commenting Colleen O'Vo. Here's some tips that I think will help. 1. Run a "clean out" cycle with bleach water. 1 cup of bleach for every bucket of hot water used in the drum. 2. Never use liquid washing detergent or fabric softener as they both contain tallow which is an animal bi-product that can get into small areas in the machine and rot. Change to powdered detergent and dryer sheets. 3. After a day of laundry, be sure to drain the water out of the bottom of the drum using the drain hose that is inside the small door on the front of the machine. 4. Leave the door and detergent drawer open when the machine is not in use. Best to you, Dirt Farmer Maggie

[@fazilamzirf8887]

The first 55 seconds are you talking about the odor, showing your logo, and what someone else told you about them, then you finally start tell us how to get rid of it. I almost turned off the video, but found some great info!!!!

[@1SapphireBlue]

You did a great job explaining how to stink proof your LG washer. I just did the drain cleaning yesterday before I saw your video. One important tip, be sure to tighten the filter very tightly!! Once I did not do it tight enough. The first time I did a load my 4 year old grandson was visiting and was in our basement. He came up the stairs and asked me why it was raining in the basement. Needless to say we had a huge mess on our hands!!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad I could help! Sorry to hear of your "adventure!" Thanks for the tip! Best Regards, DFJ

[@sjws89]

I took peroxide and dumped it inside the gasket, right in the front, where the small drain hole is, to soften up the gunk accumulated there. It puddles badly in that spot because the drain hole gets thick with slime prohibiting water flowing down the hole. I took a brush to try and break up the mildew and gunk in that area, and then took canned air inserting the tube down the hole to blow any clogs loose. I blew air all over in the front gasket area to further eliminate slimy mold and mildew that was sitting there. Then, wiped it well with water and bleach and ran hot water in that area. Ran a cleaning cycle too. Took Farmers advice and wipe down the door and gasket with a cloth and will do so after the final laundry load of each day. I keep the door wide open whenever I can.

[@cathydillon2927]

sjws89 THANK YOU very MUCH . Yours is the first comment I have seen that mentions the exact problem I am seeing. Love the idea of canned air. I am SURE that my same little outlet must be terribly clogged. I discovered standing water in that area of the bottom of the big rubber gasket, at the end of the tub clean cycle using the fancy dancy oxy-cleaner. I have been struggling to figure out how to clean that tube which must be the drain. The clog is probably dog hair, in my case, and I am a bit worried about just shoving it in tighter and tighter. It seems that I need something to dissolve (or remove) the hair, rather than just packing it together until it becomes a total blockage. I will also try a small / tiny Bristle brush and perhaps a tweezers. Looks like I need bristle brushes in several sizes. Bristle brush should also work well for 'ceiling of' the soap dispenser and the " drain filter". I will try removal of whatever is gumming up the works First - and them I will try " dissolve" and as a final step push through.

[@krafty65]

I've had my old Maytag top loader washer for over 20 years, and I have NEVER done ANY maintenance to it. I mean nothing. I just wash clothes with it, and it works. The front loaders sure look pretty, but Dirt Farmer Jay did more maintenance in his washer in this video than I have done on my top loader the whole time I owned it.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

David, thanks for weighing in. I've discovered that top loaders are actually never "closed" because the lid simply sits loosely over the tub with an air gap that allows constant evaporation of moisture in the tub. Not so with a front washer it has to seal completely so as to not have water leak out during the wash cycle. So, it doesn't ventilate properly, like a top loader does, when the door is shut tight. Best Regards, DFJ

[@johnvenegas9108]

I am so happy that you took your time and went step-by-step. You made it very easy for dummies like me so I appreciate you. Thank you very much.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Love it!

[@collinanderson335]

You should always run a clean cycle on your washer as well, because the gunk you see in the filter and in the seal is all on the tub on the inside of your machine. Run once a month with a couple cups of vinegar and it will surely help with any odour issues you have.

[@dorothydavidson5144]

👍

[@karilynn3535]

Bought my first front loader 15 years ago...salesman taught me these tricks at the time of purchase....never had a stinky problem....

[@RosemaryTomlinson-Morris-wi5qb]

That’s an exceptional person to teach you those things!

[@NipkowDisk]

As others have said, leaving the door open will prevent the odor problem in the drum from occurring. I've had a Miele W4842 front-loader since 2010 and zero issues because I've always left the door ajar. Also shown in the video was a good tip on leaving the detergent dispenser at least partially out.

[@therealvirgoqueen6553]

Everytime I leave the door open I have to replace the door lock & it's getting nerve racking and expensive

[@michaelshetler2326]

Best video for explaining the routine maintenance/cleaning that should be done on a monthly basis of a front-loading washing machine. I had no clue(embarrassing to say) that the little door on the bottom front panel was a filter and drain for the gasket/bellows of the washing machine. Cleaning the gasket/bellows with a mild bleach solution and making sure that the small drain holes are not clogged with hair and sludgy debris definitely removed the mildew odor that we were experiencing. Next, I ran an empty load with just vinegar as recommended. Drying the door and gasket after each use is a good practice to do. Also, thoroughly cleaning the detergent and fabric softener dispenser helps to keep the soap buildup and scum from occurring. Ours was definitely in need of cleaning. Keeping the door open when not in use will help to dry out the drum, gasket/billows, and door. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! FYI DON"T USE OR MIX VINEGAR AND BLEACH AT THE SAME TIME AS THE COMBINATION WILL FORM A TOXIC CHLORINE GAS.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Don't be so hard on yourself Michael Shetler. The thing is that NOW you are educated and will never have to worry about washer stink in the future. Lifelong learners like you are the happiest people! I know, I'm married to one!! Best, Dirt Farmer Maggie

[@JA-jm8bk]

Vinegar added to oxygen bleach results in water, and if the solution is allowed to sit for several days, a fraction of a percent of peracetic acid, (a corrosive that can cause burns and respiratory irritation in high concentrations). So, when "bleach" is referenced, the distinction between oxygen bleach and chlorine bleach needs to be made!

[@monicas2269]

I had this problem years ago and called someone out to renew the back drainage pipe because I thought that was the smell. I used to clean out the drawer and it's surprising how much washing powder and fabric softener stays in the drawer. The technician suggested putting any cleaning powder or gel directly into the machine. I have been doing this ever since ,plus I wipe the rubber seal every time I take washing out and the machines I have had since doing this, never smell. I never leave clothes stay in the machine, they are taken out immediately the cycle ends. I don't use fabric softener any more, only when hand washing. Although the machine or pipes used to smell, this never affected my clothes, they always smelled clean and fresh.

[@InexplicableBill]

My wife and I have had front loaders for close to 12 years now. We've never had this odor problem so many complain about. One thing that might help - we always add bleach in the bleach dispenser for white loads to keep whites fresh and sanitized, a practice we started when we had messy stinky babies. We also only use white sheets and towels so that they're always sanitized. Those stinky babies grew up to be stinky boys who played many sports, so there were always smelly game and practice clothing in our house. After years of using Lestoil in our darks loads, we discovered Lysol Laundry sanitizer, a zero bleach watery blue fluid you put into the fabric softener slot in the drawer. These 2 additions (bleach for whites and Lysol for darks) to our detergent make all the difference. Oh, and you can see at 1:45 there's a grey button on the bottom of his washer door. That's a spring loaded magnetic tip door holder. It's designed to hold the door partially open after you remove your wet clothes to help the washer air out and dry. Works like a charm - just push the door almost closed and it stays ajar with the magnet. These pointers I'm giving are likely why I've never needed to waste time wiping anything down after doing laundry.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Bill - BRILLIANT! Thanks for the insights, I appreciate you contributing. The tip on the magnetic button was superb. Indeed, I had overlooked this and tried it our last night - excellent. We'll point that out in a future episode, and give you credit for it! We really like this medium because we can have these types on conversations and exchange of insights and experience. Thanks for taking time to write. Best Regards, DFJ

[@1DaTJo]

I just watched this and then went and cleaned my FL with carb soda and white vinegar at midnight. Although I always leave the door open between washes, there was definitely sludge in the door seals etc. Thank goodness I watched this - I had no clue!

[@strutman3]

Thank you -- had this washer 7 years and never cleaned or even knew about that filter! LOL. Big difference!

[@scotthamilton007]

Bet you smelled like a moldy-ass sock for six years. Now you just smell like a stinky kitchen sponge. Viva la difference!

[@kaohsiung99]

@@scotthamilton007 Tell it like it is!

[@SphereMaster001]

I just bought a 5 year old washer that the smell is caked on - were you able to get rid of the smell?

[@koopasayer5999]

@@SphereMaster001 do a cycle of bleach

[@Isabella-nh5dm]

This is a great video. Having said that I consider my purchase of a front load washer to be the worst decision I have ever made. We went on idea that energy efficiency was really important plus it had excellent results for cold water washes (which we have done for 30+ years). Our washer does not have that nice easy front bottom door to drain out and clean. The whole front of the washer must be removed to do this and gain access to the 'j trap'. This process starts with getting machine ulled out, unscrewing top panel from back panel , removing it and then completely unscrewing from panel which includes having to undo the gasket around the door. The machine is all of four years old.. it's a nightmare procedure. Last time I had repairman out he had to go through exact same process so I know I'm not inadvertently taking the hard way around. I dry the door and inner gasket. I clean the soap dispensers (taking entire unit out once a week) I cannot leave door ajar - that's an accident waiting to happen resulting in door being completely ripped off. I do use a dessicant pkg in machine to ensure best dry I can get. The gasket stained black within one month of purchase and i have tried everything the only option is to totally replace it. I would never purchase another or recommend to everyone. Had they had a top load energy efficient machine avail then I would never again purchase a front load (I live in a very rural area that fortunately has excellent water treatment facilities but not a lot in the way of appliance sales options). To take the 3 hour drive to the city and purchase a machine there is an option but no way will they deliver to us and shipping damage the minute it leaves the store has no insurance or warranty coverage. My apologies for the long 'rant'. Guess I just needed to express the problems with these machines (that others I know also experience).

[@iarpak]

We moved in to our townhome in '18 and it came with LG front loading washer/dryer stacked in the laundry "closet" on the second floor. This is our first experience with a front loading washing and I'm with you. I hate it. Constant mold/mildew on the front door seal. It works well cleaning clothes but in my opinion, it is a flawed design. Unfortunately, our laundry closet only allows stacked units so we do not have an option for a top loader, which I would do in a heart beat if I could. I would highly discourage people from buying a front loading washer.

[@ksaiter5908]

Run a cup of white vinegar through the washer, It works on dishwasher and top loaders too to disinfect and sanitize the washer. If you do not have the handy front access, than it is not meant to clean out all the time. The vinegar will sweeten and soften your laundry as well. Just a 1/4 cup in the fabric softener when you do not use another softener.

[@st3471]

Agreed. My husband bought one without telling me and it's terrible (an LG). We never close the door between cycles, clean it regularly and it still stinks and makes my clothes stink. Never had any issues with top loaders; I wanna go back to one.

[@seatime674]

@@st3471 On the contrary I had a top-loader my whole life now I love the LG front loader. You just have to tweak your thought process a little bit. You have to keep the door cracked at all times between loads it doesn't matter what you wipe clean the air will dry out all the pockets of moisture that you can't see that causes odor. Run a little vinegar in the bleach or softener dispenser with every single load I buy it by the gallon it takes out the hardness of the water you'll never need fabric softener again and keeps all the pipes clean clothes like new. Vinegar is nature's fixer.. Trust me front-loaders get clothes way cleaner because of the circulating agitation

[@apAvocado]

I suggest you wash in warm and hot water only. Cold water does not dissolve body oils and funk. Vinegar as a fabric softener will not help. Use a liquid laundry sanitizer in every single load. Add two tablespoons of oxi clean versatile powder in every load that is warm or hot water. Make sure your water heater is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit because all these front loaders add cold water to your warm and hot water selections. Use powder detergent.

[@powdermik]

I own a laundry room. We always leave the doors open and from time to time they still stink so listen to this guy .

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Michael, thanks for the endorsement. As much as ventilating the machine forestalls odor issues, unless you maintenance the machine routinely, the biological buildup and resulting "stank" will catch up. Thanks for watching our video and taking time to write! Best, DFJ

[@honeyc7771]

Oh my goodness!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! Knowledge is power indeed! I had done everything I knew to do but for some reason I never even acknowledged the little door on the front at the bottom of the washer. I cleaned it out today for the first time in three years and the smell about knocked me over. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am so glad I saw this video. God Bless you!!!!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

You are so welcome!! Glad we could help! Best, DFJ and Dirt Farmer Maggie.

[@bobc3895]

I only do one and occasionally two loads a week. Leaving the door open when the machine is not being used will solve most odor problems, the key is for the water to evaporate before anything starts to grow in it..

[@jfcustomfab]

This ☝️

[@happykt]

The most important thing to stop your front loading washing from stinking like mildew is to never close the washer door after a wash and let the whole interior dry out. Most of the time my washer door is wide open. My friend told me that 20 years ago when she had to get rid of her front loading washer because of mildew issues. Thank goodness I haven't had a problem. I also got a round dish washing brush to go carefully into the interior space of the filter area and clean that out delicately. There is still lots of gunk in the filter area even after you clean the filter and a rag doesn't go too far into that hole. The 'gunk' is wet skin cells combined with detergent, which makes mildew.

[@mdev4544]

Buying refurbished washer and dryer! The old machines out perform the new models out today. Price is soooo reasonable and they come warranted!

[@johncov]

Thanks for this information, although it is too late for us. We moved into a new home and bought a very expensive front loader. It stank and made our clothes stink even though we did try some of the techniques you describe. It lasted only a few years and died. The repair estimate ti fix it was so expensive that we junked it and bought the cheapest least computerized top loader we could find and had no further problems.

[@victorgrasscourt3382]

Two other tips: * Do not use fabric softener, but instead fill the receptacle for the final rinse with 10% white vinegar. This will help keep your machine’s inner workings clean, and your clothes are still lovely and soft. No residual vinegar smell either. Save money too. * Give your machine a good clean occasionally by placing a dishwasher tablet in the soap drawer and run empty on a hot wash.

[@05subisti]

I am glad that I found this video! My sister-in law's washer had an awful smell that made me gag! Thanks to this it is all cleaned out now. I did have to take the drain tube completely off of the filter because it was 100% plugged with sediment. Took forever to unclog it but it was worth it being fixed. Thank you!!

[@robinknight8012]

We have had a front load washer for over ten years. Just leave the frigg’n front door open so the moisture can evaporate and you will NEVER have any bad smell. It’s that simple.

[@spencerwilton5831]

Mike Studmuffin Completely unnecessary. Europe have used front loaders almost exclusively for decades. Nobody ever takes them apart for cleaning! Just run the hottest programme once a month, and keep the door ajar when not in use. Powder detergent is preferable to liquid regardless of the machine type too.

[@retiredatlast6206]

Thank you for all this information! I just watched another video which showed another interesting item to clean on the front loader gasket. I always had 2 inches of standing water at the bottom of the rubber gasket and I thought what a bad design flaw that was! I would diligently paper-towel all the water out of the base of the rubber gasket to dry it all out and leave the door open, but my machine still smelled like 15 sewer rats lived in there. My machine is 9 years old and It came with the duplex when we purchased it 3 years ago. This other video showed that there is a little hole at the base of the gasket that must be cleaned out to allow drainage. Lol! I went to check mine and couldn’t even see the small hole until I started digging! We’ll see what happens when I do all these maintenance checks.

[@retiredatlast6206]

As an update - OMG! The mold and mildew in every crevice was unbelievable! I cleaned inside the rubber gasket, pulled out the detergent tray, pulled out the lower drain area and everything was black inside and out! 😳😳😳 All were scrubbed, I ran a bleach water-only load and left door open to air dry all night. I didn’t fully close the front door in the morning and opened it again at lunchtime - just fresh clean smells!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Yay!!!

[@julieportner5470]

Jay hi there, I watched your video last night and promptly took your advice (I have a Zanussi Lindo 100, about 6 years old) for cleaning my utterly, rotten egg stinky washing machine. It worked! Thank you so much. I will do this monthly and wipe the inside of the machine and the door following every wash

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Good for you Julie Portner. Another super important part is to ditch the liquid detergent and fabric softener for powdered detergent and dryer sheets. The liquids contain tallow which is an animal fat that can get stuck in small areas inside the machine and then rot. Guess what that smells like? Something dead...because it is. Best to you Julie, Dirt Farmer Maggie

[@knighthawk86855]

Easiest way to keep front load washers stink free, make the last load everytime the whites, that way the Bleach will clean the washer, and best tip, once done leave the door partially open, so the drum and insides can dry.

[@jmcwatchdog526]

try to stay away from using bleach, it will accelerate corrosion. Use a front loader cleaner once a month. We recommend lemi Shine

[@cdnmom242]

Vinegar is a good cleaner too.

[@knighthawk86855]

@@jmcwatchdog526 last front load washer I had lasted 15 years, Bleach every white load, never rusted anything out, I sold it to my neighbor 5 years ago and he's still using it, best thing for a front load washer is to prop it open, when you are done.

[@Cal-cf2vo]

Every other month, I run the washer on Clean Mode with one Affresh tablet. If you don't have this mode, just set to Hot. It deodorizes and dissolves hard water deposits. Works great. Some stores carry it, but can also buy on-line.

[@wetrock2766]

I had a POS Maytag Neptune and it stunk like hell, plus it needed 300$ worth of repairs after the warranty had just run out (wax motor and printed circuit). After three years it had a busted drum bearing. Got fed up and bought a Miele washing machine, been nine years and works like a charm, expensive but durable.

[@Sgthawker]

@Telephassa Rose Modern detergent in the USA is no longer phosphate based (toxic to the environment). It requires water temps above 65 degrees to work properly. Cool water prevents proper water detergent mixture and less cleaning and more buildup leading to odor.

[@apAvocado]

@@Sgthawker You are correct. Cold water washes contribute to bacteria and mold buildup. Make sure your warm water is at least 95 degrees Fahrenheit in the high-efficiency cycle (preferable if it is 115 degrees Fahrenheit) and use hot water as much as you can.

[@debracarter7290]

My machine really pongs! I’ve cleaned the drawer, the filter, I dry the seals after every wash and run a 90 degree cycle with bio powder, keep the door open and it still smells. My old machine was 14 years old and I never had a problem. Just glad it’s in the utility and not in the main house. I’ll have to give the vinegar a try. Thanks for the tip!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Debra Carter, there is one thing that you haven't mentioned that may be the root cause of your issues...Do you use liquid detergent and/or liquid fabric softener? If so, this may be the culprit. Liquid detergents and softeners contain tallow which is an animal fat by-product that can gather in small quantities in small areas and then start to rot. I would recommend that you 1) do a clean out of your machine with HOT bleach water. One cup of liquid bleach to every bucket of HOT water. Run the Clean cycle. You may want to run an extra water rinse after to make sure the bleach is out of the systems. 2) Immediately change to powdered detergent and dryer sheets for softening. You can buy the cheapest powdered detergent and it will do a 100% better job than the liquids. Let me know what kind of results you get at [e-mail]. Best to you! DFM

[@debracarter7290]

@@DirtFarmerJay thank you so much for your reply! I rarely use fabric softener but I always use liquid detergent. I’ve bought some powder and have been swapping between that and the liquid as it’s a new bottle and I don’t want it to go to waste. Even doing this seems to have made a difference though so I will definitely swap as soon as the liquid is finished. (I haven’t got round to doing the bleach rinse yet but that’s on my ‘to do’ list! Life’s a bit busy at the moment, hence the late reply!) Thanks again for your help, it’s much appreciated! Kind regards, Debra.

[@roadallowance]

Vinegar is not a serious cleaning agent (but it can help on windows). It would be normally used to remove calcified deposits because vinegar is a weak acid and the deposits are alkaline. LG recommends bleach or a cleaner for the purpose. Mold and mildew, which thrive on moisture inside a washer and outside, are removed by bleach or peroxide.

[@E3ECO]

I don't do any of this (although they are good suggestions) and my front-load washer doesn't stink. The one thing I did have trouble with was using a liquid fabric softener. That caused mold to grow somewhere inaccessible and even using bleach in several cycles wouldn't kill it. I cleaned every part I could reach and it didn't make a difference. Lesson learned: Don't use liquid fabric softeners in a front-load washer.

[@lizzyliz2367]

So what kind of softener do you use? ☹️

[@E3ECO]

@@lizzyliz2367 I use those big wool balls in the dryer. Eight of them. They're not quite as good as the fabric softeners, but they're not bad.

[@aytviewer2421]

I have had the same front loading washer for 19 years now. Never had an issue with stink. I always do a white load with beach as my last load, and have always left the door open when done. Never had an issue...

[@karenmusic2166]

I have that same washer. The installation guy went over all of this with me. It is really easy to do and never had a problem. Love, love, love our washer!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for watching and writing Karen. Best to you. DFJ

[@ruthrodriguez487]

Thank you so much!!! I did exactly as you did on your video and it worked. I didn't know there was a trap at the bottom of the washer. You just saved my $800. 🙂

[@kimberlycole4447]

I bought a Electrolux front end washer and dryer about 6 years ago, I have never had a problem with bad smells. I always run the short rinse and spin cycle after the wash has completed, using white vinegar, which helps remove any traces of soap and it allows me to use 1/4 dryer sheet, that also eliminates lint buildup in the dryer, which is responsible for over 15,000 house fires a year.

[@ifixit]

I fix appliances for a living. On these, I also take a Turkey baster with hot water in it and make sure the drain is open at the bottom of the boot by squirting the hot water into it several times.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

ifixit - what a great idea! Thanks for taking time to share your expertise! Best Regards, DFJ

[@Andreyatl]

We dump about 4 table spoons of baking soda directly inside a tub after the wash cycle been completed and leaving a dispenser slided out and the door crack open for air circulation .Never had any outdoor issues .Plus most washer have sanitation cycle ,at list run it once in a month with Affresh washer cleaner.

[@vincentrobinette1507]

This is good advice. I do EXACTLY the same thing with our Electrolux washer, and have NEVER had a problem. If you're in a hurry, at least, leave the door ajar. I always dry out the door gasket as well. My 'lux doesn't have a removable filter. it back flushes automatically, so it's self cleaning. We've had ours for a year, and have had no problems.

[@rottierumbles9451]

Same also have an Electrolux, THE best washer I've ever owned , always leave the door open , NEVER had a problem with it smelling.

[@libertyupholstery9176]

Just inherited a front load washer. Never used one at home, always at the laundromat. Whewweee!! Stank ain't the word for it. I used a washer cleaning liquid and it still didn't smell right. I thought I had cleaned everything...oh, forgot the bellow seal. I hope this solves it. May dose it again with the cleaning liquid. This video is very helpful for us newbies to the home front load washer, and maintaining it month after month.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Liberty, let us know how it turns out for you. It's likely that the inner tub has residue in it from excess detergent and softener. Add biologicals from the wash to that and you've got a stink factory. Does your machine have a tub clean cycle on it. If so, run it at least once with bleach water or a washing machine cleanser (both Tide and Oxyclean make one). Thanks for writing! Best, DFJ

[@herson1037]

Randomly clicked on this recommendation and feel like I have a father figure in my life teaching me discipline in just cleaning my washer

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for watching and commenting Herson Martinez. We have found over the years that many folks didn't have parents that taught them how to do things, and particularly fathers in the home. These viewers are often the most excited to learn how to maintain or fix or build things. I was blessed with a dad that taught me how to be self reliant. Glad you found our channel! Best, DFJ

[@librarian75]

Thank you thank you. OMG so helpful.

[@cathys949]

My gosh these machines are just too much trouble! My top loader does a great job and none of this drama.

[@johnromero6642]

Had stink problems when we first got our front loader. Switch to powder detergent - works fine - the tabs left residue. And DO NOT close the door. Let it air out. It dries out fine. Luckily we have ours in a laundry room where the open isn't an obstacle. Other factor? I live in SoCal so a pretty dry climate - so that likely helps too.

[@seanchicago2836]

SOLD!!! I was debating front loader or top loader. Top Loader it is. Who needs to do extra maintenance when a top loader is cheaper and last longer. Perhaps it cleans slightly less well (as least that is what I heard), but I hate musty smells.

[@MrKentaroMotoPI]

Hold on, Sean! The new top loaders, even the models with agitators, use much less water than the good old units. As a result, they don't clean as well as the new front loaders. Nothing is simple.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

SeanChicago, glad to be able to provide you information that allows you to be an informed purchaser! Best Regards, DFJ

[@Mustlovebooks15]

Always and forever top loaders for me! I work with multiple families in my job and have to do laundry daily. The families with top loaders have just as clean of clothes than the front loaders. The front loaders all have a terrible smell that never goes away. Maybe if you do a load of laundry a week or something a front loader wouldn’t be that big of a deal but if you do a load a day or multiple a day they get really gross really fast.

[@cynbillings]

Excellent, quick, straightforward video. I performed all the tasks-and yes, the lower left secret door area is skanky!! But now I’ll do it more frequently! Our washer was so bad the laundry room smelled and the clothes nearly smelled worse than when I put them in there! Thanks for the quick DIY video!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

cynbillings, Glad it helped! Make sure to run the tub cleanse cycle 2 or 3 times a year with either bleach in the tub (about a cup), or a product made for that (Clorox has one that is usually on the shelf at the grocery store). This goes after the build up in the outer tub - the one behind the tub you see when you open the door. Build up commonly occurs in there and this is the way to assure the whole system really stays fresh. Glad to hear you don't need to plug your nose when you go into the laundry room any more! Be sure to subscribe if you haven't already! Best Regards, DFJ

[@pmm4177]

Honestly after using both top and front load I'd rather have a top load for 3 reasons, 1: cost 2: top loads don't need wiped out 3: less maintenance. I had a front load for 3 years and had to replace the bellow twice then the board took a poo and wouldn't go past the fill cycle but my ancient top load has been going strong for 10 years with minimal maintenance, I've only replaced the belt and pulley one and I put a new $50 motor on it

[@FirstYT40]

Thank you sir for this video. I cleaned the filter and that was the source of the odor. I had been cleaning the other areas you mentioned and the moldy odor still lingered. I couldn't believe how much grime the filter had when I pulled it out. My only struggle was my washer wasn't high off of the ground as yours so it was a bit challenging when I got to working on it (that's where I saw the notice about changing the filter every two months lol). I managed to find a fairly flat tray that I found around the house to catch the water. It was quite a spill initially so there a lot of wiping up water. But I'm so thankful that I came across your video!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

FirstYT40, you're welcome. We're glad we could help and you found the source of the problem in your machine. Also, if your machine has a "tub clean" cycle, use that from time to time, either with a commercial machine wash product or bleach water in the tub, to clean out the inner tub. Junk can really build up there as well. Thanks for writing! Best, DFJ

[@at-s8646]

I leave the door open and the detergent drawer removed and placed upside down on a towel on top of the washer. This leaves the whole throat of the dispenser area open to air dry. Very easy peasy!

[@HojoSinclair]

@Mike Studmuffin Easy peasy lemon squeezy on a breezy sleazy day out of the heezy fo sheezy

[@zapooka]

When he said the reservoir needs to be cleaned each month, I gulped... My family hasn't cleaned that out in at least a year. Ew!!

[@lonewulf0328]

Only a year? Mine hasn't been cleaned it before, and I've had the washer 10 years... I'm scared of what I'm gonna find, and the smell is bad enough I'm debating replacing the whole thing

[@DIGITAL7Media]

@@lonewulf0328 I know right.....I'm worried about what might be.....

[@naliaefil]

Ikr

[@ckl5590]

Great tips. Front loaders are a little more work but they clean comforters and quilts so much better. The four years I had a cheap top loader was hell for me.

[@DirtFarmerJay]

C KL - thanks for the kind comment. We too really like the cleaning capacity and results of our front loader. Basic quick maintenance and ventilation has become the norm for us. Thanks for being one of our viewers! Best Regards, DFJ

[@amiegamble1678]

I use Odoban in my top loader and they helps w mold, mildew, antibacterial, etc. I bought a house that includes front loaders. In process of cleaning them and seeing how well they work.

[@chrisbailey4759]

Always leave the door and detergent draw open after a wash, once every 2 months take the draw out completely spray both sides with white vinegar, if your draw has removable parts, separate them from the draw and spray them too, spray into the draw opening too, I put 2 litres of white vinegar in the drum every 2 months, keep it in the drum for 15-20 minutes, then do a wash with nothing in the drum on highest heat setting, short wash cycle is good enough after the white vinegar has done its job, wiping the door inside and the door seal is an excellent idea too, I have found switching to detergent liquid helps the washer stay clean and I suspect keeps the inner surface of the drum body free from crud build up, cleaning the drain filter and spraying it with white vinegar is good practice also, all tips from a repair engineer, he also recommend keeping the power plug contacts clean and bright with a fibre glass contact cleaning pen, this helps the washer electronics get full voltage and stops the plug contacts overheating, all good tips from an engineer that took pride in his job.

[@lienbijs1205]

I disinfect the machine about every 3 months with didecylmethylammoniumchloride. I use algae cleaner for the garden what is containing that. I also use that to avoid black mold in the bathroom, it works 100% if you do that only once a year but that is another subject. Also it is better to use powder soap instead of liquid.

[@INJURYCOMP]

Bottom line. Leave your washer lid open between washes. The washer bin CANNOT dry if the lid is closed. The washer bin and things you can't readily see will grow mold and/or mildew if the lid is closed. If you have a top-loader, leave the washer lid open in between washes. If you have a front-loader, leave the washer lid open between washes (I don't buy front-loaders for this very reason). The same principle goes for the dishwasher. The lid should always be left open slightly or you will grow mold and/or mildew in there. The same principle goes for the bathroom. If the door is always closed (and there is no window to allow moisture to dry) the moisture will mold and/or mildew.

[@vincentrobinette1507]

It's especially important to leave your shower door open, so you don't get mold in the grout.

[@kelleywellman8032]

Finally! Someone fixed my problem! Your demo machine is my machine so now I know EXACTLY what to do! Thank you!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad I could help! Best Regards, DFJ

[@gabbyrobles648]

Wow thank u! For a while I refused to buy these kind of washers because they make the clothes stink!!!!! Thank you for the tips

[@robertfineman7205]

Kenmore (LG in disguise) set of front-loaders came with this house. Steep learning curve to use and MAINTAIN! In the three years we've been here, I've replaced the pump, door lock/switch, drum dampers, replaced a detergent cup, done all of the maintenance including everything in this video. Our water is softened so that is easier on the machine. We would have spent a fortune in service calls were it not for You-Tube instructional videos like this one and the service videos from parts suppliers like repairclinic.com. At our previous home, we left behind a Speed Queen set, totally old school top loader with matching dryer. Years of use, never serviced or touched the things except to replace a sediment screen on a hose. I understand that the new design Speed Queen is not necessarily a slam dunk replacement for the old design. Design changed for 2018 going forward. Not sure what we'll do when this Kenmore (LG) set finally bites the dust. Maybe back to beating our laundry on rocks down at the creek....

[@joejoelesh1197]

Makes me question why we use front loaded now. My folks top loader has been in use for 30 years, with minimal service.

[@CFFarm]

I bought a front loader year's ago and as soon as the set dies I'm done with it. There's a lot of inconveniences the smell, the time it takes to wash a load, up keep on the washer itself! I actually like a stackable washer dryer combo as I'm getting older I find it uncomfortable pulling clothes out bent over, and rotating the tub to find those hidden socks!

[@jaynea4320]

I agree! Never had a problem with my stack w/d!

[@mindydavis840]

My front loader washes a big load in 35 minutes- seems pretty quick to me. And the clothes are clean. And I have 8 little kids and it's held up great! Cleans way better than my top loader ever did. And if you leave the door open and wash your whites with bleach and clean the little filter (couple minute job) every couple months, there's no stink issue

[@mindydavis840]

Also, my hubby put my washer and dryer on a simple pedestal he built in about 5 minutes=no bending over.

[@patcola7335]

Just bought my first front loader and keep the dispenser drawer and loading door open as soon as it is finished. Regular hot washes and occasional bleach loads will keep the machine free of odors. Great tips sir. The machine I have is a Whirlpool. They now have accessible traps on their latest front loaders.

[@yanniegeerdink7183]

Cleaning that is not so difficult!

[@SupportWeThePeopleKB]

I bought a Bosch front loader about 20 years ago. I was surprised in the first months by the smell and staining on the rubber gasket. I read a piece by a biochemist. His advice was 1) Cleaning process needs MUCH less detergent than typically is used. 1 tablespoon of detergent is sufficient. More will add "food" to the bacteria. 2) Prop the door ajar after washing to evaporate residual water. Those two recommendations have totally solved what was a horrid problem. We are on a septic system and are careful to avoid adding even gentle chemicals to the tank unnecessarily. Rules 1) & 2) do the job, and the rest of DF Jay's good suggestions are helpful for occasional deep cleaning. Does anyone know how to remove the unfortunate stain on the rubber gasket? In a way, the ugly stain is a constant reminder to follow the minimal detergent and door ajar rules..

[@apAvocado]

Replace the gasket.

[@dooleyfussle8634]

Thanks, I've a front loader in a house I'm selling that had the characteristic musty odor. After watching your video I ran 2 cups of vinegar through a short cycle and was surprised to see little grains of goo come out of the drain pipe into the laundry tub (the house has a pump out grinder in the drain). Then I ran the recommended clean cycle with bleach. All three drain cycles produced more of the gooey granules. During a final wipe down after the end of the cycle I noticed 8 to 10 quarter sized gobs of the goo on the drum! The smell seems to be gone. Unfortunately, this one doesn't seem to have the filter. Now it's time to tackle my own!

[@cheri6174]

Go to target and buy lemon ammonia amd put half of bottle in a hot wash cycle. Will clean it perfect

[@printme2010]

I am so happy - SOMEBODY actually did a video with the same washer I have!!! YAY!!!❤

[@miniliebenberg9644]

I followed your advice today. I have the same machine! I didn’t even know I had that tube to drain the filter. I always put towels under the machine to catch the water. Thank you. I’ll let you know if our washing smells any different.

[@jenniferclarke3622]

I have this exact LG model. I faithfully clean the dispenser and filter every month. I run a tub clean cycle with a special powder recommended for this purpose. I dry the door and the bottom of the seal after every use and leave the door open always. It still smells and I know why. Under the seal, where you cannot get to it to clean, is a layer of sludge. It is a design flaw. The only long term solution is a top loader and that is what I will be replacing this machine with.

[@sickegg2000]

Jennifer Clarke agreed, I have the exact problem!

[@heatheroffner3044]

Mine does the same thing 😒 cleaned it the best I could. Well def be going back to a top load too whenever this one shoots crap

[@SuzyQzyy]

Great advice. I would add to take the entire dispenser out, wipe inside the cavity it came out of, and then put the dispenser upside down inside the drum so that it completely drains and dries.

[@royalbookshopper]

I also have an LG frontloading laundry pair. Had it for about five years now, and talk about a PITA! Hints? 1. Stop using scented laundry products. 2. Add four or five drops of tea tree oil to the detergent for the wash cycle. Smells a little funky but you won't smell it on your clothes. 3. Switch to dryer balls, stop using commercial fabric softener sheets. 4. Yes, wipe down the window and the rubber gasket, leave the door ajar, clean out assorted nooks and crannies. 5. When this set bites the dust, I'll be buying a top loading pair, WITH an agitator. I know many folks who switched to the (extremely) expensive front loaders, and none of them are happy with the job the front loaders do. Furthermore, everything gets so damned tangled in the front loaders! Who dropped the ball when designing these things? I have used the Wascomat front loaders in laundromats without hardly any tangling. Grrrr ....

[@mccitstudent]

Leaving the door open is the key but I forgot all about the filter at the bottom. I just cleaned it. Thanks for the reminder!

[@bethwaitrovich2100]

Dirt Farmer Jay is correct! I also always leave the door open after a load but odor still occurs unless the places he described are cleaned on a regular basis.

[@19Edurne]

There are two causes for smelly washing machines: leaving the door always closed between laundry runs and never running programs above 60° C (140° F). Leaving the door open between laundries is usually enough; but if your washing machine really stinks and you want to kill bacteria and other smelly stuff, do a cotton program for your towels and cotton sheets at 90° C, because washing machines never drain completely; there are always a few liters of water staying at the bottom of the tank - as every person having ever opened the filter at the bottom to retrieve objects left in clothes' pockets will know (I found screws, drill bits, a rusty pocket knife (mine - I had wondered for months where it had gone!), money - once more than 20 € worth in coins!... alas, not in mine :)). This will come as a surprise to a lot of people, but yes, washing machines have filters (bottom front, the small square or round flap) and if yours doesn't drain properly or you forgot anything in your pockets - money or jewelry - it's the first place to look. :) Drying the door and bleach compartment with a rag is useless smellwise, except maybe for the rubber seal; just leave the door and bleach compartment (this too needs to be taken out and cleaned once in a while BTW) open and those parts will dry on their own. Vinegar can help too but its use is mainly for descaling and you'll need more than what fits in the bleach compartment; you need to put at least a full bottle (cleaning vinegar preferably: up to between 9 to 14% acid content instead of 6% for standard white vinegar - at least where I live) directly in the tank too and run a short program.

[@paulacornelison243]

That's all great but what if you can't get on the floor to clean out the filter? What if you have no one to assist you?

[@19Edurne]

@@paulacornelison243 Then, I guess cleaning your washing machine filter must be the least of your problems...

[@paulacornelison243]

@@19Edurne you are so right!

[@jo-annrattray1531]

I’ve never had a. Problem with my old top loader washer and it’s over 15 years old and works perfectly. I do clean around the rubber about once a year

[@michaelvandiver2678]

Nice to have a washer you don't have to take apart entirely to get to that drain filter.

[@kennixox262]

I've been using front load washers for 30 years. Mostly Miele and now Bosch. From humid Charleston, SC to desert dry Las Vegas, NV. Never had any stink issues. The main or issue people have is that they use liquid detergent and then use too much per load. Don't get me started on liquid fabric softener either. Use straight vinegar only. Powder HE detergent works the best and one good table spoon is more than sufficient and if necessary, use a tablespoon of Oxyclean if you need an oxygen bleach. Lastly, buy a Miele, Bosh or a high grade SpeedQueen. The junk sold at the big box stores is garbage. Sorry LG and Samsung. I also use Persil powder from Germany, as it has no foul perfume smells. Why people use anything that has Febrize in it is beyond me, their lifestyle probably is pretty smelly, washer or no washer.

[@lorigfgirl]

Thanks for bringing up the fabric softener issue…the stench from the chemicals in the liquid as well as the sheets is extremely toxic and which most people ignore. I had my first washer and dryer for 25 years partly because I didn’t ever use any of that crap! Vinegar, baking soda, and Dawn soap are my go to’s. Only use All free and clear for my laundry and the little colored plastics balls for the dryer!

[@anjali_1088]

I always leave the front door open, but these tips will be super helpful as well. Thank you!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Glad it was helpful! DFJ

[@lindseyreiker4097]

We leave the door open ALWAYS but that hasn't been cutting it and our washer really stinks. I can't wait to try your suggestions; thank you so much for this video!

[@DirtFarmerJay]

You are so welcome! Let us know how it works for you. If what we've told you doesn't work, it's likely you have a large build up in the outer tub. Let me know if the problem persists and we can give you one more thing. Best, DFJ

[@unndunn1]

Just leave the door ajar in between uses. That’s what we do and we’ve never had an issue. We love it.

[@stevenprice2729]

I do all of this regularly, most of which is detailed in the machine manual. One caution, I was pressing down too hard wiping the bottom on the big gasket (as you showed), eventually poking a hole from abrasion on a part sticking up underneath. Wipe gently! A repair guy said only LE models had this unfortunate situation.

[@MOAB-UT]

yes

[@DirtFarmerJay]

Thanks for the warning on this potential problem!

[@jackew.inindiana7421]

Thanks for the video. I do all this and noticed that the tiny space between the plastic and the rubber gasket on the drum side is nightmarish with mold. I've been battling an odor issue for the last 6 months, and considering the other issues I've had with front loaders that I never had to deal with when using a traditional top loader, I think I'm just going to tap out and go buy a top loader. IMO front loaders are not for pet owners or mechanics. I have to run two complete cycles for my husbands work clothes on extra hot, prewash, extra rinse, and heavily soiled.

[@tiffanyatkins3401]

For heavily soiled clothes soak in baking soda water for an hour then wash. It'll keep you from having to wash multiple times. I put 5 inches of water in my tub and scoop out 2 cups of baking soda in the water. The soaking gets the extra dye out of new clothes and the smell and is a natural fabric softener when you wash the clothes. Squeeze the excess water out of the clothes and put it on the rinse cycle to spin and get the water out. Then do your wash and your clothes should come out fresh. NOTE: you can let them soak longer if you want. I left mine in the tub to soak overnight because I was tired and everything still worked well with no issues. The huge pack of baking soda from Sam's lasts longer.

[@cindymeyer838]

I add a few drops of regular pine-sol to each load. On heavily soiled uniforms & very dirty clothes I add 1 tablespoon in with the soap. This is the best results ever for clothes. 2x a month I run straight pine sol .