Front load washers are designed to use less water and detergent than their top-loading counterparts. Unfortunately, some of their design characteristics can be a recipe for bad smells. We’ll review what creates Whirlpool front load washer smells and how properly cleaning the gasket and washer drum can prevent odors.
Washer Maintenance 101: What to Do When Your Whirlpool Front Load Washer Smells Bad
While certain components can generate Whirlpool front-load washer smells, common user practices are also a factor. Fortunately, the right use, care, and cleaning methods are usually all it takes to banish bad smells and prevent them from returning. Continue reading our guide to learn how to clean a washer.
What Causes Front Load Washers to Smell?
Front load washers use less water and detergent than top loaders to get clothes clean. However, when combined with a front load washer’s design and common user errors, this fact can actually contribute to odor problems. Here’s how these factors can create Whirlpool front load washer smells:
- Less water usage can leave residual dirt in the washer drum.
- Detergent errors like adding too much or not using HE detergent can leave behind leftover suds.
- A front-load washer’s rubber gasket can be an additional catchall for suds and debris.
Coupled with the washer’s warm, moist environment, these details can quickly breed mold and mildew that results in bad smells. So, how do I get my front load washer to stop smelling? Regular maintenance with the following cleaning methods can do the trick.
How to Clean Whirlpool Washer Gasket
Cleaning front load Whirlpool washer gaskets after each wash cycle removes dirt and debris, eliminating smelly bacteria. Follow these steps to clean the gasket quickly and easily after each use:
- Open the washer door and peel back the gasket to expose the interior.
- Remove any visible objects such as buttons, coins, or hair.
- Check for mildew every week, wiping it away with a clean cloth and hot soapy water or a mildew cleaner.
Wondering how to clean mold from a front load washer gasket? Bleach is still the best way to remove black mold spots completely. Dip an old toothbrush in a solution of water and no more than 10% bleach and scrub the spots until they disappear.
How to Clean Front Load Washer Drum
Proper front load washer maintenance also includes monthly cleaning of the washer drum. Some models have a Clean Washer cycle that uses more water than a typical wash cycle to clean effectively. Here’s how clean a Whirlpool front load washer drum with the Clean Washer cycle:
- Add 1 cup of bleach to the bleach dispenser or 1 tablet of commercial washing machine cleaner to an empty washer drum.
- Close the door and select the Clean Washer cycle.
- Hold the Start/Pause button down for 3 seconds to start the cycle.
If your Whirlpool washer doesn’t have a Clean Washer cycle, follow these steps to clean the washer drum with baking soda and vinegar:
- Pour ⅓ cup of baking soda in an empty washer drum and close the door.
- Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser.
- Complete a regular wash cycle with hot water.
Tips to Prevent Odor in Front Load Washers
While knowing how to clean a whirlpool front load washer will eliminate odor, bad smells can be avoided with proper use and care. These simple tips can help prevent Whirlpool front load washer smells:
- Avoid excess of suds by using only HE detergent with an HE washer.
- Use the proper amount of detergent by following the package directions and using the least recommended amount.
- Keep the dryer drum as dry as possible by removing laundry promptly and leaving the washer door open when it’s not in use.
- Clean the gasket after each use and deep clean the washer every month. Whirlpool recommends using Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner for a thorough cleaning.
If regular cleaning doesn’t dispel your washer’s odor, then a professional washer repair service may be in order. Call CD Appliance Repair for fast, expert service.
