How to Clean a Front-Load Washing Machine
A front-loader keeps your clothes fresh, but it also needs care itself. Without regular cleaning, detergent residue, mold, and bad odour slowly build up inside the drum, gasket, and filter. This guide shows you exactly how to clean a front-load washing machine with easy, practical steps so your appliance smells fresh, washes better, and lasts longer.
Why Cleaning a Front-Load Washing Machine Is Important
Many people assume that because a washing machine uses soap and water, it automatically stays clean. Sadly, the opposite often happens, especially in a front-load washing machine.
1. Prevents mold and mildew
Front-loaders use a rubber door seal to keep water inside. That seal traps:
● Moisture
● Lint and hair
● Detergent and fabric softener residue
All this creates a warm, damp environment where mold and mildew thrive. If you don’t learn how to clean a front-load washing machine regularly, black spots and musty smells eventually appear around the gasket and even inside the drum.
2. Improves wash quality
A dirty washing machine can’t wash clothes properly. Residue inside the drum and pipes may:
● Leave detergent marks on clothes
● Cause unpleasant smells to transfer to freshly washed laundry
● Reduce the effectiveness of your wash programs
Once you start cleaning your machine on a schedule, you’ll notice clothes feel softer, smell cleaner, and look brighter.
3. Extends machine lifespan
Just like a car needs servicing, your washing machine needs maintenance. Built-up dirt and clogging:
● Put extra pressure on the motor
● Slow water drainage
● Increase wear on components
Knowing how to clean a front-load washing machine and doing it regularly reduces breakdowns and helps the appliance serve you for many years.
How Often Should You Clean a Front-Load Washing Machine?
Cleaning frequency depends on usage, but a simple routine keeps things under control.
1. Monthly deep cleaning
Plan a deep clean once a month. That includes:
● Running a hot empty cycle with cleaner or vinegar
● Cleaning the rubber gasket thoroughly
● Washing the detergent drawer
● Clearing the drain filter
This monthly ritual keeps mold, soap scum, and bacteria from getting out of hand.
2. Weekly quick maintenance
Along with monthly deep cleaning, add a weekly mini routine:
● Check and wipe the door seal
● Leave the door and detergent drawer slightly open
● Wipe any visible residue inside the drum
These small tasks take just a few minutes and make deep cleaning easier.
3. After heavy or frequent use
If you wash:
● Gym wear full of sweat
● Muddy kids’ clothes
● Pet bedding
Your machine works extra hard. In such cases, you should apply the steps in how to clean a front-load washing machine a bit more often, especially for the gasket and filter.
Things You Need to Clean a Front-Load Washing Machine
You don’t need fancy tools. Most items are already in your home.
● White vinegar or washing machine cleaner
Vinegar helps dissolve mineral deposits and kills many odor-causing germs. You can also use a branded washing machine cleaner if you prefer.
● Baking soda (optional)
Baking soda acts as a gentle scrubber and deodorizer. It’s great for neutralising smells inside the drum.
● Soft cloth or sponge
Use it to wipe the door, drum, and exterior surfaces without scratching them.
● Old toothbrush
Perfect for scrubbing tight corners such as the detergent drawer, gasket folds, and filter cover.
Once you gather these, you’re ready to follow the full process of how to clean a front load washing machine step by step.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Front-Load Washing Machine
Let’s walk through a full deep clean. You can perform these steps on most front-load models.
Step 1 – Clean the Drum
The drum is the main space where your laundry sits. Over time, detergent, softener, and mineral deposits stick to its surface.
1. Empty the machine completely
Remove all clothes and check pockets for coins, tissues, or small items.
2. Add cleaner
○ Pour 1–2 cups of white vinegar directly into the drum, or
○ Use a recommended quantity of commercial washing machine cleaner.
3. Run a hot-water cycle
Select the hottest wash program available (often 60°C or 90°C) without any laundry inside.
○ This helps dissolve residues
○ Kills many bacteria and mold spores
4. Optional: Baking soda rinse
After the vinegar cycle, you can add half a cup of baking soda into the drum and run another short hot cycle. This boosts odour removal.
Once you’ve done this once, you’ll understand why learning how to clean a front-load washing machine makes such a big difference in smell and cleanliness.
Step 2 – Clean the Rubber Gasket (Door Seal)
The gasket is one of the most critical and most ignored parts.
1. Gently pull back the rubber
You’ll often find:
○ Hair and lint
○ Coins or buttons
○ Slime-like detergent buildup
2. Remove trapped debris
Use your fingers or a cloth to pick out all visible dirt.
3. Wipe with vinegar or mild cleaner
○ Dampen a cloth with vinegar or a mild detergent solution
○ Clean every fold, edge, and crevice of the gasket
4. Address mold spots
For black spots, scrub gently with an old toothbrush dipped in vinegar or baking soda paste. Avoid sharp tools that might tear the rubber.
Cleaning the gasket thoroughly is one of the most important parts of how to clean a front-load washing machine because this area causes most musty smells.
Step 3 – Clean the Detergent Dispenser
Detergent and fabric softener residue love to hide in the drawer.
1. Remove the detergent tray
Most trays slide out; some have a small clip you press to fully remove them.
2. Soak and scrub
○ Soak the tray in warm water for a few minutes
○ Use a toothbrush to remove sticky residue and mold from every compartment
3. Clean the cavity
○ Use a damp cloth or brush to clean inside the drawer slot on the machine
○ Wipe away mold spots and dried detergent
4. Dry and reinsert
Let the parts dry or wipe them before putting the tray back.
Once you add this drawer routine to your plan for how to clean a front-load washing machine, detergent flows better, and your clothes rinse more cleanly.
Step 4 – Clean the Drain Filter
The drain filter traps coins, lint, and debris so they don’t damage the pump.
1. Locate the filter
It’s usually behind a small flap or panel at the bottom front of the machine. Your manual shows the exact spot.
2. Prepare for water
Place a shallow tray or towel under the filter. Some water will spill out.
3. Open the filter slowly
Twist gently and allow water to drain into your tray. Then remove the filter completely.
4. Clean the filter
○ Rinse under running water
○ Remove coins, hair, or threads
○ Scrub with a toothbrush if needed
5. Clean the cavity
Check inside for trapped debris and wipe it out carefully.
6. Reinstall securely
Tighten the filter properly to avoid leaks.
A clogged filter can cause drainage errors and bad smells. So any guide explaining how to clean a front-load washing machine will always emphasise this step.
Step 5 – Wipe the Exterior and Control Panel
A sparkling exterior makes the whole laundry area feel fresh.
1. Use a soft, damp cloth
Wipe:
○ The door glass
○ Control knobs and buttons
○ The top and side panels
2. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives
Strong cleaners can damage plastic, dull the finish, or remove printed labels. A mild detergent solution is usually enough.
3. Dry with a clean cloth
This helps prevent watermarks and keeps the machine looking new.
How to Remove Bad Smell from a Front-Load Washing Machine
If your washer smells like damp socks even before you load clothes, you’re not alone.
1. Causes of odour
● Mold and mildew in the gasket
● Detergent and softener buildup in the drum and pipes
● Dirty drain filter
● Using too much detergent with cold washes
2. Simple prevention tips
To keep smells away after you’ve followed the main steps of how to clean a front load washing machine:
● Leave the door slightly open after every wash to let moisture escape
● Keep the detergent drawer slightly open to help it dry
● Use high-temperature cycles occasionally to kill germs
● Use the correct amount of detergent, especially with high-efficiency machines
When you follow these tips consistently, the musty odour disappears and doesn’t return easily.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Cleaning
Even with good intentions, some habits unintentionally undo your hard work.
1. Using excess detergent
It seems logical that more soap equals cleaner clothes, but it doesn’t. Too much detergent:
● Leaves sticky residue inside the drum and hoses
● Makes it harder for the machine to rinse clean
● Leads to stronger bad smells over time
Follow the dosage recommended on the detergent pack and your machine manual.
2. Skipping gasket cleaning
Many people focus only on the drum and forget the door seal, yet the gasket is where most mold develops. Any proper method for how to clean a front-load washing machine must include:
● Removing trapped lint
● Wiping the folds
● Drying the area after heavy washes
3. Keeping the door closed after washing
A closed door traps moisture inside, creating a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mildew. After each cycle:
● Leave the door slightly open
● Pull back the gasket once in a while to check for moisture or dirt
This simple habit can save you from strong odours and messy mold patches.
Tips to Keep a Front-Load Washing Machine Clean
Think of these as everyday or weekly habits that keep cleaning easy.
● Leave the door and drawer open
Let the inside air out for at least 30–60 minutes after every wash.
● Use the correct detergent type
If your machine is high-efficiency, use HE detergent or follow the manufacturer’s recommendation. This reduces foam and residue.
● Run regular maintenance cycles
Many modern machines include a “drum clean” or “tub clean” mode. Use it once a month with vinegar or machine cleaner.
● Check pockets before washing
Tissues, coins, and hairpins clog the filter and create extra dirt inside the drum.
● Don’t overload
Overstuffing the drum strains the motor and keeps water and detergent from circulating properly.
If you’re new to front-loaders, it also helps to read a basic overview like What is a front-load washing machine so you understand why they need slightly different care than top-load models.
Natural vs Commercial Washing Machine Cleaners
When you learn how to clean a front-load washing machine, you’ll see two main approaches: natural products and commercial cleaners.
1. Natural cleaners (like vinegar and baking soda)
Pros:
● Readily available in most homes
● Affordable
● Effective at breaking down mild limescale and odours
Cons:
● May not remove very heavy scale or thick mold buildup
● Need multiple cycles if the machine hasn’t been cleaned in a long time
2. Commercial washing machine cleaners
Pros:
● Designed specifically for the task
● Often more powerful on tough residues
● Convenient pre-measured tablets or powders
Cons:
● Cost more than basic home ingredients
● Need careful use according to instructions
In many homes, a mixed approach works best: use vinegar or baking soda for regular monthly cleaning and keep a commercial cleaner for occasional deep descaling.
Conclusion
Knowing how to clean a front-load washing machine is just as important as knowing how to use it. A little regular care:
● Prevents mold, mildew, and bad odour
● Keeps clothes smelling fresh and looking bright
● Protects the motor, pump, and internal components
● Extends the lifespan of your appliance
By following the simple routine in this guide—cleaning the drum, gasket, detergent drawer, drain filter, and exterior—you’ll keep your front-load washing machine in top condition. Combine deep monthly cleaning with small daily habits like leaving the door open and using the right detergent, and your machine will reward you with years of efficient, hygienic washing.
FAQ
To clean it at home:
1. Run an empty hot cycle with white vinegar or a machine cleaner.
2. Scrub the rubber gasket, removing lint and mold.
3. Wash the detergent drawer in warm, soapy water.
4. Clean the drain filter and remove debris.
5. Wipe the exterior and leave the door open to dry.
Follow these steps regularly and you’ll always know how to clean a front load washing machine effectively
Do a deep clean once a month and a quick wipe of the gasket and door at least once a week. If you use the machine heavily, clean it more often, especially the filter and seal.
Common causes include:
● Mold and mildew in the rubber gasket
● Detergent and softener residue inside the drum and hoses
● Dirty drain filter
● Keeping the door closed so the inside never dries properly
Addressing these areas is a key part of how to clean a front-load washing machine and remove odors.
Gently pull back the gasket and:
1. Remove any visible debris.
2. Wipe the rubber with a cloth soaked in white vinegar or a mild cleaner.
3. Use an old toothbrush for stubborn mold patches.
4. Dry the area thoroughly and keep the door open for a while.
Repeat this regularly until the mold disappears.
Yes, white vinegar is generally safe for most machines when used in moderate quantities (1–2 cups per cycle). It helps dissolve mineral deposits and remove odors. Always pour it into the drum or detergent compartment according to your manual and avoid mixing it directly with bleach.
Yes. Baking soda works as a gentle, natural cleaner and deodorizer. You can:
● Sprinkle half a cup in the drum and run a hot cycle
● Make a paste with water and use it to scrub the gasket or detergent drawer
It’s a useful addition when you learn how to clean a front-load washing machine the eco-friendly way.
1. Locate the filter panel at the bottom front of the machine.
2. Place a tray or towel under it.
3. Open the cap slowly and let water drain out.
4. Remove the filter and clear coins, lint, and debris.
5. Rinse it, clean the cavity, then refit it firmly.
Check your user manual if you aren’t sure about the exact position.
Possible reasons:
● The gasket still has hidden mold in deeper folds.
● The drain filter hasn’t been cleaned.
● You’re still using too much detergent.
● The machine doesn’t get a chance to dry because the door stays closed.
Repeat the steps on how to clean a front-load washing machine, paying extra attention to the seal and filter, then keep the door open between washes.
Yes. Keeping the door slightly open lets:
● Moisture escape
● The drum and gasket dry naturally
● Mold and mildew growth slow down
It’s one of the simplest and most effective habits for machine hygiene.
Many modern front-loaders include a “Drum Clean”, “Tub Clean”, or “Self Clean” cycle. You can run it with an empty drum and either vinegar or a recommended machine cleaner. Even if your machine has this feature, you should still occasionally clean the gasket, detergent drawer, and drain filter manually for best results.
