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Chores, cleaning and home care

Washing machine cleaning

Cleaning the inside of a washer, including its drum and door seal, so detergent residue, damp and mildew don't build up. Whirlpool advises about once a month.

What It Means

Washing machine cleaning is the routine care that keeps the inside of a washer fresh: running a cleaning cycle, wiping the door seal and letting the machine dry out between loads. Detergent and fabric softener leave residue, and a washer that stays damp can grow mold and mildewMildewA flat, usually gray or white mold that grows on damp surfaces such as shower grout, curtains and fabric left wet. See more that shows up as a musty smell on clothes. Whirlpool advises cleaning a washer about once a month.

Try It: Build Your Washer Cleaning Routine

Pick your washer and see the routine, based on Whirlpool's care advice.

Every month

Run the Clean Washer cycle, or the cleaning cycle your manual names

Clean the door gasket too, at least once a month.

After every load

Take wet clothes out promptly.

Leave the door open so the gasket can air out.

How It Sounds at Home

  • "The towels smell like the washer again."
  • "There's gunk in the rubber seal."
  • "Run the clean cycle before we do the sheets."

The Breakdown

How often, per Whirlpool

How oftenJob
After every loadTake wet clothes out promptly
After every load (front load)Leave the door open so the inside can air out
Every loadAvoid overloading, which Whirlpool says holds moisture in
About once a monthRun the Clean Washer cycle, or the cleaning cycle in your manual
At least once a month (front load)Clean the door gasket

Cleaning a front load door gasket, per Whirlpool

  1. Look through the folds of the seal for dirt, lint and small items such as coins or socks, and wipe away anything loose with a soft cloth.
  2. For stuck-on grime, mix warm water with a mild detergent and scrub the folds with a toothbrush.
  3. Rinse the seal with warm water.
  4. Dry the seal and its folds with a clean towel.

Make it last between cleanings. Whirlpool's everyday habits are about moisture: a washer that dries out between loads gives mildew less of a chance. Using HE detergentHigh-efficiency detergentLaundry detergent made to clean with low suds in the small amount of water a high-efficiency (HE) washer uses, marked "HE" on the package. See more in an HE machine keeps suds, and the problems GE links to them, down.

Good to Know

Your washer's own manual is the final word on which cleaning cycle to run and what may go in it, since cycle names differ by maker. For a high-efficiency (HE) washer, GE Appliances warns that regular detergent can make too many suds in the low water, which can mean longer cycles, poor rinsing, part failures and moldMoldA fungus that grows indoors wherever moisture lingers. EPA says fix the water problem, then scrub it off hard surfaces with detergent and water. See more or mildew. Keep any washer cleaner or bleachChlorine bleachHousehold bleach made with sodium hypochlorite that whitens, removes stains and disinfects, but can fade colors and damage some fibers. See more in its own container, and never mix bleach with ammonia or an acid such as vinegar.

FAQ

How often should you clean a washing machine?

About once a month, according to Whirlpool. That includes a monthly Clean Washer cycle and, on a front load washer, cleaning the door gasket.

Why does my front load washer smell?

The door gasket holds moisture, and trapped damp and grime can grow mold and mildew. Whirlpool suggests cleaning the gasket, leaving the door open between loads and taking wet clothes out promptly.

Should I leave the washer door open?

On a front load washer, yes. Whirlpool says leaving the door open lets air circulate and helps prevent mold and mildew on the gasket.

Do It in Buhata

Maintenance, Tasks with a repeat

Add "Run the washer's clean cycle" as a monthly job in Maintenance with the Household X add-on, or as a monthly repeating task in Tasks.

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Related Terms and Categories

  • High-efficiency detergent

    Laundry detergent made to clean with low suds in the small amount of water a high-efficiency (HE) washer uses, marked "HE" on the package.

  • Mildew

    A flat, usually gray or white mold that grows on damp surfaces such as shower grout, curtains and fabric left wet.

  • Dryer vent cleaning

    Clearing built-up lint out of the duct that carries a clothes dryer's hot, damp air outdoors. NFPA advises cleaning the vent pipe at least once a year.

  • Towel washing frequency

    How often to wash towels. Cleveland Clinic advises at least once a week for bath towels, and more often in a humid bathroom or when someone is sick.

Chores, cleaning and home care

Sources

Whirlpool, "How to Clean the Gasket on a Front Load Washer"; Whirlpool Product Help, "Cleaning a Front Load Washer Door Seal"; Whirlpool, "How To Clean a Front Loading Washer"; GE Appliances, "Washer - HE Detergent"

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