Get Rid of Front Loader Washer Stink!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ต.ค. 2024
- 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!
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!
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.
LG does. It says run a vinegar cycle once per month.
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!😊
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
@@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..
We did the same thing, BIG difference.
Thank you, will give a try
This WORKED!!!! THANK YOU!!!!
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.
Just leave the door open after washes to air it out. Never fully close the door when not washing clothes.
@@petrusslaghekke485 ido leave it open, but… I guessI need dry it too?
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?
@@UsandEveryoneWeKnow Liquid.
@@biddydibdab9180 that might build up a gunk inside, I've only ever used powder myself. Who knows, a theory though.
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.
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
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.
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
@@DirtFarmerJay I just checked ours. WHOA! Nasty, nasty, nasty. .. . This is not going to be fun....
@@lmo1131 You can try spray bleach and a circular brush like you use for cleaning the wheels on your car.
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!
@@DustinBarlow8P 🤣🤣🤣
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!!
Glad I could help! Sorry to hear of your "adventure!" Thanks for the tip! Best Regards, DFJ
I don’t know why TH-cam recommended this video to me, but it might’ve been the best recommendation of the month! Thank you!
TH-cam knows you have a stinky washer
@@jmatt98 😂
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
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
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.
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
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.
Bruce Talley how do you remove it?
@@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.
@@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.
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!!!!
You are so welcome!! Glad we could help! Best, DFJ and Dirt Farmer Maggie.
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.
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.
I have had my bright red LG for 14 years and it never smells. After a wash I always leave the door open and do clean that bottom of the inside rubber seal with cloth. Your video is very good.
Margaret, what you are doing is exactly what is needed - and the manufacturers and service technicians tell us so. VENTILATION. Dryness and oxidation will eliminate almost all problems. If too much laundry product is used, or biologicals build up, you can get deposits that call for tub clean and door seal maintenance. But a lot of that never happens if you just ventilate the machine. Thanks for watching and writing! Best, DFJ
This was a great video. I have done each of the suggested methods. Unfortunately I am sick and tired of cleaning my washer in order to WASH and CLEAN my clothes. I hate my washer so much I would not ever give this mess to anyone. Basically I consider it trash. Yes purchasing a TOP Loader in the future is on my list. Also I have to drain the water after EVERY washing. If water sits for 1 hours it literally smells like rotten eggs.
Wow, Mary Sims! We're sorry you're having such a negative experience. I suspect that the root cause of the machines ongoing odor is the inner tub - the tub behind the one you see when you open the door and where you place the laundry in. Can we get a few clarifications from what you wrote?
You mentioned you have to drain water after every washing. From where? Do you mean the main tub or the drain tube for the filter area on the front of the machine? Let us know. There are a couple of other areas we've found that rot that has occurred from using conventional liquid laundry products (detergent and softener).
One is in the dispenser area. If you remove the dispenser trays, look at the tunnel's top, not just the bottom. If there is residue there, using bleach water in a spray bottle to spritz the area and then wipe it out.
The other most common culprit is the inner tub where an incredible amount of stinky residue can accumulate over time, even if the machine is ventilated ongoing by leaving the front door ajar and the dispenser drawer pulled out between batches of laundry. Before giving up on your machine, let's attack this potential problem.
To do that, you can use either commercial product or items you probably already have. You can use products from Tide, Affresh, Oxyclean, and the like. You will need to use the tub clean cycle, or if you don't have one, the longest cycle your machine has with the hottest water. You may have to do this a couple of times to get especially stubborn deposits out.
We use the commercial products from time to time, but in between time, we set the machine to tub clean, and pour a gallon of very hot water with a cup or two of bleach in the water into the tub, close the door and start the cycle. DO NOT put any detergent or softener in the trays.
Within a few minutes, you'll see an indication if indeed your machine has a build-up of gunk in it. You will see suds forming, along with debris show up. That means the bleach water is breaking down the residue, and the machine will then rinse it away as the cycles progress. To be safe, may we recommend you do this twice? You continue to see suds and residue through the window, keep doing this until your machine is sparkling.
Then, use powdered laundry products sparingly. If you must use liquid products, use as little as you can. A little goes a long way, and the excess ends up being on your clothes and in the machine. We will be testing a new liquid product, called Swash, that is manufactured by Whirlpool. We'll publish our results in a future episode.
Sorry for such a long response. We're just hopeful you'll get the problem solved and begin enjoying your machine as much as we do! If you like, you can continue your conversation with us at jay@dirtfarmerjay.com.
Best Regards - DFJ and DFM
@@DirtFarmerJay Excellent advice for an exasperated owner. Glad you helped this person.
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.
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.
SeanChicago, glad to be able to provide you information that allows you to be an informed purchaser! Best Regards, DFJ
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.
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!
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
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
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!!!!!!😞🤕
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.
I had top loader Maytag for 33 yrs. Now a front loader. Worse machine ever.
Getting a top loader Maytag or Speedqueen.
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.
@@orithfrankel2151 That's very smart! By doing that, you are preventing power surges and lightning from destroying your machine.
Thank you so much. I've been doing a couple of those wiping inside washer and inside that plastic around the washer. That does collect stuff. Like the filter on the washer. Tomorrow vinegar goes in my washer and the filter on the bottom is getting cleaned! I have never cleaned that. I opened it and water ran out so I wasn't sure what it was... I'm so glad I found your video! Thanks ❤️
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.
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
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!
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
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.
How did it go? :)
@@krissp8712 I think she died from the smell? Maybe someone should check?
Buying refurbished washer and dryer! The old machines out perform the new models out today. Price is soooo reasonable and they come warranted!
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.
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.
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
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.
Love it!
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.
Thank you -- had this washer 7 years and never cleaned or even knew about that filter! LOL. Big difference!
Bet you smelled like a moldy-ass sock for six years. Now you just smell like a stinky kitchen sponge. Viva la difference!
@@scotthamilton007 Tell it like it is!
I just bought a 5 year old washer that the smell is caked on - were you able to get rid of the smell?
@@SphereMaster001 do a cycle of bleach
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.
Same also have an Electrolux, THE best washer I've ever owned , always leave the door open , NEVER had a problem with it smelling.
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.
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
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.
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.
Everytime I leave the door open I have to replace the door lock & it's getting nerve racking and expensive
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!
Our front load LG washer had a constant funk smell. We kept the door open and tried the smell remedies to no avail. I took the boot off and found the drain at the 6 o’clock position plugged with a load of dog hair. Once removed, the drain worked, moisture dried up and the smell went away. I think I will try a pipe cleaner in the future to keep it clear so I don't have to go through the boot removal which can be arduous. Second, the drain filter clean, which is a feature I sought out when I got this machine, can create a problem if not careful. Don't push the hose too far or it will get stuck inside! This happened to my wife while I was away and it cost us a service call to retrieve it.
@Paul Krupa - great insights! Thanks for sharing. I'll keep an eye out for that drain blockage. I like that pipe cleaner approach and the warning about the drain hose. Best, DFJ
I noticed a funky smell, even though everything looked clean, I didn’t know why it smell so bad. I follow your tips and OMG!!! I was disgusted at the amount of mold and dirt the machine had accumulated!!! Thank you for the tips!
Thanks Maria CamposArguello. Glad we were able to help with your washer stink. There are literally hundreds of people with this issue. Keep watching and commenting. Best. DFJ
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.
@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.
@@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.
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.
👍
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...
Thanks so much!! I bought a used set and truly love it, but that mildew odor was concerning! I appreciate your tips!
Jay, I put the 2 cups of distilled white vinegar in my LG washer and the mildew small was all gone!! Thank you for the great tip and video!
Fantastic! Glad to hear it worked for you, Christoph! Best Regards, DFJ
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.
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..
This ☝️
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.
Thanks for sharing. I use the same washer. Our landlord put it in our basement which we use for free. It has a smell to it and I wanted to clean it. This video is definitely helpful. ❤
Let me know how this turns out for you!
@@DirtFarmerJay I will be doing this when needed bc it worked. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much I was using my mother in law washer it stank so badly .you have saved us a lot of money. Again thank you!
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.
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! ♥️♥️♥️
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!
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
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!
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 maggie@dirtfarmerjay.com. Best to you! DFM
@@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.
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!!!!
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.
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
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!
I always leave the door open after a load. Never had a problem. Easy peasy.
Same here. We also have a fan in the laundry room that blows air towards the washer.
I do the same when I dump a load. :)
@@VladTheImpalerTepesIII I laughed so hard now I have to get rid of a load....
@@JohnHill-qo3hb Remember to keep the door open when you're done.
Bingo, been doing that for the last 8-10 years or so. Never a problem.
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.
Hey I have watched so many tutorials and diy videos, yours by far simple to the point, short and sweet. Thank you. you've given me info that will probably save me from having to purchase a washing machine much sooner than needed.
Glad we could help S K. Be sure to switch to powdered detergent and dryer sheets instead of using liquids that will leave traces of tallow (animal fat) in your machine and make it stink! Best to you, Dirt Farmer Maggie
Thanks for the tip! on my final load, I wipe down the glass portion of the washer with one of my wet clothes before I put it in the dryer then I leave the washer door open until the dryer is done. By then, the washer is dry and so is my clothes so I can close both doors and close the closet door as well.
That's a great idea, Martavius! Best, DFJ
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.
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.
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 .
What an incredibly useful video! I have this exact same unit at home and experiencing odours and even mould growth. Now I know how to fix it. Thank you very much!
Thanks for watching and commenting Sean Lacap. If you have any other questions regarding the front loader you can send them directly to jay@dirtfarmerjay.com.
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I'm so happy to hear someone that DOESN'T suggest mixing vinegar and baking soda. My faith in humanity is restored
Why?
I've used that combination for easily cleaning things like greasy oven doors. I'm interested to know why not a washing machine.
They cancel each other out, duh. Believe the science people.
Thank you SO much ! Such simple things to fix an incredibly sticky situation. You made my day !
I was told by a repairman to use a cup of ammonia and a hot wash to get rid of the leftover detergent/softener residue. Many people use much more detergent than necessary (even the HE detergents recommend too much). The first time I did the ammonia rinse I had a tub of suds!! I cut way back on detergent (a drop-ish of liquid and minimal powder). The residue can also impact the computer technology used to run the machine (that was my problem). I have since switched to Clean brand detergent sheets and they are phenomenal and environmentally safe. Molly’s Suds products are also fantastic. I will try these other methods to get rid of the smell!!!!
Thanks for the tip on ammonia, Verena! Indeed, too much laundry product is the source of many issues with machine odor. Best, DFJ
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.
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.
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.
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! ;)
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.
@@michaell6645 True, I do that I and don't have any mold.
Finally! Someone fixed my problem! Your demo machine is my machine so now I know EXACTLY what to do! Thank you!
Glad I could help! Best Regards, DFJ
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.
What brand is that! I haaate my gasket. It is not simple to clean, it's nearly impossible to do it thoroughly
@@PrincessMicrowave to do a thorough cleaning of the gasket unfortunately you need to take the whole damn thing apart.
I believe this place to be the real location of most people smell problems due to the drain in the gasket
This was very helpful! Our washing machine that came with our house when we purchased it last year, is the exact same washer in your video!
Thanks so much for posting!
Glad it was helpful!
I cleaned a thick layer of mold off the rubber ring just inside the machine. I have been spraying peroxide on the ring and down in the tub at least once a day.
We had the typical front loader stink, but started just leaving the door open between uses and it hasn't smelled bad since. Great video, didn't know about the filter!
yep. leave the door open so everything will dry out.
@@armandboisvenue2987 Not if you own one of the 5.6 million washers targeted by several class action lawsuits in which a settlement was reached regarding the accumulation of bacteria and mold.
It's been our experience that if we follow the recommended maintenance which the manual suggests, the mold and stink issue is non existent. Best to you, Dirt Farmer Maggie (The laundry person in our household!).
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!
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
Bought my first front loader 15 years ago...salesman taught me these tricks at the time of purchase....never had a stinky problem....
That’s an exceptional person to teach you those things!
i never knew that little hose was for draining the bottom of the washer. we have had our washer for years and didnt know that. THANK YOU!!
Glad I could help! Best, DFJ
Thank you for your help on LG washer! I'm embarrassed to say my filter looked like a science project- a bird feather, leaf and lots of lint.
Martha, I'm glad you found this info to be helpful! Best, DFJ
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.
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!
Yay!!!
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!
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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!!
Thank you. Why the thumbs down? This is very informative...some people are just negative.
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.
I always leave the front door open, but these tips will be super helpful as well. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! DFJ
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.
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 :)
Have our old trusty whirlpool washer and dryer for 18 years now, no stink or mold, looks like new. Left the door open, wipe the seal dry, run it on white with vinegar or baking soda sometimes.
Omg. I’ve had these washer for 6 years and I just learned how to clean it. Thanks for sharing
David, glad to be of help! Best, DFJ
I watched a bunch of videos on how to clean a front loader, and this was the best one. Thank you! Super helpful!
Thanks so much Jennifer James. I appreciate your compliment. Best to you. DFJ
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.
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.
ifixit - what a great idea! Thanks for taking time to share your expertise! Best Regards, DFJ
Excellent information!! Thank you so much. That smell in my laundry room is GONE.
Excellent, Ellen!
Just got a Samsung top loader, regarding the smell, the Samsung tech told me not to put detergent in the dispenser, just run the water then stop and add detergent right on top of close, then close the lid and resume washing operation.
Never had a small at all, and I do the self cleaning as well ..
Have the exact same washer and this video was very helpful. We also have a dehumidifier in our laundry room that's helpful too.
Run a plastic zip tie down the hole in the rubber gasket. It plugs with hair.
When my 2003 Maytag front load washer failed in 2020, I switched to an "energy star rated" top load washer . The foul stench immediately disappeared like magic.
Robert, lol! Indeed, many people prefer top loaders as they do not have a sealed door and they tend to ventilate better. Glad you're having a positive experience with your machine! Thanks for watching and writing. Best, dfj
I, too, owned a Maytag Neptune front loader for 12 years (2002-2014). I will never ever go back to a front loader.
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.
That LG is actually well thought out. My Amana also has a drain filter, but it is behind a large panel with three screws that point down, so it's impossible to remove without lifting the washer. There's also no mention of cleaning it monthly in the user's manual. I discovered its existence 10 years after I bought the washer, when I was hearing loud noises during the spin cycle and narrowed it down to solid debris in the filter. Still happy that it was the only issue this machine gave me after a decade of use.
Thanks for weighing in on this! This is one of my big gripes: when manufacturers and their engineering teams do not think through how the placement of components is going to affect the end user! The filter is doing what it's supposed to do which means it's going to load up with debris and biologicals over a period of time. That means it absolutely should be accessible and should be able to be cleaned out on a routine basis, such as the monthly program I mentioned. Thanks for taking time to write!
I have the exact same washer in the apartment I just moved in to. The smell has been bugging me though. Your video helped a lot. I had no idea about the filter on the bottom!
Glad it helped! Best, DFJ
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.
yes
Thanks for the warning on this potential problem!
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!
Go to target and buy lemon ammonia amd put half of bottle in a hot wash cycle. Will clean it perfect
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.
Excellent information video. Thank you so much for taking the time to share with us.
Snarf Monster - we're glad you found it to be helpful! We appreciate it and your kind comment. Best Regards, DFJ
Thank you so much! A constant problem with my LG
Glad to be of help!
My gosh these machines are just too much trouble! My top loader does a great job and none of this drama.
I have had mine for 10 years,. I have never had a smell issue, I use some Oxiclean once a week in the white load and it keeps the washer clean.
Thanks for watching and writing P L. Hadn't heard the Oxiclean tip before. I like to wipe mine down after spraying some Lemon Pinesol on the inside of the door, inside the drum and in the seals. That seems to do it for me. Best to you, Dirt Farmer Maggie
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!
Thanks for watching and writing Karen. Best to you. DFJ
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. 🙂
Good to know. I especially like knowing how often to clean the filters. Thank you for posting! Appreciate it very much!
It’s recommended to clean filter and drain water once a month.