Get Rid of Front Loader Washer Stink!
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- Опубликовано: 26 дек 2018
- 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! 
Хобби
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.
Thank you! lots of good tips I didn't know about... especially the filter!
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! ♥️♥️♥️
I can't tell you how much this helped. Thanks so much. I love my fron loader!
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.
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
I have the same front loading washer in your video. Thank you for the tips.
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
Thank you Robert what a wonderful deal I'll be doing all of those things when I get home cir and I'll let you know have a great day sir God bless you
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!
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.
Thanks for sharing, Jay. I have the exact same model and was able to clean my machine easily.
THANKS FOR YOUR HELP SIR - YOU ARE A GOOD MAN! MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!
Thank you I have that exact machine and was wondering what that door was😳 I will clean it today. Thanks again
This video was great! There was a repulsive smell coming from the machine and sure enough it was from the filter. The filter has never been cleaned… over 3 years. With two dogs and two kids in the family. Thank you!
Great video Jay. Thank you. I also had a terrible smell coming from my front-loading LG washer that I couldn't make go away. When I finally inspected the folds inside the rubber gasket I was surprised to see a lot of mold. This prompted me to go through the ordeal of removing the gasket entirely for a better look. I'm glad I did because there was an enormous amount of mold and mildew in the folds and crevices on both sides of the gasket. For those of you out there who, like me, failed to properly maintain your washing machine, you might want to think about thoroughly cleaning or replacing your gasket. There are thorough videos on RUclips that show you how to do so. (Pro-tip: you'll need to buy a spring expander tool if you value your sanity.)
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
Thank you so much. This video was incredibly helpful.
Thank you SO much ! Such simple things to fix an incredibly sticky situation. You made my day !
Thanks so much!! I bought a used set and truly love it, but that mildew odor was concerning! I appreciate your tips!
Awesome! I just got one of these LG washers yesterday, and I have been wiping down the door and the gasket, and now you have taught me how to clean the rest of the machine! Thanks SO MUCH - I really appreciate it. BTW, the LG WM3400WC is a really nice washer!
I have never wiped down my gasket but always leave the door ajar after washing. Never had a smell issue.
I am so happy - SOMEBODY actually did a video with the same washer I have!!! YAY!!!❤
Thank you so much for this easy to follow & simple to implement information. I just subscribed! You came up in my feed because my washer just flooded the garage. I found out why & reconnected the particular dislodged hose. Now I know to double the amount of vinegar to run through the system & will follow your other tips.
Thanks for subbing! We look forward to communication with you for a very long time!! Best to you, Dirt Farmer Maggie
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 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 the info. I'll be doing this to ours. About 1 month old now.
New sub! So glad YT recommended you. I had no idea my washer had a filter to clean!!!
Yes only several washing machines have a filter. Also if your washing machine isn't draining all of the water out after a drain and spin ,take the little tube end out drain the water and take the filter out and clean it , if the filter is clogged ,after cleaning it you will see a world of difference on how much more the washer drains out.
I have the same washer as yours! I am going to clean it up tomorrow using your suggestions! Thank you so much!
You are welcome, Lita. Let us know how it goes for you. Best, DFJ
Thanks for the real!
I may just send my laundry out!
Thanks for letting me know about this!
Thank you so much Jay! You are my life savor during dog shedding season! LoL!
Love it Jay. Great job, my wife enjoyed how simple it is.
Thank you for this video. We had never known about the filter and never cleaned it in the years we had it. The smell and things in that filter when I finally cleaned it....
Thankyou for the video and Education.
I just drained what smelled like lowtide water,cleaned the filter and ran the machine with white vinegar as suggested .
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.
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
Buying refurbished washer and dryer! The old machines out perform the new models out today. Price is soooo reasonable and they come warranted!
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.
You are the unsung hero that I aspire to be. thank you so much for the info
ProbablyAFK, aw garsh. Thanks for watching and commenting! - DFJ
So helpful!!! Going to clean my washer right now lol! Much needed video. I was so worried about that stink!
Emily, glad we could help you! Be sure to subscribe for upcoming helpful videos like this one. Best to you and yours! DFJ
Holy crap! I had no idea what that little door on the bottom left was (& that there were areas for me to clean in there). Thank you!!!
I don’t know why RUclips recommended this video to me, but it might’ve been the best recommendation of the month! Thank you!
RUclips knows you have a stinky washer
@@jmatt98 😂
I always leave the front door open, but these tips will be super helpful as well. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! DFJ
Thank you that was so helpful I had no idea about the filter
This is the best advise so far,thank you
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Brilliant. Just what I was looking for. Going to follow all your tips now. Thank you. X
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!
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.
Awesome tips.....trying them out today after I wash loads of vacation laundry. I never even knew what that little drawer down there was for!! Thanks for sharing 👌🏽
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!
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 🤣🤣🤣
Egad! I thought I already had that nailed ... but didn't know about the filter *doh!* Thanks for the tip!
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
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
If you are going to be away for a month or so, run an empty cycle of the washer with bleach only. Good video.
Great tip. Best to you, DFJ
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.
Thank you so much! Cant wait to go home after work and get it unsmelly!!!
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
Thank you I seen my hubby clean out the filter. But now I know to do all the other areas. I but the washer cleaners but it needs a good cleaning. Thank you for ur video.
You are so welcome! Best, Dirt Farmer Maggie
Good video, I do most of those things with ours but didn't know about that filter.Now I have to go and look. Thanks.
I bet when you pulled that filter it was really full.
This was so informative, I recently found the rubber seal grime...
Thank you!!!!! We were literally going to toss them and get another set of used washer/dryer
Loved the front loader maintenance advice ..great😊
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.
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.
So happy I found this. I can’t get the smell to go away. Was adding vinegar to drum with clothes - didn’t think to do the soap dispensary area. Never knew about filter at bottom either. Thank you!
Yay!! We love it when we can make a difference. Thanks for watching and commenting. Best, DFJ
Thank you,. I did what you said to do with my washer, now it's clean...
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.
😢😢
Great advice, thank you! 👍🏻
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. 🙂
Thank you for this excellent and very helpful video! You answered all of my questions in one fell swoop!
Great to hear Katharine Harger. We are happy to help. Best, Dirt Farmer Maggie
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
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!!
Had no idea. Thank you so much for the information.
Glad we could help. Thanks for watching and commenting Kim Molisee. Best to you. DFJ
Thankyou
I have a LG washing machine so this is very handy to know.
I haven't had any nasty odours yet but I will look after my washing machine better now I know where everything is on my machine
Great Donna Elmer. Glad we could help. Best to you. Dirt Farmer Maggie
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
just cleaned the filter at the bottom,it really smelled bad but all good to go now,thankyou x
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
Watched 3 videos on this. Yours is the best. Thank you.
Thanks for the kind words, Mary Ann. Glad to have helped. 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.
best video. exactly what i needed. thank you
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
Straight to the point. First front loader - love everything about it except for this problem but now I know how to look after it thanks to DirtFarmer Jay.
Kathy, glad we were able to help. Thanks for watching our video! Best, DFJ
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, 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?
Thank you SO much for this information!
Thank you I have subscribed to you for about 2 years. YOu are so good. Thank you for this video.
Thanks for subbing, Nancy! And even more, thanks for your kind comments. Best, DFJ
Yes
I leave the door open too!
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...
This was very helpful thank you so much and you have a fantastic personality rock on dirt farmer.
Danielle, aw garsh! Thanks for your kind comments. We are glad that we were able to help you. Best, DFJ
Awesome advice works like a charm thankyou for the insight!!
Thanks for watching and commenting Lawrence Lyman. Keep it up! Best, Dirt Farmer Maggie
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
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!
Great information!
Thank you for sharing 👍👍👍
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