Why Does My Front Load Washer Smell? 4 Surprising Reasons!

You must be wondering why does my front load washer smell? Is the laundry coming out of your front load washer have an unpleasant odor? Are you worried and confused about the source of the smell? 

Front-load washers have many advantages and are now preferred by many American homeowners. Front-load washers use less water than the top load washer, as the top-load washers are deep and require more volume of water.

why does my front load washer smell

As a result, the front-load washers use less water. Hence the spinning time of this type of washer is short. Additionally, the front load washers require less power making them eco-friendly. These types of washers can also be stacked with a dryer. Hence, they are compact and need less space. However, front load washers are expensive and require good maintenance and care. So, you can get clean and fresh laundry. In case your washer is smelling no need to be worried. Read; this article to find out the cause and the tips and tricks to get rid of it. 

  

Why Does Your Front Load Washer Smell?

You may ask, why does my front load washer smell? My friends, it is necessary to understand the cause of the smell. So, you can be careful in the future. Here are the following causes:

 

Cause #1. Uncleaned drum 

The front-load washer has many advantages because it has been installed in the drum instead of a tub. Mostly the reason behind the smell is the dirty drum is soapy residues leftover laundry detergents, and the dirty water from the washing of the clothes accumulate in the drum. These remnants cause fungus and mold in the washer’s drum.

If not cleaned regularly, the wet and filthy drum provides the environment for the growth of the bacteria. That causes an unpleasant odor which can gradually spread to the washing. Therefore, this makes everything feel stinky immediately after it has washed. It may also be helpful to know how to clean washer drain hoses

 

Cause #2. Quantity and quality of detergent 

The front-load washer uses less water as the drum rotates in the central line and is not filled. The use of less water means you have to use less amount of good quality detergent. The lower volume of water cannot properly wash off the inappropriate sort of laundry detergents. The leftover soap and detergents and the fabric softener can pile up in the drum causing, a dreadful smell. That is caused by the growth of fungus and mold in the drum.  

 

Cause #3. Leaving clothes in the washer for a long time 

Leaving clothes for a long duration in front load washers can make them smell. As the humidity due to wet laundry and closed small spaces can cause fungi and bacteria to grow.  

 

Cause #4. Uncleaned gasket 

An uncleaned front load washer gasket can cause mold and the growth of bacteria and fungi. Which eventually leads to an unpleasant odor in the washer. It happens due to the buildup of dirt and the soap residue from the washing. If you are not cleaning your washer every few weeks, the smell can spread to the whole washer. 

 

Tips To Getting Rid Of The Smell 

Here are some tips so you can get rid of the smell:

 

Tip #1. Less quantity of detergent 

The quantity of the detergent added to the washer depends upon the capacity and type of your washer. The front-load washer uses less water compared to the top load washer. Hence, it requires less amount of detergent. It is preferred to use two teaspoons of detergent for each wash cycle for the front load washer. Before buying laundry detergent, always check the packaging for the “he” label.

This label indicates high efficiency and, most of the front load washers require this specific type of detergent. Using washing detergent that is not compatible with your washer can cause soap residue accumulation. Additionally, use less fabric softener, and if you are using a laundry detergent pod, make sure to use only one per cycle. The laundry pod should be of regular size. Remember front load washer does not require a large quantity of detergent. Also, know how to use laundry detergent pods correctly.

 

Tip #2. Regular drum cleaning

It would be better to clean your washer at least once a month; good maintenance will prevent unpleasant odor. You can clean the front load washer drum using baking soda and vinegar. Take five tablespoons of baking soda and sprinkle on the drum. Mix two cups of vinegar into the detergent drawer. Start your washer and run it on regular wash using hot water. The above-given ingredients will kill bacteria and get rid of mold and accumulated detergent residues. 

 

Tip #3. Clean gasket 

Sometimes the cause of the smell is a gasket. Therefore, you will have to clean the drum gasket. It is essential to clean the gasket weekly using mild detergent. However, for deep cleaning, you will have to remove the gasket. Clean the gasket by removing the materials that have lodged on it, such as hair or thread.

Make gasket cleaner using two tablespoons of detergent and one cup of warm water and spray this on the gasket. Next, use a sponge to clean the gasket and wipe it with a piece of cloth. If you are not satisfied with the result, make another cleaner using one cup of water and one cup of vinegar and spray it on the gasket. Clean this after ten minutes. Read about how to clean mold from the front load washer gasket.

 

Tip #4. Leave the door ajar 

You can get rid of the smell by simply leaving the washer door open after every wash cycle. The ventilation gets rid of the moisture and odor. In addition, you can clean the drum with a dry towel after every wash to prevent mold and bacterial growth. 

 

It’s A Wrap!

At this point, you must have learned methods to get rid of the front load washer smell. A front-load washer is an eco-friendly appliance that saves energy, time, and money. Proper maintenance and cleaning after every few weeks will prevent you from many problems. Now, you know the answer to your question: why does my front load washer smell?

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