How to Clean Your Front Load Washing Machine for Fresh, Fragrant Laundry

Your washing machine is the unsung hero of your laundry room, tirelessly working to do laundry loads and keep your clothes clean and fresh.

But even the hardest-working appliances need attention!

Over the months, detergent, fabric softener, and soap residue can accumulate inside your front-load washing- machine's seals too, causing musty smells, reducing its efficiency, effectively becoming a breeding ground for mildew and other nasties and unpleasant odours.

Regular cleaning is key to keeping all washing machines running smoothly, ensuring your laundry stays fresh, and extending the life of your washing machine.

Ready to give your washer a deep clean? Here's a simple, step-by-step guide to restore your front-load washing machine to its sparkling, fresh-smelling best.

Why You Need to Clean Your Washing Machine

It may sound strange, but your front loading washing machine needs cleaning too.

Over time, residues from detergent and fabric softeners, can build up—especially in the detergent dispenser, rubber seals, and other nooks and crannies of your front-load washing machine.

This accumulation can cause unpleasant odours and even encourage bacteria and mildew growth.

Cleaning your washing machine regularly ensures it continues to perform optimally, while also keeping your laundry smelling fresh and your detergent working effectively.

How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?

It’s generally recommended to clean your washing machine once a month. However, if you notice any musty or stale smells before the month is up, it’s time for a quick clean.

A little maintenance goes a long way in preventing build-up.

Essential Supplies for Cleaning Your Front Loading Washing Machine

Before you get started, gather these simple items:

Toothbrush: Perfect for scrubbing detergent trays and hard-to-reach areas.

Microfiber Cloth: Great for wiping down surfaces without leaving lint behind.

Spray Bottle: For applying your cleaning solutions.

Distilled White Vinegar: A natural antibacterial and antifungal agent that helps break down soap scum prevent mould, and grime.

Baking Soda: Known for its deodorising and grime-loosening properties.

Hot Water: Essential for mixing with vinegar to run hot cleaning cycles.

Laundry Detergent: To check for excess detergent build-up.

Chlorine Bleach (Optional): For deep cleaning, liquid chlorine bleach especially for stubborn mildew and mould.

Step-by-Step Guide to Clean Your Front Load Washing Machine

Here’s how to get your front loading washing machine sparkling clean and fresh-smelling again.

Run a Hot Water Cycle with Vinegar

Start by emptying the machine—no laundry today! Set your washing machine to the hottest, water temperature setting and the largest load capacity.

Pour 2 cups of distilled white vinegar into the detergent dispenser. The combination of hot water and distilled white vinegar will help break down detergent build-up, soap scum, and any lingering bacteria. If your washing machine has a self-cleaning cycle, simply follow the manufacturer's instructions for adding vinegar.

Scrub the Detergent Dispenser and Rubber Seal

Once the hot water cycle finishes, it’s time for some hands-on cleaning:

Detergent Dispenser and Fabric Softener Dispensers :

Remove the dispenser tray and soak it in a mixture of a vinegar solution and warm water.

Use your old toothbrush, to scrub away any stubborn detergent, fabric softener, or soap scum build-up.

Rubber Seal:

The rubber gasket around the door is a prime spot for moisture, grime, and even mildew.

Spray it with a vinegar-water solution and allow it to sit for a few minutes.

Then, use your toothbrush to scrub away any dirt or mould. Be sure to check the folds of the seal where grime tends to hide.

Run a Second Hot Cycle with Baking Soda (Optional)

For a deeper clean, add ½ cup of baking soda directly into the drum of your front-load washing machine.

Run another hot cycle to neutralise lingering odours and break down any remaining soap residue.

Once the cleaning cycle finishes, wipe the drum with a microfiber cloth to remove any remaining residue and keep things fresh.

Clean the Exterior

While the inside of front load washing machines is getting cleaned, don’t forget the exterior! Wipe down the control panel and the front of the washer with a clean, damp cloth.

For extra freshness, use warm water mixed with a bit of vinegar.

Pay special attention to the edges of the door where moisture can gather and lead to mildew or mould growth.

Leave the Door Open

Once the cleaning cycle finishes, leave the door open for a few hours to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate.

This is especially important for front load washers, where leaving the door closed can trap moisture inside and create the perfect environment for mildew, mould and other bacteria growth. (The same applies to leaving damp clothes in your washing machine for too long as it promotes the growth of mildew)

Natural Washing Machine Cleaner Recipes

If you prefer using natural ingredients, these DIY cleaning solution are an effective way to have a clean washing machine.

However always read the manufacturer's instructions.

Recipe 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar Cleaner

This simple and effective recipe uses vinegar and baking soda to absorb odours and vinegar as a natural antibacterial agent - I refer this to as the one cup rule.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Recipe 2: Lemon Juice and Baking Soda Cleaner

This recipe adds a refreshing twist with lemon juice, which serves as a natural disinfectant and deodoriser.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Prevent Future Build-Up

Now that your front loading washing machine is fresh and clean, here are a few tips to keep it that way:

Don’t overload your washing machine: Overloading prevents detergent and water from circulating properly, contributing to residue build-up.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your front loading washing machine might not be the most glamorous task, but it’s one that pays off.

Regular maintenance ensures your front load washing machine continues running smoothly, your laundry stays fresh, and your machine lasts longer.

With just a bit of effort and the right tools, you’ll keep your washing machine in great shape and your laundry smelling cleaner than ever.

Pro Tip:

A clean washing machine doesn’t just mean cleaner clothes—it also helps your washer run more efficiently and extends its lifespan.

So keep it fresh, and enjoy the benefits of a happy, healthy washing machine!

Click here to learn how to clean you top loading washing machine.