How to Clean a Front-Load Washing Machine — Toronto Home Guide

Front-load washing machines are prone to mould and mildew in the door seal gasket and musty drum odours — a consequence of the sealed design and high-efficiency detergent use. Monthly cleaning prevents the problem from developing.

Door Seal (Gasket)

The rubber gasket is the main source of mould in front-loaders:

1. Pull back the folds of the rubber seal and inspect for black mould spots — it concentrates in the bottom fold
2. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle
3. Spray the gasket thoroughly, including inside every fold
4. Let sit for 5 minutes, then wipe with a microfibre cloth
5. For black mould that doesn't wipe off: apply undiluted white vinegar, let sit 10 minutes, scrub with an old toothbrush, rinse
6. For severe mould: apply a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water), let sit 5 minutes, rinse extremely thoroughly

Drum Clean Cycle

1. Run the machine's dedicated "Clean" or "Drum Clean" cycle (most modern washers have one) with no laundry in the drum
2. Add either a washing machine cleaner tablet (Affresh, etc.) to the drum, OR 2 cups of white vinegar to the detergent drawer
3. If using vinegar, add 1/2 cup baking soda directly to the drum before starting
4. Run on the hottest setting available

Detergent Drawer

1. Remove the drawer completely (there's usually a tab or button to release it)
2. Soak in warm soapy water for 10 minutes
3. Scrub with a small brush to remove detergent and fabric softener residue
4. Wipe inside the drawer housing with a damp cloth
5. Rinse and replace

Prevention

• Leave the door ajar after every wash — air circulation prevents mould
• Remove laundry promptly — damp clothes left in a closed drum breed mildew
• Use only HE (high-efficiency) detergent — standard detergent produces excess suds that don't rinse fully and leave residue
• Use less detergent than the package recommends — HE machines need far less than most people use
• Wipe the door seal dry after each wash