Eliminating Odor from a Front Load Washing Machine

In an effort to offer an energy efficient type of washing machine, manufacturers have redesigned the entire washer. The common top loading washing machines from decades ago is slowly disappearing as more and more people are switching to the updated technology of a front load washer. A front load washer has many benefits over its top loading cousin. Most notably, the front load washer overs benefits such as less water used, better agitation and cleaning ability, and the ability to wring additional water out of clothes which translates into shorter drying times. The reasons to purchase a front load washer are evident, but there is one complaint that comes up on countless occasions from owners of front load washing machines.

Smell and odor from a front load washer is a common complaint. To understand the problem we must first determine the cause. A top load washer drains at the bottom of the unit. All water is expelled through the bottom of the tub and into the pump below which evacuates the water into the discharge. The setup allows for complete evacuation of water from the system. In comparison, a front load washer also expels water through the bottom of the tub and into a discharge pump. The pump evacuates water into the drain. It would appears as though all of the water is removed from the system, but in actuality it is not. Water becomes trapped in the front door seal area of the washer. The water works its way into the rubber door gasket area and is trapped causing an area of stagnant water. Over time, this stagnant water can start to cause an odor which can become offensive.

There are a few methods to eliminate the odor commonly associated with a front load washer. First, leave the door open when the unit is not in operation. This allows the water to dry out and evaporate between washings. Second, wipe down the rubber gasket area where water collects in between washing. Use a paper towel to dry the pooling water as much as possible. Finally, this is perhaps the most successful step. Periodically run an empty cycle through the front load washer with bleach only. Run a full cycle with the hottest water setting and bleach in the bleach container. this will kill off all offensive odors within the system. Do this every other week and the front load washer will remain odor free.

Nearly all manufacturers recommend the steps listed above in the owners manual given with their front load washer, but many fail to read the manual. By following these few simple steps you will enjoy all of the benefits of a front load washer without the drawbacks of constant odors.