Refreshed Guide on Front Load Washer Gasket Cleaning
Frequent Maintenance Necessary for Front Load Washer's Gasket: Cleaning Interval Explained.
Get ready to keep your front-loader smelling fresh! If your laundry doesn't feel as fresh as it should or you catch a whiff of something funky in your laundry area, the culprit may be your front-loader's door gasket. Pull back the edges, and you might find it covered in slimy mold or hidden treasures like pet hair and stray coins. But don't worry; we've got expert advice on how to tackle this stinky situation.
Frequency and Importance of Gasket Cleaning
- Clean the door gasket of a front load washing machine roughly once a month to prevent odor and residue buildup. Amanda Abraham, integrated brand manager at Maytag Laundry, says keeping the door gasket clean is key to avoiding smelly problems in the future.
How a Dirty Gasket Can Affect Your Washer
- Over time, grime, detergent, and fabric softener residue can build up, leading to odor, mold, or mildew growth. If not cleaned regularly, a dirty gasket can keep the door from sealing properly and cause leaks, which can affect your washer's performance and lifespan.
The Best Way to Clean a Front Load Washer Door Gasket
- Gather a sponge, a small bowl filled with warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid, an old toothbrush, and a soft, dry cloth.
- Wipe away dirt, mold, pet hair, or residue inside the gasket with the sponge.
- If needed, use the toothbrush to scrub stubborn residue, paying special attention to the gasket's crevices.
- Rinse and wipe away any cleaning residue, then dry the area.
- Leave the washer door slightly open after cleaning to aid in drying and air circulation.
Keeping Your Machine in Shipshape
- Besides monthly cleanings, run a vinegar rinse or a dedicated cleaning cycle with hot water and a commercial cleaner to maintain your washer's cleanliness and performance. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the door and gasket after each load, and leave the door ajar after running a load to air-dry.
- Avoid using too much detergent or fabric softener to prevent mold spores from feeding on excess residue. If your laundry room lacks proper air circulation, consider adding a fan or dehumidifier.
[1] Maytag Laundry care guidelines
[3] Consumer Reports guide to washing machine cleaners
- To prevent odor and residue buildup in your home, clean the door gasket of your front load washing machine roughly once a month, as recommended by Amanda Abraham, integrated brand manager at Maytag Laundry.
- Over time, a dirty gasket on your front load washer can keep the door from sealing properly and cause leaks, which can affect your washer's performance and lifespan.
- To effectively clean a front load washer door gasket, gather a sponge, a small bowl filled with warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid, an old toothbrush, and a soft, dry cloth.
- If you're looking to maintain your washer's cleanliness and performance, in addition to monthly cleanings, consider running a vinegar rinse or a dedicated cleaning cycle with hot water and a commercial cleaner, and use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the door and gasket after each load.
