How To Clean Whirlpool Washing Machine Tub

While front load vs top load washer benefits include greater energy efficiency and gentler wash cycles for front loaders, one drawback remains; front load washer odor. Wondering why your front load washer stinks and how to get rid of the odor? We'll discuss how to clean a Whirlpool front load washer from the gasket to the washer drum. And just as important, we'll share how to prevent smells with regular cleanings and correct user practices.

Stopping Odor in Its Tracks: How to Clean a Whirlpool Front Load Washer

Learning how to clean a Whirlpool front load washer is key to preventing an odor takeover. But knowing why your Whirlpool front load washer smells bad is just as helpful in keeping odor at bay.

Why Does My Whirlpool Front Load Washer Smell?

Without regular cleanings, a washer can accumulate soapy residue and dirt over time. The washer drum provides the perfect warm, moist setting for bacterial growth to multiply on this dirty residue. A front load washer's rubber gasket also collects dirt and provides an ideal environment. As bacteria in these locations multiplies it creates a bad odor. These factors can make your front load washer smell even worse:

A lack of regular washer maintenance and cleaning
Too much detergent, leading to an excess of soap residue
Using regular detergent in an HE washer, resulting in excess suds

Now that you know why your washer smells you may be wondering, "How do I get my front load washer to stop smelling?" The following tips for cleaning front load Whirlpool washer drums and gaskets can go a long way in preventing bad odors.

how to clean a whirlpool front load washer

How to Clean Whirlpool Front Load Washer Gasket

A front load washer gasket requires specific cleaning to remove mold and mildew from this favorite bacterial hiding spot. To remove the smell from front load washer gaskets, we suggest wiping down the gasket after every wash cycle and performing deeper cleanings on a monthly basis. These steps illustrate how to clean excess mold and mildew from a front load washer gasket:

Open the washer door and peel back the rubber gasket so you can see inside
Remove any visible objects like coins or paperclips
Wipe away accumulated dust or hair with a damp cloth
To remove mildew, spray the gasket with hot soapy water or a commercial mildew cleaner. Wipe with a clean cloth, repeating as needed
For black mold spots, scrub each spot with a soft brush dipped in a 10% bleach solution

How to Clean Whirlpool Front Load Washer Drum

How to clean a Whirlpool washer also includes specific steps for the washer drum. Some Whirlpool models have a Clean Washer cycle that cleans the washer tub. Refer to your owner's manual to determine if your washer offers this cycle and how it's used. Other monthly tub cleaning options include:

Baking soda and vinegar: Sprinkle 1/3 cup of baking soda in an empty washer drum and add 2 cups white vinegar to the detergent dispenser. Run a regular wash cycle with hot water
Bleach: Add 1 cup of bleach to the bleach dispenser and run an empty regular cycle with hot water and no detergent

cleaning front load whirlpool washer

Image from WikiHow

Preventing Front Load Washer Smells

Regular monthly cleanings and adjusting some of your washer practices can be the most effective ways to prevent front load washer smells:

If your washer has a Clean Washer cycle use it monthly with Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner
Use an HE detergent for an HE washer, measuring the recommended amount to avoid excess suds
Wipe down the gasket after every wash cycle to prevent a buildup of mildew
Remove wet clothes from the washer as soon as possible to avoid excessive moisture that breeds bacteria
When not in use, leave the door of your front load washer open to allow for airflow that decreases moisture

While knowing how to clean a Whirlpool front load washer can help prevent bigger problems, sometimes repairs are inevitable. For the best washer repair service in North Dallas, call Callahan's Appliance!