The Spot in Your Front Load Washer You’re Not Cleaning Often Enough, Reveals an Appliance Expert

If your laundry doesn’t smell as fresh as it should or you notice a foul odor in your laundry area, the problem could be coming from your front-loader. Open the door and sneak a peek within the folds of the door gasket. If the odor knocks you down or the inside is covered with slimy mold, you’ve found the problem.

We talked to an expert to learn the best cleaning methods and how often to clean the gasket to avoid (smelly) problems in the future.

How Often Should You Clean a Front-Loader Gasket?

According to Amanda Abraham, integrated brand manager at Maytag Laundry, you should really aim to clean the door gasket of a front load washing machine approximately once a month to prevent odor and residue buildup.

The door gasket or seal on a front load washing machine ensures a watertight connection between the drum and the door, but over time, grime, detergent, and fabric softener residue can build up (especially if you use too much product) leading to odor, mold, or mildew growth.

And if the gasket isn’t cleaned regularly, odor may actually be the least of your problems—a dirty gasket can keep the door from sealing properly and cause leaks. “It’s crucial to maintain the cleanliness and integrity of the door gasket to prevent these problems and ensure optimal performance and longevity of your front load washing machine,” adds Abraham.

The Best Way to Clean Front Load Washer Door Gasket

Cleaning the gasket isn’t difficult and takes only minutes with supplies you already have on hand.

1. 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. Abraham warns to avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, which can damage the seal.
2. Gently pull back the edges of the door gasket and wipe away any dirt, mold, pet hair, or residue inside with a sponge dampened in the warm, soapy water. (If you’re lucky, you’ll find some stray coins trapped inside!)
3. If the residue doesn’t budge, dip the old toothbrush in the solution and scrub. Pay close attention to the crevices of the gasket, then wipe away any loose soil with the sponge.
4. Rinse out the sponge in plain water and wipe away any cleaning residue.
5. Dry the area with a soft cloth. To help speed drying, leave the door of the washer slightly open for better air circulation.

Additional Tips

Keep your machine in tip-top shape with these extra pointers.

• Run a monthly washer cleaning cycle with hot water and a commercial cleaner, bleach, or vinegar.
• Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the door and gasket (including the folds) after every load. The cloth can then be tossed in the next appropriate load of laundry.
• After washing a load of clothes, leave the door slightly ajar to air-dry to help prevent mold and odors from developing.
• Avoid using too much detergent or fabric softener. If either becomes trapped in the gasket, it becomes food for mold spores. Since a front-loader uses less water than older top-load washers, excess laundry products don’t get flushed away and are trapped in your clothes and the washer.
• If your laundry room has poor air circulation, add a fan or dehumidifier in addition to leaving the washer door ajar after running a load of laundry.