Silke Jasso
Keeping a front-loading washer in proper working condition is more work than you probably thought. Mildew and mold grow much faster in a front-loading machine than top loaders, and it can happen in just a few hours.
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Here are some tips to keep it from happening and smelling up your house and clothes.
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Clean your washer regularly
You should clean your washer about once every month or two, according to Consumer Reports. That might be more often than you were thinking. So if you do laundry once a week, you need to clean after five to seven laundry days.
Be sure to wipe down the rubber gasket that seals the door. Run a hot water load with no clothes and only a cup of bleach or vinegar. This will help kill bacteria and remove detergent build-up.
Remove clothes right away
Even leaving that load sitting in the washer for an hour can cause a mildew smell. Plan your laundry day so you’re home to switch loads right away, and use your washer’s signal to let you know the load is finished.
Spray washer down with vinegar
After you’re done with laundry for the day, spray the inside bin and detergent tray with vinegar to prevent mildew from starting. Let this dry completely with the door open.
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With these tips and a little extra care, your front-loader will be as clean as the day you bought it.
