How to Get Rid of Mold Smell in Front Loader Washing Machine

If you have a front loader washing machine, you may notice a moldy smell spoiling all your towels and clothes. Here is how to fix it.
STEPS

1

IDENTIFY THE SOURCE. The main cause is usually use of a wrong type of detergent that creates too many suds. These suds collect in nooks and crannies and cause mold.

2

USE ONLY A POWDERED DETERGENT. Do not use a liquid fabric softener. Use dryer sheets instead.

3

TRY OPENING THE SMALL DOOR AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WASHER. You may have to take out the little rubber tube & remove the stopper that's in it. Be sure you have a pan or bucket under it. Push the tube in and out a few times and then just let it drain into the bucket.

4

REMOVE THE FILTER. Occasionally you may need to remove the filter next to the tube and let it run into the bucket as well.

5

CLEAN YOUR WASHING MACHINE. Wipe the inside of the washer, especially the area where the door seals to the inside. Mold can collect around the insides and folds of the rubber seals. You could use bleach, Pinesol or Oxyclean. After applying the solution to the affected area, let it sit for 10-1

5

minutes before wiping down with a clean, dry rag.

6

USE A QUARTER CUP OF DISH WASHING DETERGENT. Powder detergent is best, although liquid can be used if you must. Put the machine on the "sanitary" (hottest water) setting. Let it finish its cycle. This should get rid of the mold completely.

7

LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN BETWEEN WASH LOADS. This will decrease the mold build-up as it allows the tub to dry completely.
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TIPS
Another way to remove odor from towels is to use baking soda and no detergent in the hottest wash. Add vinegar during the rinse or in a Downey Ball (do not use fabric softener at the same time). Wash several times until you no longer see suds in the rinse cycle.
Wash the soap dispenser at least once a month, including the spot that it sits in.
After cleaning the mold area, your towels will still smell. It will take about 3 washes with the right bleach to recover soft and sweet smelling towels, so don't despair or trash them.
Use powdered bleach for coloreds and liquid bleach for whites. This helps to maintain the mold suppression.
Soap dispensers come out completely and can be taken apart by tipping it over.
Put 1 tbsp. baking soda in the drum after each load. It will be there for the next load and will continue to absorb the smells.
Use vinegar to get the smell out and kill mold. You can use it in the wash or rinse cycle. Using 1/2 cup per load in the rinse cycle will serve as a natural fabric softener as well.