Comments on: How to Clean a Washing Machine

By: Rachel

Rachel — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 14:11:14 +0000

Most front-loading machines have a self cleaning cycle. Add the vinegar/bleach or lemon/lime to the basin and run that cycle. You can also run a “rinse” cycle afterwards for peace of mind that your clothes won’t be bleached or smell fruity later. Also, leave the door open as often as possible to dry when not using it. There will always be water in the seal of the door and this will get slimy and smelly if it never gets to dry out. I regularly use a Clorox wipe in the seal on the door as well as the inside of the door to get rid of the dirt from my husbands clothes so my clothes don’t smell like his. Also, there’s a trap on the lower front of the washer that traps, uh, stuff. I’ve never found anything in mine, but this can also be drained and cleaned regularly. Just be sure you either have a towel ready or the floor slopes towards a drain/can get really wet, as quite a bit of water comes out.

By: SeaJourney

SeaJourney — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:57:39 +0000

Oh my gosh…my clothes are also starting to smell. I lost my job and cleaning lady last May. I had no idea it was my washer. I looked inside of my washer and there is a big black streak of mildew that won’t come off. No one told me that you are suppose to keep the door open to prevent mildew. Thanks for the tip… The black looks nasty and smells nasty. Why doesn’t Neptune use a different material for their inside liner? Duh…….

By: Rick

Rick — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 19:08:01 +0000

My cat suddenly refuses to go into the laundry room wihich is also where her food, water, and litter box are! Looks in that room like there is a snake in there! Perfectly happy just outside the room. The only thing I can find is a sudden increase in amount (and smell) of mildew (black stuff) around the rubber seal of my Neptune front loader. So, we start doing even more to get this stuff off, using all the help sources mentioned here and elsewhere. Keep you posted. Any tips?

By: Angela

Angela — Tue, 31 May 2011 03:13:26 +0000

Would love instructions on cleaning a front loader. My rim is mildewy and has some kind of slime around it. I try to clean it, bleach it, use vinegar, peroxide……does anyone else have this problem? If I don’t do a load everyday, the next day there is a horrible smell when I run a load! How often should I clean the trap below? Is that part of the problem? Help!!!

By: Glynnda

Glynnda — Mon, 30 May 2011 01:56:43 +0000

Sorry that this is so late… put the vinegar in the basin ( where the clothes go ) and it should be safe.

By: Frank V.

Frank V. — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:13:18 +0000

In your article, “How To Clean A Washing Machine”, you suggest adding 2 cups of vinegar to help eliminate odor. Is this safe for front loaded HE washers? Which dispenser should the vinegar be poured into? Your answers would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

By: Jim

Jim — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:26:33 +0000

Need specific instructions on cleaning a front loader.