Front load washers are great for washing clothes, but they can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew. If you don’t clean your front load washer regularly, it can start to smell bad and even affect the quality of your wash. One way to keep your front load washer clean and fresh is to use bleach. Here’s how to clean front load washer with bleach.
What You Will Need
Before you start cleaning your front load washer with bleach, you will need a few things:
- 1 cup of bleach
- 1 gallon of warm water
- A small bucket
- A sponge or cloth
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to clean your front load washer with bleach:
Step 1: Prepare the Solution
Mix one cup of bleach with one gallon of warm water in a small bucket. Stir the solution well to make sure the bleach is evenly distributed.
Step 2: Wipe Down the Door and Gasket
Open the door of your front load washer and use a sponge or cloth to wipe down the door and gasket. Make sure you get into all the crevices and corners, as these areas are prone to mold and mildew.
Step 3: Clean the Dispenser Drawer
The dispenser drawer in your front load washer can also harbor mold and mildew. Remove the drawer and soak it in the bleach solution for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, rinse the drawer with warm water and let it dry completely before putting it back in the washer.
Step 4: Run a Cleaning Cycle
After you have wiped down the door and gasket and cleaned the dispenser drawer, it’s time to run a cleaning cycle. Pour the bleach solution into the detergent dispenser and select the cleaning cycle on your washer. If your washer doesn’t have a cleaning cycle, select the hottest cycle and the highest spin speed. Run the cycle with no clothes in the washer.
Step 5: Wipe Down the Drum
Once the cleaning cycle is complete, open the door of your front load washer and use a sponge or cloth to wipe down the drum. Make sure you get into all the crevices and corners, as these areas are prone to mold and mildew.
Step 6: Run a Rinse Cycle
After wiping down the drum, run a rinse cycle with hot water to remove any remaining bleach residue. Make sure you run the rinse cycle with no clothes in the washer.
Related Questions
Can I Use Vinegar Instead of Bleach?
Yes, you can use vinegar instead of bleach to clean your front load washer. Mix one cup of vinegar with one gallon of warm water and follow the same steps outlined in this article.
How Often Should I Clean My Front Load Washer with Bleach?
You should clean your front load washer with bleach once a month to keep it fresh and clean. If you notice any signs of mold or mildew, such as a musty smell or black spots on the gasket, clean your washer right away.
What Else Can I Do to Keep My Front Load Washer Clean?
In addition to cleaning your front load washer with bleach, you can take the following steps to keep it clean:
- Leave the door open between washes to allow the drum to dry out
- Use a high-efficiency (HE) detergent to prevent buildup
- Wipe down the door and gasket after every wash
- Remove wet clothes from the washer as soon as the cycle is complete