How to Fix a Mold Problem in a Front Loading Washer

Front loading washing machines have a larger load capacity and are energy efficient, however, they do not come without problems. Front loading washing machines are known to form mold due to the suds from your laundry soap that leave trapped water in areas where it is not properly ventilated. This is a breeding ground for mold; fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent this from happening to your washer.

• Be sure to use laundry soap that is made for high efficiency washing machines. High efficiency machines need to have laundry soap that produces fewer suds. The suds from standard laundry soap are what causes the mold to form in your front loader. The suds are able to get to places that do not receive proper ventilation, and they lead to the formation of mold.

• If you must use regular laundry soap in a front loading washing machine you should reduce the amount of soap that you add to each load. Typically you should use about half of the amount that you would use in a top loading washer.

• To prevent mold from forming you should run an empty load with laundry soap and bleach to treat and prevent any further mold. The suds will carry the bleach to the crevices where the suds form to cause the mold. The bleach will reach these places and effectively treat and prevent any future mold.

• You can add vinegar to your normal wash load on a regular basis. Vinegar can naturally treat and remove mold. It will also reduce the amount of suds that the laundry soap produces due to the acidity of the vinegar. This will reduce the formation of mold caused by the suds that are able to travel to areas where mold forms easily.

• Regularly clean the washing machines door gasket with bleach. About once a week you should use a toothbrush to apply bleach to the door gasket. This is a common place for mold to form on a front loading washing machine. You may also want to leave the door to your washer open overnight while you are not using it so that the inside of the washing machine is allowed time to dry with proper ventilation.